Financial Education Programs

Faith and Finances: 12-week course teaching basic financial management from a Biblical perspective. The course is free, and includes childcare and a meal before each class. For more information, email restoringhope@friendshiphouseroanoke.org.  Interested in the next class?  Tell us about yourself here. 

Financial Empowerment Center: education@freedomfirst.com |(540) 378-8928  | Free, professional, one-on-one financial counseling in English and Spanish for residents of the Roanoke Valley and surrounding areas. Financial counselors can assist with money management, budgeting, reducing debt, establishing and improving credit, connecting to safe and affordable banking services, building savings, and referrals to other services and organizations. Appointments available over the phone or in person. Schedule a session here.

MoneySmart: This free online financial education program covers topics such as earning, saving, borrowing money wisely, using a spending plan to achieve financial goals, and how to use banking products effectively. Created by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. 

24011

Total Action for Progress: 302 2nd Street SW, Roanoke| Contact: (540) 283‑4917  | Housing counseling (with home-buying assistance or support to avoid foreclosure), as well as business start-up support.

24012

Freedom First Credit Union: 5002 Cross Road NW, Roanoke| 540-378-8928 | education@freedomfirst.com | Free financial education classes and personal financial coaching.  Special programs include help with credit building, working up to home ownership, and community grants, as well as loans for vocational training, cars, citizenship process fees, and escaping predatory loans. Membership open to anyone who lives, works, goes to school, or worships within the service area.

McLeod Family Foundation: Offering Financial Peace University at 2619 Belle Ave, Roanoke | Kim@theacademyatbelle.org  | 540-344-0040 ext. 413 | 9-week course teaching:

• How to save for emergencies, education expenses, and retirement

• How to eliminate debt

• About investing, insurance, and mortgages

• How to avoid scams and schemes

• How to pay off your house early

• How to build wealth and give

Everyone who completes the 9-week Financial Peace University course is eligible to receive a matching grant from the McLeod Family Foundation. The McLeod Family Foundation will match every dollar you save up to $500 and if you qualify for VIDA (Virginia Individual Development Accounts) you will also receive $8 for every $1 saved up to $4,000. Download the registration form here.

Parkway Church on the Mountain: Financial Peace University | 3645 Orange Ave, Roanoke | 540-342-3968 | parkway@parkwayroanoke.com | This class is offered periodically. Check website or call the church for dates and times. 

9-week course teaching:

• How to save for emergencies, education expenses, and retirement

• How to eliminate debt

• About investing, insurance, and mortgages

• How to avoid scams and schemes

• How to pay off your house early

• How to build wealth and give

24016

Bank on Roanoke Valley: (540) 777-4203 | 325 Campbell Ave SW, Roanoke 24106 | brandon.meginley@roanokeva.gov |  Bank On Roanoke Valley is a partnership between local financial institutions, government, and United Way of Roanoke Valley to improve area family financial stability through offering free or low-cost banking accounts and financial education. 

Commonwealth Catholic Charities: 541 Luck Avenue, SW, Suite 118, Roanoke| 540-342-0411 | help@cccofva.org | Financial counseling and education services. 

Family Service of the Roanoke Valley: 360 Campbell Avenue SW, Roanoke| Contact: Melinda Persinger, 540-795-4665 |Personal Affairs Management: Sets up representative payee services, helping protect the personal and financial affairs of adults, especially those with substance use/misuse/abuse or mental health disorders. Personal Affairs Management (PAM) manages social security or veterans affairs benefits and ensures adults remain safely housed and able to afford what they need. 

Hall Community Services: 846 Campbell Ave SW, Roanoke| 540-344-6411 | Representative payee services provide financial management assistance to people who have low income, disabilities, those receiving Social Security or Veteran's benefits and are experiencing financial obstacles. 

24017

EnVision Center: Located across from the  RRHA Main Office (Lansdowne), 2607 Salem Turnpike NW | Facebook page | (540) 983-9252  | Offers career counseling, resume development, education, financial literacy classes, job training resources, community and individual health needs, and other resources in partnership with other area agencies including Carilion Clinic, Virginia Western Community College, Commonwealth Catholic Charities, Virginia Career Works, and more. Office open 8:30 am to 5 pm, with special programs offered at other times.  Services are open to the public and residents of the housing authority.

24018

Church of the Holy Spirit: Financial Peace University | 6011 Merriman Road, Roanoke | eric@chsroanoke.com | 540-772-4915 | This class is offered periodically. Check website or call the church for dates and times. 

9-week course teaching:

• How to save for emergencies, education expenses, and retirement

• How to eliminate debt

• About investing, insurance, and mortgages

• How to avoid scams and schemes

• How to pay off your house early

• How to build wealth and give

24090 (Fincastle)

Financial Peace University: Fincastle Baptist Church, 7330 Roanoke Road Fincastle  Sundays 10:30 am  This class is offered periodically. Check website or call the church for dates and times. 

9-week course teaching:

• How to save for emergencies, education expenses, and retirement

• How to eliminate debt

• About investing, insurance, and mortgages

• How to avoid scams and schemes

• How to pay off your house early

• How to build wealth and give

24121 (Moneta)

Lake Christian Ministries: 13157 S. Old Moneta Road | 540-297-3214 | New Tomorrows Program provides a relationship based service approach to assist individuals who want to build a path out of poverty for themselves and their families. Staff and volunteers, called Partners, help clients clarify financial and family issues, research employment and educational opportunities, and set and achieve goals.   

24151 (Rocky Mount)

Helping Hands of Franklin County: 200 Dent Street | 540-483-2387 | helpinghandsfc@stepincva.com |  Provides budget counseling to clients and referrals to other appropriate agencies. 9 am - 12 pm, Tuesdays and Thursdays.