Insiders Update for February 2026
March 24th, 2026
As we head into 2026, I’m excited to share that our organization is on solid footing and ready to expand our impact in the community. Over the final four months of 2025, we dedicated significant time to updating and strengthening our financial wellness curriculum. The refreshed program now covers the full spectrum of personal finance, from "Welcome to US Finances" to retirement planning and everything in between.
Our updated curriculum is now organized in a modular format, allowing us to tailor sessions to the specific needs of each audience we serve. In addition, all materials are available online, making it easier than ever for participants and partners to access.
We’ve also launched a comprehensive train-the-trainer model, complete with detailed lesson plans, engaging activities, and a participant workbook making it possible for more organizations to bring high-quality financial wellness education to their communities.
Financial Wellness for Students
In late summer, we contracted with a former high school teacher to adapt our curriculum for students in grades 7 through 12. We are excited to share that this work is now completed, and we are currently piloting the program with a school in Portland.
Helping students build financial confidence early can have a lasting impact, and we’re encouraged by the initial interest in bringing practical financial education into the classroom. As we continue refining the program, we’re also looking to partner with additional schools and youth programs throughout the region to offer Financial Wellness classes to students. If you know of a school or program that might be interested, I would love to connect with them.
Financial Wellness for Students with Disabilities
We’re grateful to continue our partnership with Germaine’s Culinary Inc. and Cedar Independence in supporting students enrolled in their programs who are living with disabilities. Together, we are helping participants build a strong foundation in personal finance and learning practical, everyday budgeting skills they can use with confidence.
These classes focus on real-life decision making on how to manage money, plan ahead, and gain greater independence. The growth we’ve seen in students’ confidence and engagement has been truly encouraging, and it reinforces how important accessible financial education is for every member of our community.
As we look ahead, we hope to expand this work so more students can benefit from these life-changing skills. Support from partners and funders makes it possible to facilitate and grow programs like this.
Community classes on homeownership!
We’re also continuing to offer our class on homeownership. This class is designed to help individuals and families better understand the homebuying process. It covers everything from preparing financially and improving credit to budgeting for long-term homeownership.
Our goal is to make homeownership feel more accessible and less overwhelming by providing clear information and practical steps participants can take when they’re ready. We’re excited to keep expanding access to this class as more community members begin planning for this important milestone.
In case you missed our “2025 By the Numbers”:
With our Train-the-Trainer model we trained 269 individuals to be financial educators who in turn reached 4,346 households across the U.S., teaching 6,994 individuals with the Save First curriculum on US finances!
Served 939 households in the PNW with financial education, financial coaching, outreach, and emergency services, supporting families from a wide range of ethnic and cultural backgrounds.
Expanded our digital curriculum and tools to reach people with more financial wellness topics like U.S. Taxes, Retirement, Homeownership, and Insurance.
Ready-to-pilot our new Youth Curriculum.
Tested and improved our Train-the Trainer Curriculum Model.
Continue to offer workforce-based Financial Wellness programs to employers and organizations committed to supporting their employees’ and/or participants financial well-being.
Continue to center our work in trust, hope, and the dignity of every individual, especially for those facing life’s toughest financial crossroads.
Strengthening the Foundation of Save First
While much of our focus this past year has been on curriculum development and serving more people in the community, we’ve also been intentionally rebuilding and strengthening the infrastructure behind the scenes at Save First.
Looking Ahead: Rebuilding our Volunteer Coaching Program!
Volunteers have always been a cornerstone of our work. Over the years, Volunteer Financial Coaches have helped us reach more community members with practical financial tools, encouragement, and guidance. We’re excited to share that we are actively rebuilding this program and preparing to train our first new cohort of Volunteer Financial Coaches later this year. We look forward to sharing more soon as this effort takes shape.
Growing Our Team
We’re also excited to share that we have hired an Operations Coordinator! Jessica will be joining our team on March 9th, and we’re all looking forward to the many ways her work will help strengthen our systems and support our continued growth.
Together, we are building a strong and sustainable foundation for the future of this work and we thank you for your involvement.
There are many ways to be a part of this work. If you’re interested in any of the following, we would love to hear from you!
volunteering as a future Financial Coach
connecting us with a school or community program
supporting our mission financially
Together, we can bring financial wellness to more people across our region.