Key to Change is a free course in money management to help build financial stability and independence. This three week course covers banking basics, budgeting, debt management, investing, homeownership and the skills you need to make sound financial decisions for yourself and your family. Small classes ensure a supportive learning environment with the goal of giving each student smart money management skills and a real “key to change” their financial future. Besides the knowledge of what to do with your money, those completing the course receive a free credit report and score.
To register for classes or to receive information about free, on-site classes for your organization or employees, contact Nancy Knouff or Dani Small at 253.573.6698 or dsmall@tacomagoodwill.org or see the Key to Change brochure.
Class Schedules & Locations
Tacoma Goodwill Workforce Development Center
714 S 27TH ST, Tacoma, WA 98409
Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10 a.m.-noon
Tuesdays and Thursdays, 5-7PM
About the Financial Literacy classes
Banking Basics – Learn about types of bank accounts, bank transactions, ATMs and how to overcome past banking problems. Information will include basic knowledge of where money comes from and how to keep it safe.
Managing Your Money – Learn how to effectively use your check register to balance your account. Also learn how to build your consumer skills to avoid predatory lending and when to assert your consumer rights.
Goal Setting – Developing financial goals by learning about your money personality and why you spend money the way you do. Also learn to recognize needs versus wants when making spending decisions.
Creating a Spending Plan – Identify your expense-to-income ratio, create your spending plan, and answer the question: What’s in it for me?
Borrowing Money – Increase your credit IQ, from start to finish. Plus, learn about car loans, home loans and the benefits of good credit.
Investing in Yourself – Take the first step to investing in your future and find out how to get started. Discover the steps you can take to afford insurance, college or a home.
Insurance Planning – Everything you need to know about buying car insurance, renters/homeowners insurance, medical insurance, and life insurance.
Your Credit Report – Get a free copy of your credit report, review it and learn strategies for improving it. Find out how good credit simplifies your life.
Negotiating with Creditors – Meet with a counselor from Consumer Counseling Northwest to learn how to negotiate with creditors.
Home Ownership 101 – Learn some home-buying basics including questions to ask and terminology used when buying that first home.
