OUR MISSION
To expand economic opportunities for people historically excluded from the financial mainstream by teaching them how to achieve financial independence and gain equal access to credit and capital through financial education and asset building strategies.

The financial education workshops series is free and open to the public. Workshops are held at O·N·E's downtown Boston office. For directions, click here...

O·N·E's financial education workshops cover a variety of topics, including: debt and credit management, budgeting, building better banking relationships and long-term financial planning. All workshops are two hours long and taught by trained O·N·E staff or volunteers. The workshops are designed to be taught in a four part series, but can also be taught as individuals. For more information on how to attend a workshop, or to bring workshops to your organization contact the appropriate office.

Workshop One: Getting/Staying Out of Debt:  Through this workshop participants are taught the different aspects of credit cards such as interest rates, minimum payments, grace period, credit limit, and fees. Also, participants are taught methods of debt elimination, how to obtain and understand credit reports and credit scores, avoid predatory lenders, establish credit, and distinguish between okay and bad debt.  The goal of this workshop is to give the participants an overall view of how credit works, why it is important and what the steps are towards eliminating bad debt.

Workshop Two: Managing Your Money: Through this workshop participants learn how to create and maintain a savings plan/budget, organize financial records and recognizing fixed vs. variable costs. Tips for saving money are presented as well as time for participants to share their own savings tips. It also encourages paying bills on time, spending wisely and avoiding more costly alternatives like rent-to-own centers. The ultimate goal is to enable participants to make the most out of the money they have.

Workshop Three: Beginning a Banking Relationship: Encourages participants to sever ties with check cashers, educates them on how to shop for a bank, select a type of account, understand and manage account(s) as well as other banking services (ATMs, online banking and investment products). The goal is for participants to look at banks as more than a place to cash a check but also as a financial partner that offers many services including loans for future investments like a home, education and a small business.

Workshop Four:Creating Wealth for You and Your Family: Educates participants on saving, investing, determining what an asset is, taking advantage of community-based programs (homeownership/micro-enterprise), education and employment benefits like 401K & 403B plans.  Participants learn the importance of retirement plans, and the effects of inflation.  The goal is to have participants not only think about their current needs, but also to secure a financial future for themselves and their families.