Visit Urban Upbound for FREE Financial Advice in NYC
NYC’s FREE Financial Counseling Resource
In “News-That-Hardly-Qualifies-As-News-News”, New York City is still expensive as shit. Expert broke assess show little to no signs of this improving. Due to the financial climate of the city (and your bank account) it is absolutely crucial that you continue to utilize all available services and resources the city has to offer. Although the term “you get what you pay for” when it comes to New York City cost of living is debatable, we here at brokeassstuart.com would like to attempt to tip the scale.
One resource that I have personally found to be a Godsend is the Urban Upbound Center. Urban Upbound (previously known as the East River Development Alliance or ERDA Alliance) is a financial fitness program offered free of charge throughout the five boroughs. Anyone, at anytime, can call or walk in, schedule an appointment and meet with a financial advisor for FREE. This confidential service includes multiple follow-up meetings to discuss your progress and improvement.
The financial counselors will walk you through your credit score, daily, weekly and monthly budget and discuss your financial goals for the future. The ‘buck’ doesn’t stop there. If you’re unemployed, your financial advisor will provide you with resources to getting your next job as they are directly associated with WorkForce1, New York City’s Career/Job Placement Center.
In addition, and if you’re not particularly fond of banks, you can open a bank account at Urban Upbound’s very own Credit Union (with multiple locations). NCUA (National Credit Union Administration – a U.S. Government Agency) protected for up to 250k, you only need 25$ minimum opening balance and a 10$ balance to keep the account active. Urban Upbound Credit Union does not offer a debit/check card for purchases as the program was intentionally designed for you to save money. In order to withdraw you must physically visit their location. You can however, check your balance online.
If you’re having trouble maintaining a bank account due to overdraft fees, Urban Upbound may give you a voucher to open a “SafeStart” savings account at any participating bank (banks include Capital One and Amalgamated Bank) with a small minimum deposit, small minimum balance and no monthly or annual fees. Although you’ll only be given an ATM card (with no Visa/Mastercard/Discover/Amex) logo, you’ll also be given a chance to safely and securely save money at a bank.
Once you express your enthusiasm (or in my case fear) about improving your finances, your financial advisor will develop a compassionate relationship often acting as a therapist and making him/herself available to you. Financial advisors truly take an interest in your life and lifestyle as opposed to simply collecting a paycheck.
When setting up your initial appointment, the best thing to do is be honest about your financial status, as honest as you would be with your doctor about your health. You’ll feel relaxed and confident from the lack of judgment involved in the process.
Urban Upbound Main Location:
12-15 40th Ave, Long Island City, NY
(718) 784-0877
Urban Upbound Credit Union
13-03B 40th Avenue, Long Island City, NY
718-784-5050
