FCAA

The Financial Counseling Association of America

Budgeting

Helping Families with Disaster Preparedness and Assistance

In the wake of a natural disaster, accessing financial aid and housing assistance is crucial for individuals and families. While disaster assistance is available in many forms, navigating the various programs and how to get help can be confusing and overwhelming.

In this article, the Financial Counseling Association of America (FCAA) offers guidance on preparing for a disaster and accessing disaster recovery resources.

Disaster preparedness – the best defense is a good offense

“There are two flavors of disaster counseling – disaster assistance and disaster preparedness,” explains Emanuel Rivero, vice president at Money Management International, an FCAA member agency. People often overlook the preparedness aspect.

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A Parent’s Guide to College Credit Card Confidence

As your teen prepares to leave the nest for college, you will find yourself navigating a maze of important decisions. Between buying extra-long twin bedding and scheduling those last-minute doctor appointments, there is a critically important decision that can set your child up for success or failure – whether to send them to school with a credit card.   

The choices you and your child make about this simple piece of plastic are weighty. Getting a credit card early can build your child’s credit and their financial responsibility, but it also has significant risks.

What should you consider before you send your child to college with a credit card? And how can you prepare them for success? 

This article will discuss the pitfalls and benefits of credit cards for college students, important factors to consider and how to prepare your child to have a credit card.

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What is Financial Literacy and Why We Care

From childhood, we learn that money provides us with independence and helps us get what we want – whether it’s pockets stuffed with candy, a nice car or a first house. For many people, getting those things without going into debt is very hard. This is often because they lack “financial literacy” and money management skills. 

Financial literacy describes a person’s knowledge, understanding and ability to manage their personal finances effectively. It includes budgeting, money management, paying off debt, growing their savings, investing and more.  

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Planning Your Vacation on a Budget

Being in debt does not mean that you should never take a vacation. Making budget-friendly choices can give you the break you need without sinking further into debt.  

Taking a vacation has been proven to benefit the mind and body. But when debt is pulling you underwater, spending even more to climb on a pool float sounds foolish. Shouldn’t you stick with the grind and work your way out?

According to experienced debt help experts, the answer is no – with a few considerations. When you have to take on or add to existing debt for a vacation, your planning should factor in your current financial situation, a specific budget for your vacation and ways to save money on vacation.

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Managing Your Debt as New Trump Policies Play Out

US dollar bill and US flag representing the Trump economy

As we enter a second Trump Administration, predictions about the economy are as divided as were opinions of the candidates during the election. We keep hearing speculation about trade tariffs, tax cuts, the federal deficit, immigration and the future of Social Security and healthcare.

Will the United States see economic growth, or will new policies create more financial challenges for struggling Americans?

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Four Financial Milestones for Gen Z

Growing up is a journey filled with milestones. From elementary school graduation to learning passions, starting a first job and, eventually, building a secure financial future.

As children transition into adults, they need financial tools and strong money management skills to thrive. So far, our nation has struggled to teach and embrace good financial literacy.

In this article, our non-profit credit counselors talk about Gen Z finances and how to help prepare your teens and young adults for financial success.

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