What is Earn It! Keep It! $ave It?
In 2009, the Earn It, Keep It, $ave It! program was adopted as an umbrella initiative to build the financial stability for Monterey County residents. Earn It, Keep It, $ave it includes programs such as the VITA free tax prep service, and scheduled financial stability workshops.
United Way Monterey County is currently working to provide even more resources and programs to empower and inspire working families to take control of their household finances to create a more stable and balanced lifestyle for family members and communities. Stay tuned!
How are We Making Families More Financially Stable?
Now, more than ever, the American family is faced with financial threats to their quality of life on a daily basis. Shrinking wages, increased costs, and depletion of savings are the main causes of financial instability for many working families. United Way Monterey County aims to change the odds that are facing the American public. EK$ exists to help families grow toward a more secure economic future. How?
Through our work with The Community Assessment for Monterey County, groups of community members are working together to determine the key needs of Monterey County residents. EK$ aims to build its program around these findings, to target the key issues facing Monterey County. Currently, the VITA program (under EK$) helps families keep more of their income by providing free tax prep. Our goal is to begin to build a financial collaborative that can tackle the key gaps in service, and provide assistance to adults seeking financial literacy.
Earn It: Find A Job That Works For YOU
- Jumpstart your job search by adding some volunteer experience to your resume by volunteering with us or other local nonprofits, search our volunteer page for opportunities
- Learn valuable skills by attending classes at The Center for Employment Training
- Plug in to the local job market at Monterey County One Stop Career Centers
- Explore new avenues through career counseling and assessment at Goodwill Central Coast
- Unemployed? Get help filing for unemployment at Employment Development Department
Keep It: Learn How to Manage Your Money
- Visit MySmartMoney to get IMMEDIATE help managing your finances, paying bills, and creating household budgets.
- Need help shopping for a loan? bank? or just want to get some free advice about financial products, visit Nerdwallet to compare and get help!
$ave It: Grow Your Savings and Security
- Keep your FULL refund and get reliable tax help by visiting our Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program.
- Secure a bright future for your family by signing up for a low-cost saving or checking account through Bank On. (Check out their website and get saving today!)