Prosper Centers
Financial Wellness
The Financial Coaching Program is closed but we are exploring options to provide financial coaching virtually. Please check back for updates.
One-on-One Financial Coaching
Financial Coaching is a free service provided by trained volunteers who can work with you one-on-one to make sure you have the tools, resources, and encouragement you need reach your financial goals.
Financial Coaches can help you:
· Create a plan for reaching your financial goals
· Create a budget
· Find a bank account that is right for you
· Check your credit and create a plan for improving your score
· Create a plan to reduce your debt
· Deal with debts in collection
· Create a plan to save for the future or for emergencies
· Provide access to emergency assistance, credit building, and savings products to eligible participants
Financial Coaches CANNOT help you:
· Choose or open investment accounts
· Advise on or file for bankruptcy
· Address legal matters
Some Financial Coaches specialize in the management of small business finances.
How to sign up
Click here to schedule an appointment
or call our Prosper Centers at 737-717-4000
Financial Coaches are available by appointment only on weekdays, evenings, and Saturdays at both Prosper Centers. Spanish-speaking coaches are available.
Financial Coaching is available to households with an annual income of $55,000 or less. Residents and staff of Foundation Communities are eligible for financial coaching regardless of income
Please bring anything you would like to review with your coach, including information about your income and expenses. If you would like to print and complete our intake form ahead of time, it is available here.
LOCATIONS
Prosper Center – North
5900 Airport Blvd.
Austin, TX 78752
Bus Routes: 7, 337, 350
Prosper Center – South
2600 W. Stassney Ln.
Austin, TX 78745
Bus Routes: 311, 318
FINANCIAL WELLNESS CLASSES
Financial Wellness Classes are led by experienced financial coaches at our Austin housing communities and Prosper Centers. The class topics include credit, debt, budgeting, and saving. Classes are interactive, allowing the instructor to tailor the class to the needs of participants. All participants receive a free credit report and one-on-one credit counseling session.
The class is a six-hour course offered over three sessions.
To receive a certificate of completion, you must attend all three sessions.
Childcare is provided when available.
UPCOMING CLASSES
While in-person gatherings are up in the air, you can always participate in FDIC’s Money Smart from any computer or tablet. Money Smart Computer-Based Instruction includes self-paced modules that you can work on whenever you have time. Modules for youth are also available. Once you pass a module by scoring 80% or higher on the quiz questions, you can download or print your certificate of completion.
We will continue to follow the advice of health professionals regarding group gatherings, and continue with in-person financial literacy as soon as it is safe.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE?
Money Smart Computer-Based Instruction is free and open to anyone. Join the more than 3 million people who have signed up for Money Smart.
HOW TO SIGN UP
Register for Money Smart Computer-Based Instruction here.
Financial Assistance for residents of Foundation Communities housing
Emergency rent and utility assistance is available to residents of Foundation Communities housing who are having temporary difficulty paying their rent or utility bills because of a recent job loss, serious illness, or other emergency.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE?
Emergency rent and utility assistance is only available to residents of Foundation Communities housing who have recently faced a financial emergency. A financial emergency is a situation that, if not addressed, could jeopardize your housing, health or employment. Some examples of an emergency are a job loss or a serious illness or injury.
Assistance with rent is NOT available if:
·You have received Emergency Rent Assistance from Foundation Communities in the last 12 months
·You have received Emergency Rent Assistance from Foundation Communities three times total
·Assistance with Austin Energy electric bills is NOT available if:
·You need help paying the deposit
·You are an employee of Foundation Communities
·You have been charged with meter tampering
·You have received Utility Assistance from Foundation Communities in the last 12 months
WHAT TO EXPECT
When applying for Emergency Assistance, you will be asked to:
·Create a budget that shows your current income and expenses
·Demonstrate that an emergency occurred, such as job loss, illness or injury, which caused you to need assistance
·Outline a plan for future self-sufficiency
·Provide a copy of your current Foundation Communities lease
·Provide a copy of your most recent utility bill (if applying for utility assistance)
HOW TO SIGN UP
You can schedule an appointment through an on-site staff member, such as a Property Manager, Resident Services Coordinator, Case Manager or Learning Center Coordinator.
