Financial Planning for a Good Life
The Financial Planning for a Good Life training teaches you how reaching your money goals can improve your life. It includes:
Tips and strategies for taking control of your money
Hands-on activities
Explanations of everyday tasks, like setting up direct deposit, checking your credit score, or opening bank accounts
You can use it as much or as little as you want and you do not need to complete all the modules or go in order. Click on a module below to get started.
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Financial Planning for a Good Life
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Module 1: Setting Goals for a Good Life
This module teaches you how to match your financial goals with your values, needs, and vision of a “Good Life.” Then, turn that vision into a real plan with clear steps. You’ll build action plans, identify supports and resources, and get ready for big life events. You’ll also learn how to adjust your plans over time, and protect yourself from scams.
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Module 2: Saving for a Good Life
Saving money is possible, even if you get public benefits! This module will teach you how to save with:
Key rules to follow
Best tools to use
Everyday strategies to begin saving
Tips to create a personal savings plan
Safe places to store your money
You can also learn about ABLE accounts and tax refunds and credits.
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Module 3: Income and Benefits for People with Disabilities
This module covers different types of income, like wages, public benefits, and non-cash supports. You’ll learn to track your income, avoid overpayments, and keep important supports like Medicaid and SSI or SSDI. You’ll also learn how to read paychecks, report your earnings, and protect your financial information.
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Module 4: Paying Bills
This module helps learners keep track of bills and plan for payments. You’ll learn how to focus on your most important needs, reduce expenses, and avoid late fees. The module will also teach you to use planning tools and your support system. That way, you can make good financial decisions.
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Module 5: Getting Through the Month
This module focuses on managing your money week-by-week. You’ll learn how to:
Track your income and expenses
Tell what weeks money may be tight
Create a clear budget
Plan ahead for new expenses
Overall, you’ll learn to stay flexible and make smart choices so your money will last.
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Module 6: Dealing with Debt
This module explains what debt is and how to use it. You’ll learn about where debt commonly comes from, like student loans, medical bills, and high-cost loans. Then, you’ll learn how to organize debts, track balances, and pick a strategy to pay it back. The module also talks about how to avoid risky financial decisions and some safer alternatives.
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Module 7: Understanding Credit Reports and Scores
This module covers how credit reports and credit scores affect everyday life, like housing, loans, and applying for jobs. You’ll learn how to get a credit report and read it, and what your credit score includes. Finally, you’ll learn practical ways you can improve your credit score.
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Module 8: Choosing Financial Products and Services
This module will help you choose financial products that fit your goals, like:
Checking accounts
Savings accounts
Prepaid cards
ABLE accounts
The module compares different options and their most important features. You’ll also learn how to open accounts, use direct deposit, and request accommodations from banks.
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Module 9: Protecting Your Money
Learn to protect your money from scams, fraud, and identity theft. This module covers the common signs of scams and how scammers may target you. You’ll learn how to protect your financial information, and what to do if you do get scammed.
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Facilitator Tips
Get more comfortable teaching the Financial Planning for a Good Life modules. Learn more about key themes and takeaways for each module, how to check for understanding, and other ways you have help learners maximize the modules.
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