Embedded Files
Guides & Toolkits
Guides & Toolkits
BBC envisions a Boston where all residents, regardless of race, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status, are empowered to reach their financial goals without systemic and institutional barriers to success. BBC's website includes information about credit and why it matters, resources for building credit, and other financial literacy resources. Boston Builds Credit and their community partners also offer several free or low cost events and workshops to help participants achieve their financial goals.
Website: https://www.bostonbuildscredit.org/
Workshops/Events: https://www.bostonbuildscredit.org/free-credit-building-resources/credit-building-workshops/
Casey Foundation: Keys to Your Financial Future
Becoming economically secure is an important goal for young people transitioning from foster care into adulthood. The Casey Foundation offers a comprehensive financial education curriculum — built around eight modules or "keys" — to help youth grow their financial aptitude and make better financial decisions.
Guide: Click Here
Financial Empowerment Toolkits
A set of toolkits to support financial learning goals including understanding your credit report and building credit, filing taxes, and protecting yourself from identity theft.
Toolkit: Click Here
The Federal Trade Commission's guide to managing finances including how to use a debit card, how to open a bank account, how to rent an apartment, and saving money while you shop.
Guide: Click Here
Telling Your Money What to Do: The Young Adult's Guide
Has it ever felt like your money, or the lack of it, is telling you what you can or can not do? If you take control of your money and spending, you can find ways to do more with what you have. This sheet provides tips on how this can be done.
Guide: Click Here
SLM Financial Support
SLM Financial Support
For current mentees aged 18+, SLM can provide a limited amount of Cost of Living Assistance and Housing & Rental Assistance each year, as well as Emergency Participant Funds.
Please note that SLM cannot guarantee that all applications will be accepted, nor can SLM guarantee that all financial amounts will be accepted per the full amount. Depending on the resource needed, or resource a mentee is applying for, SLM may refer a mentee to an outside organization. SLM pays vendors directly, and may need your utility/cell phone account information and/or Charlie Card account information to do so.
Please contact your Program Coordinator to access this support.
Please contact your Program Coordinator to access this support.
Cost of Living Assistance
Cost of Living Assistance
Transportation Cost: SLM participants can apply for up to 3 months of transportation participant funds per year. Transportation participant funds will be the minimum amount required for the participant to access their jobs or potential employers (this will typically be an MBTA monthly LinkPass).
Cell Phones: SLM participants can apply for up to 3 months of cell phone bill participant funds per year. Cell phone bill participant funds will be the minimum amount required for the participant to keep their cell phone in service for the month.
Housing & Rental Assistance
Housing & Rental Assistance
SLM participants aged 18+ can access housing and rental assistance that would support the cost of their housing, utilities and/or moving expenses. Requests are reviewed on a case by case basis (annually) for:
$1,000 maximum rent
$500 maximum utilities (electricity, heat)
$200 maximum moving expenses
Emergency Participant Funds
Emergency Participant Funds
Emergency Participant Funds are available to SLM youth during times of emergency (ex. pandemic, natural disaster, shelter-in-place orders, etc.). These resources fall outside of SLM’s typical participant funds, housing/rental assistance and paid opportunities unrelated to times of emergency. Please contact your Program Coordinator if you wish to access Emergency Participant Funds, or if you are unsure whether you qualify for Emergency Participant Funds.
Tax Filing Supports & Resources
Tax Filing Supports & Resources
If you meet certain eligibility requirements, ABCD will provide you with free tax preparation assistance that can help reduce your tax burden and get back money that can help you pay off debt and build savings. ABCD also provides these services to people with disabilities and limited English speaking taxpayers who need assistance in preparing their own tax returns. Tax services available by appointment only. Please call your local ABCD site to schedule a consultation to see if you qualify.
Website: https://bostonabcd.org/service/tax-assistance/
Email: abcdconnect@bostonabcd.org
IRS Free File lets you prepare and file your federal income tax online for free. It's safe, easy and no cost to you for a federal return. If your income (AGI) is $73,000 or less, you qualify to file your federal income tax online using guided tax preparation software through an IRS partner site.
Website: https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free
IRS Tax Information for Individuals
The IRS's general information site on tax filing for individuals.
Website: https://www.irs.gov/individuals
Massachusetts Resources to Find a Tax Professional to Help with Your Taxes
You may qualify for free or low-cost tax preparation or legal services near where you live. A tax professional can help you prepare your taxes or represent you in an appeal or collection case. Some can do both. Here are organizations that may be able to help.
Website: https://www.mass.gov/service-details/find-a-tax-professional-to-help-with-your-taxes
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