FCAA

The Financial Counseling Association of America

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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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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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7 Steps to Build Back After Personal Bankruptcy

Declaring bankruptcy is hard. Few people care to admit they have exhausted their financial options and cannot repay their debts. While personal bankruptcy provides debt relief, managing your finances and rebuilding your credit afterward requires hard work. 

In this article, FCAA member financial experts share seven ways to rebuild after bankruptcy. 

Consider the consequences before declaring bankruptcy

If you are considering bankruptcy, the FCAA encourages you to exhaust all other options first. Bankruptcy is personally and financially challenging, and it should truly be a last resort.

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Credit Counseling for Veterans and Active Military

As we celebrate Veterans Day this month, the Financial Counseling Association of America (FCAA) recognizes the commitment and sacrifices of our veterans and military service members. Not only do they dedicate their lives to protecting our nation, but they also experience unique financial challenges as a result of their service. Thankfully, credit counseling agencies can be a financial lifeline to veterans, active military personnel and their families. 

From frequent relocations and deployments to adjusting to civilian life and healthcare challenges, service members face very different financial strains than the average American. This makes finding military-minded, trustworthy financial advice important. 

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