California Center for Financial Education
Our mission is to inspire and empower individuals in creating better financial futures for themselves and their families.
The Need for Financial Education in Northern California
There is no question that Americans are in greater need of financial literacy and education than ever before. The past two years have hit low- and middle-income families and households the hardest. Here in Humboldt County, there is literally nowhere to turn for personal financial education, and those who need it the most lack the resources to pay for financial help. In many areas of our rural location, a lack of good internet connectivity and technology tools prevent many people from accessing online resources. Many households do not have a home computer. For those who have some access to the internet, it is usually through a cell phone which may have limited search capabilities. People need a place to turn to with their financial questions; whether it is a one-time question, help finding and accessing a resource, access to a multi-week financial course with a certified financial counselor or coach who can help them clarify their financial goals, create a budget for spending and saving, or help them navigate retirement, to name just a few.
The goal of the CCFE is to bring financial literacy and financial education classes and resources to local communities in Northern California. Topics covered will include: Budgeting, Savings, Reducing/Eliminating Debt, Understanding Credit, Watching out for Fraud, How to Teach your Children about Money and many more!
The Center for Financial Education will be a place where people can go to ask financial questions and to get help with financial issues. It’s a place where they can receive support and information. It aspires to bring financial literacy and education programs to communities who do not currently have access to these resources, and to bring these programs into our schools and educational system, so that the next generation becomes more financially literate.
Clients may reach CCFE by phone, email, Zoom/live chat, live online webinars, in person classes and online self-paced classes.
Christine Driscoll
Financial Educator
From National Financial Educator’s Council website:
The data show that, regardless of economic conditions, people are still struggling financially. Most people are worried about their finances, and many understand that even a small unexpected expense could derail their financial situations and put them at risk. While the consequences can be more severe during economic downturns, the data indicate that even during strong economic conditions most people are experiencing severe financial problems.
Today, these problems have reached epidemic proportions, with most people suffering from the impact of long-term financial problems. Half of Americans are considered poor or low income; two-thirds of the population report that they would have trouble coming up with $1,000 for an emergency; and 78% of workers live paycheck-to-paycheck, with the majority of their income going toward debt. We have a serious problem.