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Financial Literacy
Financial Literacy

Free Financial Literacy Training

Learn how to gain control of your personal finances and keep them on solid ground.

Overview of Course Topics

The Financial Literacy Training at Goodwill provides essential knowledge and tools to help you take control of your finances, set goals, and make informed financial decisions.

Creating a Budget: Managing Your Money with
Confidence

Learn how to track your income and expenses, categorize spending, and create a realistic budget that aligns with your financial goals. Understand the 50/30/20 rule for budgeting and how to adjust for unexpected expenses.

Setting Financial SMART Goals

Discover how to setSpecific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound (SMART) financial goals. Whether it’s saving for a house, paying off debt, or building an emergency fund, learn how to create an actionable financial plan.

Determining Needs vs. Wants

Understand the difference between essential expenses and discretionary spending to make better financial decisions. Learn strategies to prioritize spending, cut unnecessary costs, and avoid lifestyle inflation.

Saving Money and the Benefits of Savings: Building Financial Security

Explore the importance of saving regularly, the impact of compound interest, and strategies to grow savings. Learn about different savings accounts, emergency funds, and how to set achievable savings goals.

Understanding Financial Institutions: Choosing the Right Banking Services

Gain insight into how banks and credit unions operate, their key differences, and how to select the best financial institution for your needs. Learn about interest rates, overdraft protection, and banking fees.

Checking and Savings Accounts

Learn the basics of checking and savings accounts, how to avoid overdraft fees, the benefits of direct deposit, and how to monitor transactions for fraud prevention.

401k/403(b) Retirement Contributions: Planning for Your Future

Understand how retirement plans work, employer matching contributions, and the benefits of tax-deferred savings. Learn how to maximize retirement contributions early in your career.

Debit vs. Credit Cards

Compare the benefits and risks of debit cards vs. credit cards, how to use credit responsibly, and strategies to build a strong credit score while avoiding debt traps.

Loans and Credit: Understanding the Costs and Risks

Explore different types of loans, including:

  • Payday & Cash Advance Loans – High-interest rates and alternatives to avoid financial pitfalls.
  • Auto Financing – Interest rates, lease vs. buy options, and negotiating better terms
  • Mortgage/Home Loans – Understanding down payments, loan types, and refinancing options.
  • Student Loans – The difference between federal and private loans, repayment options, and loan forgiveness programs.

Understanding Financial Documents: Reading Your Paycheck Stub & W-4

Learn how to interpret pay stubs, tax withholdings, deductions, and employer benefits. Understand how the W-4 form impacts your paycheck and how to adjust it for optimal tax planning.

Training Sessions

  • SESSION 1 – Beginner financial literacy skills
  • SESSION 2 – Intermediate financial literacy skills and credit repair with Operation Hope

Requirements

  • Participants must be 18 or older
  • Participants must register as a Goodwill Client and be on a free service plan with a Career Coach.

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Class Times and Schedule

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