How do I get started? What is the process?
First step: Apply! Our intake specialists will get you started by assessing which services you're in need of, and what is necessary to access them - usually via an annual membership, a scholarship, or a service fee.
Typically the membership and scholarship pathways start with working through our self-paced education courses. Once you finish our Financial Basics workshop, annual members will have the option to apply for coaching.
A personalized financial coach can work with you on your personal budget and goals. You can meet with this coach as often as you both decide – once a month, once a quarter, twice a month to get started, etc.
If you would like to apply for a matched savings program, you must be actively enrolled in coaching for at least three sessions. Your coach and Save First staff will help determine whether you are ready and able to apply for the matched savings program.
Do I need to be Catholic to get services?
No! Save First serves all members of the community, regardless of faith, race, color, gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations.
Do I need to be employed by a partner company to get services?
No, many Save First services are available to all members of the community. Some services such as employer funded Helping Hand funds are only available to participating employees.
How long is the workshop?
Our onsite workshop runs 3.5 hours. The online workshop is at your own personal pace, and typically takes people around two hours to complete.
What do you cover in the workshop?
In the workshop we cover the basics of budgeting, saving, debt reduction, and understanding credit.
Do you have childcare while I am taking the workshop?
Unfortunately, we do not offer childcare during the workshop.
How much does the Financial Wellness Basics workshop cost?
If you are attending the workshop as part of an employee assistance fund, your costs are covered by your employer. Otherwise, most workshops costs $25 (individual) / $40 (couple). Scholarships are available on an as-needed basis. Inquire for details.
Participation in coaching requires an Annual Membership ($50), with attending the financial basics workshop as the only prerequisite.
How do I start a matched savings fund? How long does it take?
If you are interested in the matched savings fund, the first step is to apply and enroll in the financial basics workshop. After attending the class, sign up for coaching. Attend at least three sessions of coaching and your coach and Save First staff will help determine if you are ready to apply for the program. Access to these services typically requires an Annual Membership, with scholarships available. One of our navigators can discuss this further during your intake call
Once enrolled in the matched savings program, the length of saving depends on the asset you are saving for:
- Home – 3 years
- Rental – 6 months
- Education – 6 months
- Auto – 6 months
Do you provide services in other languages?
We currently offer our services in English, Spanish, and Russian. We have access to interpreters for any other language.
Does budgeting mean I can’t do fun things anymore?
Not at all! At Save First, we meet you where you are at. The decisions are yours on how to create your budget and meet your goals. It’s okay to spend $5 on a coffee every day, as long as you are aware of that and have budgeted for it. We like to make sure there’s a balance of fun budgeted in.