Financial Wellness

Meet with a Financial Wellness Coach

In a coaching session, students can ask questions about their financial situation, create a budget that represents their current expenses and income, and discuss future financial goals. The Financial Wellness Coach can provide information, tools, and resources the student can use to reach those goals and manage their current finances.

Please check in with Career Services to schedule an appointment with a Financial Wellness team member at 360 992 2902. 

Upcoming Events

Personal Finance Workshops are offered each quarter, and will begin again spring of 2020.   Topics like how to create a spending plan, manage debt, build credit, or choose a bank account will be offered.

Visit the Student Success Workshop page for more information about upcoming events.

If you need accommodation due to a disability in order to fully participate in an event, you should contact Clark College’s Disability Support Services Office at 360-992-2314 or 360-992-0901 VP, or visit Disability Support Services (PUB 013) as soon as possible.

Budgeting

Whether you call it a Spending Plan or a Budget, deciding where your money will go each month can have a positive impact on your personal finances no matter your income. Having a plan for your money allows you to make informed decisions about your spending, make and achieve future goals, and maintain your finances when the unexpected (and possibly expensive) happens.

Creating your first Spending Plan can be tough, so here are a few resources that could help get you started:

• You can track your spending habits, set up account alerts, and create goals for saving with Mint, Personal Capital, YouNeedABudget.com, or Tiller.
• Microsoft Excel also has a selection of budgeting templets available for you to use.

Debt Elimination

Here is a list of resources that can help you manage and/or elminate your debt:

• When you are thinking about taking out a loan, be sure to identify the loan amount, interest rate, and minimum payment. You can use this information to see if the loan would put strain on your monthly budget or cause you to pay more than you would like in interest.
• If you have student loans, visit the Clark College Direct Loan Repayment page for information about repayment options, responsibilities, and contact information if you have questions.
• If you qualify, Community Housing Resource Center can help you explore your options for getting out of debt. They offer classes and counseling for debt settlement and credit restoration.
• Unbury.me is a free tool to help create and visualize the Debt Avalanche and Debt Snowball repayment plans. 

Credit Cards

A credit card can be a powerful tool if used correctly, but can negitivly impact your fincances if mishandled. Here are some tips and resources to help you find then use your credit card to support your financial wellness:

• You can explore current credit card services that fit your needs at Wallethub or at Bankrate.
• Having an established relationship with a bank or credit union could assist you in getting approved even if you have no credit history. Be sure to check with your service provider if you are looking to open a credit card account.
• Aim to pay your credit card bill completely each and every month. If you do this you will not have to pay interest and will be doing positive things for your credit score!
• Try to only use your credit card to pay for fixed expenses; expenses that stay the same price month to month. This way you will never be suprised by your credit card bill, making it easier to manage.
• If you feel overwhelmed by credit card debt, you can contact Community Housing Resource Center to see if you qualify for assistance. (also check out the section titled Manage Debt on this page for more information)

Credit Score

Your credit score has a large effect on your financial wellness. The better your credit score, the easier it is to qualify for financial services like home or car loans with lower interest rates, smaller monthly payments, and reduced fees. Here are some tools for you to use to keep up with your credit score:

• Check your credit score and/or locate debt at any time for no charge at Credit Karma.com.
• Mint.com also offers monthly credit score updates.
• Request a credit report for free once per year from each of the three main credit reporting agencies at AnnualCreditReport.com.
• There are additional Consumer Reporting Companies where you can review your credit reports related to employment, tenant, bank, personal property insurance, medical, utilities, retail, and more. The contact information for these can be found at ConsumerFinance.gov.

• Clark College Individual Development Account (Match Savings Program)

• Free Help Filing Taxes in Clark County

Student Emergency Assistance Grant (SEAG) aims to help Clark students remain in school by providing financial assistance when faced with a current, unexpected, unforeseen, and time-sensitive emergency.

To Apply

 Begin by filling out a request for funds form. Forms can also be obtained in student services offices throughout campus.

Return completed forms to Career Services, PUB 002 Monday-Thursday, 9-5 and Friday, 9-12 or photograph/scan and email to SEAG@clark.edu. For more information or assistance with the application process, contact the Financial Wellness Team at (360) 292-2902 or email SEAG@clark.edu.

Examples of Expenses Covered

• Housing/Rent
• Automobile
• Gas
• Public Transportation
• Child-Related
• Health-Related
• Groceries
• Meals/Nutrition
• Utilities
• Books (only when other funding sources are exhausted)
• Other

Examples of Expenses not Covered

• College tuition or fees
• Books (see books above)
• Non-emergency travel or activities

Eligibility Requirements

• Applicants must be currently enrolled at Clark College.
• Have a financial hardship resulting from an emergency, accident, or other unexpected critical incident.
• Complete all application questions in full and submit supporting documentation.

Decisions

We will make every effort to have a decision on an application within two business days and deliver funding for approved applications within four business days. All application decisions are final.