Resources

Everyone needs a little help now and then. Whether you’ve got a big dream or a formidable challenge, you don’t have to go it alone. Getting help makes all the difference.

Here are some effective resources we’ve found:

Building your future

  • PlannerSearch.com: When planning for your financial future, this site will help you find a Certified Financial Planner who is a member of the Financial Planning Association, a national association of counselors qualified to advise on retirement, investing, credit repair, and more.

  • FHA.com: An informational network of lenders, grants, and resources for first-time homebuyers. Even a casual move through the site will connect you with scores of links to institutions dedicated to helping people realize homeownership.

  • MoneyFit.org: An excellent resource for diverse audiences: new parents, new retirees, those interested in buoying their financial well-being. Their ‘BLOG’ section is full of both informational, and anecdotal advice.

  • LetsMakeAPlan.org: A networking firm that will connect you with a Certified Financial Planner, while offering sound advice from CFPs on all kinds of topics on their ‘BLOG’ page.

Overcoming financial challenges

  • National Foundation for Credit Counseling: The largest, and longest-serving non-profit credit counseling service in America that connects you with a counselor who can help with credit checks, mortgage counseling, and extensive debt management to help you avoid settling, or bankruptcy.

  • Housing Assistance Council (HAC): A nonprofit corporation that connects individuals, nonprofits, and corporate partners in supporting rural housing specifically. An excellent resource to help find rural housing, or with financing, or with overcoming homelessness, or supporting at-risk communities.

  • Disability Secrets: The onset of disability, or continuing management of a claim for yourself or someone else requires an incredible amount of financial wherewithal. This site is an excellent repository of hard-to-find information re: navigating SSDI, denials, claims, taxes, etc.

  • NeighborWorks : An extensive collection of network organizations across America to help communities and individuals improve and maintain their financial well-being. This org managed the National Foreclosure Mitigation Counseling Program when it was active, from 2007 – 2015, and continues to be a leader in helping people manage without resorting to foreclosure.

  • Debt.org: This site offers lots of advice and tips on a broad range of financial topics, but their guide to creating a budget is clear and helpful. Specific guides feature links to a host of other helpful institutions, many targeting at specific groups (college students, veterans, retirees, etc.).

  •  NerdWallet.com: A company that strives to educate and connect individuals with the best financial advice and resources on a broad range of topics for almost any audience: college students, new homeowners, soon-to-be-retirees.

  • Incharge.org: Advice on what to do, and who to turn to when confronting a financial crisis, unforeseen or otherwise.

Starting a Business

  • SCORE.org: America’s largest network of business educators and financial mentors, which can connect you with the advisor best suited to understand your financial educational needs. A non-profit funded through the US Small Business Association, their network comprises volunteers dedicated to improving the overall financial health of America through new small businesses.

  • SBA.gov: The agency that administers and manages federal small business loans and education. Through this site you can find the nearest SBDC, Small Business Development Center.

  • WBENC.org: The Women Business Enterprise National Council is dedicated to providing as much assistance – whether financial, or educational – to women-owned businesses in America, while being the largest certifier of these businesses.

  • USChamber.com/CO: The editorial arm of the US Chamber of Commerce, dedicated to providing advice and support to America’s small, and growing businesses.

  • NMSDC.org: The National Minority Supplier Development Council certifies and links minority-owned small businesses with corporate partners to ensure and enhance a more inclusive supply chain.

Financial & Housing Assistance

  • SAMHSA.gov: The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Awareness agency is an arm of the US Government’s Department of Health and Human Services. Their website has information for those currently suffering from substance abuse or mental health issues, as well as for advocates and companions who are looking for resources.

  • AdolescentHealth.org: An organization dedicated to the health and well-being of adolescents, with an excellent list of youth-friendly resources for those currently experiencing fallout from substance abuse.

  • NASADAD.org: The National Association of State Alcohol and Drug Abuse Directors offers a comprehensive list of links to regional orgs dedicated to supporting those dealing with substance abuse, including resources for veterans, families with children, and policymakers.

  • AAAP.org: The American Academy of Addiction Psychiatry’s list of resources for patients and families.

  • FoodAddictionInstitute.org: The professional section of the Food Addiction Institute’s website offers links to treatment programs, and professionals around the country to help address and manage food addiction and abuse issues.

  • RecoveryMonth.gov: A subset of SAMHSA, this site is dedicated to National Recovery Month (September) to increase awareness and understanding of not only addiction issues, but those who are living and thriving in recovery.

  • TraumaSurvivorsNetwork.org: A collection of organizations and services dedicated to those recovering from, and surviving with trauma. Their list of ‘ORGANIZATIONS/RESOURCES’ is a great place to start when looking for help dealing with or moving on from trauma.

  • SPRC.org: The Suicide Prevention Resource Center offers help for those currently experiencing a mental health crisis, and their advocates.

    1-800-273-8255 - National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

Getting education & training

  • CareerOneStop.org/Training: Sponsored by the US Department of Labor, this program finder lets you search your state’s directory of Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) training services.

  • CareerOneStop.org/Job Centers: This finder lets you search for your nearest Job Center to connect with local resources and opportunities for training, benefits, and job openings.

  • JobCorps.org: A national residential education program for young people ages 16 – 24 with training for specific careers and employments aims.

  • AmeriCorps: A wide range of programs and services for Americans wishing to join a national service outfit while preparing themselves for college, employment, or simply being more integrated with their communities.

  • FirstGen.NASPA.org: The Center for First-Generation Student Success provides guides and helpful suggestions of people, programs, and places supporting first generation college students.

  • CollegeVine.com: Expert free advice on colleges and the application process for students and parents presented via livestreams, or videos, or personal consultations. An excellent resource.

  • PrepScholar.com: While the whole site is informative, this particular article will walk you through steps to take and things to consider if you are paying for college on your own (without parents).

Help for medical issues

  • Disability Secrets: The onset of disability, or continuing management of a claim for yourself or someone else requires an incredible amount of financial wherewithal. This site is an excellent repository of hard-to-find information re: navigating SSDI, denials, claims, taxes, etc.

  • MedlinePlus.gov: A summary list of signs of a medical emergency, and what to do.

  • PatientAdvocate.org: A comprehensive directory of financial resources available to medical patients and their families from across the country with information for those with, and without insurance.

  • ReliefBenefits.com: A tool to determine eligibility for government, and private relief programs, whether medical, financial, automotive, etc.

  • CameronsCrusaders.com: Founded by a family all-too familiar with loss, Cameron’s Crusaders is a site that helps families manage the financial and sociological trials associated with childhood diagnoses.

  • HelpGuide.org: An excellent article about mentally coping with a medical diagnosis, with specific steps and helpful links. 

  • HelpStartsHere.org: Facing a medical crisis can be challenging across the board and often a qualified social worker can help you start to navigate choppy waters.