Financial Opportunity Programs

Financial Education for Economic Mobility

Helping you increase your financial stability and reach your goals
“I want to express my extreme gratitude to you for the work we have done together. You have very patiently helped me sort out financial matters that have overwhelmed me for years. Getting all those back taxes filed has made grad school possible — I wouldn’t have qualified for financial aid before completing that phase. My goals are in motion!”

– B.T., Financial Coaching participant

Financial Coaching

Financial coaching with an accredited financial counselor is available to any community members who would like education and support while pursuing their financial goals. Together with your counselor, you’ll take achievable steps to define your own goals, maximize your financial resources, and build wealth to increase your economic stability and mobility.

Financial coaching is personal and customized to you. We focus on helping you address the challenges and dreams that matter in your own life. We hope to develop an individual relationship with every participant to offer trustworthy, accessible, confidential, and judgment-free financial counseling and guidance.

Remote and in-person sessions are available at no charge, and can be coordinated around your busy schedule.

Are you interested in financial coaching to help you reach your goals?
Fill out our interest form here. 

Or contact Ian Davis, Financial Opportunity Program Coordinator, at [email protected] or 617-918-7525.

Online Financial Education

Any community member can also access our free, on-the-go, online financial education resources through Everfi. You can browse categories you’re most interested in and learn at your own pace.

Learn more about financial topics including:

  • Managing your finances
  • Credit cards and credit scores
  • Purchasing a car
  • Investing in your future
  • Financial caregiving
  • Preparing for retirement
  • And more!
register here

Free Tax Preparation

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Just A Start partners with the IRS to offer Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) tax preparation services free of charge. VITA-certified volunteers help ensure that eligible families receive all available tax credits and avoid high-cost or untrustworthy tax preparation services.

2024 Tax Season Resources

Due to high demand, our tax preparation services will be limited to a daily capacity of 18 individuals on a first-come, first-served basis. We appreciate your understanding.

Tax Preparation Services Flyer + What to Bring 

Families Moving Forward

Families Moving Forward is a two-year program with an optional third year extension that connects Cambridge parents with a personal mentor and supportive connections to help them reach their family’s goals in health, housing, finances, education, and work. The program is offered in partnership with the City of Cambridge, Cambridge Family & Children’s Service, Cambridge Health Alliance, Cambridge Housing Authority, Community Action Agency of Somerville, and Institute for Health and Recovery. The program’s inaugural cohort of 25 families began the program in 2020 and graduated in early 2024. 
 

We are currently taking applications for the program. Participants meet monthly with a mentor and as a group in community meetings every other month. Each family works toward their own goals and contributes to a matched savings account with the support of their mentor and peer group.

For questions about the program, please contact Selma DeCastro at [email protected] or 617-918-7533.

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