FAQ

The Financial Empowerment Center (FEC) is a dedicated resource providing free, one-on-one financial counseling to residents of Mount Vernon and Westchester County. Our goal is to help you take control of your financial health and achieve your personal financial goals.

At the FEC, our certified financial counselors offer personalized support tailored to your unique financial situation. Services include:

• Budgeting assistance to help you manage your income and expenses more effectively.
• Debt management strategies to reduce or eliminate your financial burdens.
• Credit improvement guidance to boost your credit score and expand your financial opportunities.
• Savings plans to help you build a financial safety net for your future.

Our compassionate and knowledgeable team is committed to empowering you with the tools, resources, and confidence to make informed financial decisions. Whether you’re navigating a specific challenge or striving to achieve long-term stability, the FEC is here to support you every step of the way.

The Financial Empowerment Center (FEC) is open to everyone, regardless of income level or financial situation. Whether you’re an individual looking to overcome financial challenges or a family seeking to build a stronger financial future, our services are designed to meet your needs.

We provide support for:

• Individuals facing debt: If you’re struggling with credit card debt, student loans, or other financial obligations, we can help you develop strategies to manage and pay them down.
• People experiencing financial hardship: If you’re dealing with unexpected expenses, job loss, or other economic stressors, our counselors can guide you through creating a plan to regain stability.
• Anyone wanting to better manage their finances: Even if you’re not in financial distress, our services are valuable for setting goals, learning to budget effectively, or planning for major life events like buying a home, starting a business, or preparing for retirement.

The FEC is here to serve as a resource for anyone who wants to improve their financial literacy, reduce stress related to money, and create a pathway to greater financial independence. There is no cost for our services, and we welcome all who are ready to take control of their financial future.

All services provided by the Financial Empowerment Center (FEC) are completely free of charge. There are no fees, hidden costs, or financial obligations associated with the counseling sessions.

As a municipal service offered in the City of Mount Vernon, the FEC is committed to ensuring that financial counseling is accessible to everyone in the community, regardless of income or financial circumstances. This initiative reflects Mount Vernon’s dedication to fostering financial stability and empowerment for all residents.

Whether you need assistance with managing debt, improving your credit, building savings, or budgeting for the future, you can take full advantage of our professional, one-on-one financial counseling without worrying about any cost. The FEC is a part of the city’s ongoing efforts to provide equitable access to resources that promote economic health, financial literacy, and long-term community prosperity.

In your first financial counseling session, you’ll meet with a certified financial counselor who is dedicated to helping you achieve your financial goals. The session begins with a thorough review of your current financial situation, including your income, expenses, debts, and savings. Together, you’ll discuss your financial concerns, priorities, and long-term objectives.

The counselor will then help you:

• Identify clear financial goals: Whether it’s paying off debt, building an emergency fund, improving your credit score, or saving for a major purchase, your counselor will help you establish actionable and realistic targets.
• Develop a personalized action plan: You’ll receive a step-by-step plan tailored to your unique needs, complete with strategies and recommendations for success.

Topics covered in the session may include:

• Budgeting: Learn to track your income and expenses and create a plan that works for your lifestyle.
• Debt management: Discover strategies to reduce and manage debt, including repayment plans and consolidation options.
• Savings strategies: Get tips for building an emergency fund, saving for future goals, or investing in your future.
• Credit improvement: Understand your credit score, how it’s calculated, and actionable steps to improve it over time.

Your financial counseling session is a judgment-free, supportive experience designed to empower you with knowledge and tools to make informed financial decisions. Follow-up sessions can provide ongoing support, track your progress, and adjust your action plan as needed. With the FEC, you can expect guidance that is practical, personalized, and focused on helping you take control of your financial future.

Scheduling an appointment with the Financial Empowerment Center (FEC) is easy and designed to fit your needs.

You can schedule by:

• Calling our office: Reach us at (914) 813-7335 to speak with a team member and book your session.
• Emailing us: Send your request to [email protected], and we’ll get back to you promptly.
• Visiting our website: Use our online scheduling tool to select a time that works best for you.
• Stopping by in person: Visit us at the FEC, located at 130 Mount Vernon Avenue, Mount Vernon, NY 10550, during business hours to make an appointment or learn more about our services.

We also offer virtual counseling sessions to provide flexibility and convenience, allowing you to connect with a certified financial counselor from anywhere.

Take the first step toward financial empowerment—schedule your appointment today! Our team is ready to support you on your journey to achieving financial stability and success.

No, the Financial Empowerment Center (FEC) is designed to support individuals and families at all stages of their financial journey. Whether you’re currently facing financial distress or you’re just starting to plan for a major financial goal, our services can help.

We assist people who want to:

• Develop a budget and manage their day-to-day finances more effectively.
• Create a plan to save for future goals like buying a home, starting a business, or funding education.
• Improve their credit score and expand their financial opportunities.
• Learn better money management skills and build financial discipline for long-term stability.

The FEC is committed to helping you make informed decisions, navigate your financial challenges, and achieve your financial goals, no matter where you are in your financial journey. Whether it’s learning how to manage debt, saving for retirement, or building an emergency fund, our certified counselors are here to support you.

If you’re ready to take control of your financial health, reach out to us at (914) 813-7335 or [email protected] to get started.

Yes, your privacy is our top priority. All information shared with your financial counselor at the Financial Empowerment Center (FEC) is strictly confidential. We follow stringent privacy practices to ensure that your financial details, personal circumstances, and any other sensitive information you provide are protected at all times.

Your information will not be shared with anyone outside of the FEC without your explicit consent, unless required by law. We understand how important it is for you to feel secure when discussing your finances, and we are committed to maintaining a safe and confidential environment where you can feel comfortable sharing your situation and working toward your financial goals.

If you have any questions or concerns about confidentiality or how your information will be handled, please feel free to ask during your counseling session. Our certified counselors are here to guide you, and we want you to feel confident in the trust you place with us.

For any inquiries or further information, don’t hesitate to contact us at (914) 813-7335 or [email protected].

You can choose the format that works best for you: virtually, by phone, or in person.

• Virtual sessions: You can meet with your counselor from the comfort of your home through a secure online platform.
• Phone sessions: If you prefer to speak with a counselor directly over the phone, we offer this option for your convenience.
• In-person sessions: If you prefer face-to-face meetings, we host appointments at private locations including:
  • The Mount Vernon Public Library
  • Mercy University
  • The Mount Vernon Career Center

Each of these locations provides private spaces where you can discuss your financial matters with confidentiality and comfort.

No matter which option you choose, our goal is to make the financial counseling process as convenient and accessible as possible for you.