Columbus OH
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Financial Education


America Saves

Provides information and encouragement for individuals and families around money management, debt reduction, how to build wealth, and life after retirement. The Military Saves website has articles and resources specifically for military families.
(202) 387-6121
Military Saves: militarysaves.org
America Saves for Young Workers: americasavesforyoungworkers.org
americasaves.org

Apprisen Financial Counseling

Non-profit financial agency offering a variety of financial well-being programs. Anyone can get a free, personalized Financial Review with a Financial Specialist. They offer financial coaching and counseling for housing, bankruptcy, student loans, and credit health. Their Debt Management program is a debt re-payment plan that does not exceed $45 per month. Some programs do have a fee, but fees may be reduced or eliminated due to financial hardship. Services will not be denied due to inability to pay.

  • Columbus Headquarters: 700 Taylor Road, Gahanna, Ohio 43230
  • Broadview: 200 Treeworth Boulevard, Broadview, Ohio 44147
  • Canton: 2800 Market Avenue North, Canton, Ohio 44714
  • Cincinnati: 1501 Madison Road, Cincinnati, Ohio 45206
  • Pickerington: 1017 Refugee Road, Pickerington, Ohio 43147
  • Warren: 3050 Elm Road Northeast, Warren, Ohio 44483

(614) 552-2222 or (800) 355-2227
apprisen.com

Ascent Microfinance

Student-run non-profit offering personalized financial education and lending services.
PO Box 3180, Columbus, Ohio 43210
ascentmicrofinance.org

Columbus Financial Empowerment Center (FEC)

Offers free, one-on-one financial counseling as a public service to adult residents of Central Ohio. Certified Financial Counselors help individuals and families budget, save money, find safe and affordable banking, reduce debt, and improve their credit. This service is provided as a partnership between the City of Columbus & Jewish Family Services.
1070 College Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43209
(614) 231-1890
columbusfec.org

Columbus Urban League (CUL)

A community‐based, non‐profit, advocacy organization that works to empower Black and urban communities through economic, educational and social progress with programs, classes and services.

788 Mount Vernon Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43203
(614) 257-6300
cul.org

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)

Agency making sure Americans are treated fairly by banks and monetary lenders. Use their website to file a complaint, look up policies, or access data for your research. Their website also has great information on topics including loans, fraud and scams, credit cards, mortgages, and more. The Ask CFPB link has information on many frequently asked questions. They also offer CFPB Bulk Publications, which is a free library of financial education print-outs.
(855) 411-2372 or (855) 729-2372 TTY/TTD
Ask CFPB: consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb
CFPB Bulk Publications: pueblo.gpo.gov/CFPBPubs/CFPBPubs.php
Main Website: consumerfinance.gov

Federal Trade Commission (FTC)

The website provides great information on credit and debt, loans and mortgages, shopping and donating, online security, and avoiding scams. Go online to get a free credit report, report fraud or identity left, and sign up for consumer alerts. The Money Matters page is a one-stop guide on understanding your rights and avoiding scams from understanding your credit score to buying a used care and more.
Main Website: consumer.ftc.gov
Money Matters: consumer.ftc.gov/features/money-matters-how-spot-avoid-and-report-scams#share

Franklinton Development Association (FDA)

Non-profit strengthening the Franklinton community (zip codes 43215, 43222, 43223, 43204, 43228) through neighborhood advocacy and financial education. Their Financial LifeSkills Program provides free education for anyone in Franklin County on topics like budgeting, banks and credit, and provides graduates with a financial incentive and graduation certificate. They build and rehab homes, award grants to organizations for youth and family engagement or workforce development, and advocate for the Franklinton community. They operate two websites for the Franklinton and Hilltop neighborhoods, with important community resources and upcoming events.
1091 West Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43222
(614) 636-3644
LifeSkills Program Sign-Up: franklintondevelopment.org/sign-up
Organization Website: franklintondevelopment.org
Franklinton Website: franklinton.org
Hilltop Website: hilltopusa.org

Funeral Consumers Alliance of Central Ohio (FCA)

Non-profit providing information about end-of-life issues. They help individuals understand options and costs to make funeral arrangements that are dignified and affordable. FCA monitors the death care industry and is run by volunteers. Go online for resources on funeral planning.
P. O. Box 14835, Columbus, OH 43214-0835
(614) 263-4632
funeralsohio.org/

Gertrude Wood Community Foundation (GWCF)

A faith-based organization dedicating to strengthening community for youth and families living in the Driving Park neighborhood of Columbus. Programs include financial education, credit restoration counseling, intergenerational mentorship, and educational scholarships for teens and adults. The organization also provides help with housing rehabilitation and affordable housing for seniors at The Livingston facility.
1573 East Livingston Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43205
(614) 252-7456
gwoodfoundation.com

Homeownership Preservation Foundation (HPF): Foreclosure & Financial Counseling Hotline

Offers housing counseling, foreclosure prevention, and financial wellness services. Anyone who has fallen behind on mortgage payments, or is facing foreclosure/eviction can call the Hope Hotline to speak to a HUD-certified financial counselor. HUD-certified counselors work with you individually to review your options, help navigate the homebuying process, and set up a plan of action. They also offer debt counseling and financial education. Go online to find program details and lots of financial education worksheets and guides.
Hope Hotline: (888) 995-4673
Debt Counseling Hotline: (866) 481-1720
995hope.org

Homeport

Non-profit housing developer promoting affordable housing and financial wellness in Columbus. Use the Homeport Living website to browse their affordable housing properties and apply for a rental property or home. Use the Homeport Learning website to sign up for their free homebuyer education classes, home readiness program, or financial fitness classes. They also offer individual financial counseling, down payment assistance, and foreclosure prevention coaching.
3443 Agler Road, Columbus, Ohio 43219
(614) 221-8889
Homeport Living: homeportliving.org
Homeport Learning: homeportlearning.org
General Website: homeportohio.org

Homes on the Hill Columbus Development Corporation (HOTH-CDC)

Non-profit housing counseling agency and housing development organization serving the Hilltop neighborhood of Columbus, Ohio. They offer HUD-approved Homeownership Education, foreclosure prevention, and individual financial counseling services. Services are free and available in English and Spanish. Go online and complete the Request Information form to request services.
3659 Soldano Boulevard, Columbus, Ohio 43228
(614) 275-4663
hoth-cdc.org/contact

Jewish Family Services (JFS)

Offers a combination of job search assistance, counseling, case management, and family stabilization designed to meet the complex needs of individuals and families. Wrap-around services help clients address challenges like stable housing, financial wellness, and mental and physical health challenges. Most services are free, and mental health counseling fees are based on insurance. JFS is open to the Jewish and non-Jewish communities. They also offer resettlement services for refugees and New Americans, and specialized services for Holocaust survivors and older adults.
1070 College Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43209
(614) 231-1890
jfscolumbus.org

Licking County Coalition for Housing (LCCH)

A one-stop shop for housing resources in Licking County. Programs include transitional housing, rapid rehousing, help finding affordable housing, supportive services for veterans, and housing assistance for those recently released from a State of Ohio prison. Project Homeline is a homeless prevention program for families and individuals to receive one-on-one with a homeless prevention specialist, access case management services, and financial assistance. Their website has many resources for basic needs, healthcare, housing issues, and legal issues in Licking County. Call to schedule an appointment and confirm what paperwork you need to bring to the appointment.
Physical Address: 23 South Park Place, Suite 200, Newark, Ohio 43058
Mailing Address: PO Box 613, Newark, Ohio 43058
(740) 345-1970 or (877) 421-5224
lcchousing.org

Military OneSource

Provides access to service-specific news and resources that support military families. They also offer confidential counseling over the phone, in person and online for money management, parenting services, relocation, deployment and a variety of other services. All members of the National Guard and Reserve Component and all active-duty members of the Marine Corps, Army, Navy, and Air Force are eligible for services, some at no cost. Their website has lots of resources for families for moving, adoption, legal help, retirement planning, spouse education, and more.
(800) 342-9647
militaryonesource.mil

Nationwide Children’s Hospital (NCH) My Bridge to Success

Offers free financial counseling, educational workshops and a matched savings program. Participants meet with a coach one-on-one each month. Every dollar a participant saves in the program is matched with another dollar for up to $5,000. Participants must meet income requirements, be at least 18 years old, employed, and living in zip codes 43205, 43206, 43207, 43211, or 43224. Go online for contact information and to apply.
700 Children’s Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43205
(614) 722-2000
nationwidechildrens.org/about-us/population-health-and-wellness/healthy-neighborhoods-healthy-families/workforce-development/my-bridge-2-success

Office of the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel (OCC)

Provides free fact sheets on utility assistance programs in Ohio (like electric, natural gas, telephone and water) and energy disconnection rights. Programs include the Home Energy Assistance Program for heating and air-conditioning costs, Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP Plus) for income-eligible customers to lower utility bills, Home Weatherization Assistance Program, assistance for military families, and more. Use the website for full program details and eligibility informaiton.
65 East State Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(877) 742-5622
occ.ohio.gov/utilityassistance

U.S. Department of Education Federal Student Aid & FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)

Provides free information on preparing for education beyond high school. Students can submit an online application for financial aid (FAFSA), get career information, search for schools, understand student loans, and search for scholarships. Click for a college preparation checklist, that explains how to prepare academically and financially for college with a ‘to do’ list for students and parents.
400 Maryland Avenue, Washington DC, 20202
(800) 433-3243
studentaid.gov
Additional Contact Information: studentaid.gov/help-center/contact



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