E-mail: info@icstucson.org | Phone: +1 (520) 297-6049
Self-Sufficiency Programs
Bridges Financial Management Course
Create your financial future story! To add your name to the list for the class beginning September 11, 2024, please contact Maryann Moulinet at mmoulinet@icstucson.org or (520) 477-0272.
When & Where
FULL: The course beginning September 11, 2024, is now full. Please refer back to this page for more information about the upcoming course taking place in the Winter of 2025.
Classes are held on Wednesdays from 5:30-7:30 p.m. The course runs for 10 consecutive weeks. The first class and final “graduation” are held in person at the ICS Central office (122 N. Craycroft Road), and the other meetings are virtual.
What
An intensive 10-week workshop series where participant “investors” work with mentors and financial experts to create their financial future story. Classes are made up of 50% prepared material and 50% discussion. Participants are paid a small stipend for their time and expertise.
Who
The course is FREE and is open to everyone in the community. It is presented by ICS in partnership with Pima County Ending Poverty Now and local banking institutions.
Register
Contact Maryann Moulinet at mmoulinet@icstucson.org or (520) 477-0272.
Curriculum
The course covers topics that are key to establishing a financial foundation, including:
Getting Organized.
Organization is the key to getting a financial household in order. Students investigate how to get organized, keep good records, how to choose and keep a checking account without fees/fines.
Learning Where Your Money Goes.
Understanding where and why you spend money is critical to future goals. Investigate how to keep track of expenses and take steps to developing a spending plan.
Why Some People Pay Higher Interest.
Understand how credit works and why interest rates matter.
Credit Reports.
Running a credit report is the first step to understanding how to improve your credit score. You’ll take a careful look at your own report and discover how to improve it.
Credit Repair.
Credit repair can help you improve your financial future and you’ll learn how to get started.
Borrowing and Saving.
Savings turn dreams into reality. Learn about saving as well as how to borrow safely.
Bankrupcy and Financial Predators.
Students gather information on bankruptcy and its effects as well as on how to avoid financial predators. Additionally, students learn about the advantages and disadvantages of school loans, their rights as consumers, taxes, and the Earned Income Tax Credit.
Renting or Owning a Home.
Most of us dream of becoming homeowners, but there is much work that must be done first. Students examine different programs in the community and investigate if they are ready to take on the financial responsibility that comes with owning a home.