Financial Education and Resources
Resources and tools for adults and kids during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Adults
GreenPath Financial Wellness
Free access to money management and financial education services. GreenPath is a non-profit company that has been assisting individuals for more than 50 years achieve financial goals.
GreenPath counselors are available:
- Monday through Thursday 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. (CST)
- Friday 7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
- Saturday from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
To use this service, simply call 1-877-337-3399 toll-free or visit GreenPath’s website.
*Spanish-speaking counselors and website available!
WFCU GreenPath Partnership Page
Navigating Uncertainty Workbook: 4 conversation and journaling activities to inspire awareness, connection and control, when we’re unsure what the future holds.
WE CARE Relief Program
The WE CARE Relief Program includes options to assist our members and the community we serve with emergency assistance during times of national distress. Since the Coronavirus (COVID 19) has been causing disruptions to regular day life in the United States and around the world, Wakota FCU is implementing and offering relief services and emergency loans.
As each individual’s situation is different the credit union staff is prepared to tailor the program to fit your needs and help you get through hardships you may be experiencing. Please note that not every member may be eligible for each offered support service.
Feel free to reach out with any questions or concerns by calling 651-451-3330 or emailing info@wakotafcu.org.
Please remember we are all in this together and we will come out stronger!
Getting Financial Assistance
Getting Financial Assistance
Minnesota Credit Unions are committed to meeting the financial needs of our members through this evolving situation. Contact your credit union if you have financial concerns and they may be able to provide emergency loans or skip-a-payment options. If you are not already a member, visit yourmoneyfurther.org to find a credit union near you.
UNEMPLOYMENT
- Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development’s (DEED) page dedicated to changes made in response to the outbreak
- DEED Q&A page on the topic.
ECONOMIC INJURY DISASTER LOANS FOR SMALL BUSINESSES
Small Business Administration: Working capital loans to help small businesses meet financial obligations that cannot be met as a direct result of the disaster.
HOUSING
- The Minnesota Department of Human Services’ Housing Benefits 101 page has many resources for those looking to find housing or keep their current housing.
- Minnesota Housing Finance Agency centralized web page for all Minnesota Housing updates and information related to COVID-19.
FOOD
Second Harvest Heartland
UTILITIES
- CenterPoint Energy details steps its taking to protect customers.
- Xcel Energy says it will not disconnect service to residential customers until further notice. DETAILS HERE.
Avoiding Scams and Protecting Your Finances
Avoiding Scams and Protecting Your Finances
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau: The CFPB is committed to providing consumers with up-to-date information and resources to protect and manage their finances during this difficult time as the situation evolves.
The Minnesota Department of Commerce
Urging Minnesota consumers to be on alert for potential scams created to take advantage of the fear, isolation, and uncertainty during this unprecedented time.
In addition, consumers should be asking the following questions about every e-mail, phone call, and piece of mail they receive because the answers could trigger potential red flags for fraud and scams:
- Is the e-mail, phone call, or mail from someone you don’t know?
- Is the sender, caller, or item offering you something that seems too good to be true?
- Is the sender, caller, or item using language to incite fear or threaten you?
- Is the sender, caller, or item urging you to “Act Now” before it’s too late?
- Is the sender, caller, or item requesting payment from you and promising to give you something in return after your payment?
Minnesota consumers should be cautious. If there is doubt about the sender, caller, or the idea being pitched – Hang up. Delete the e-mail. Recycle the mail.
At this time, the Department does not have any reported cases of COVID-19 financial scams. If you have questions or if you believe you may have been the victim of a scam or fraud, please contact the Commerce Department’s Consumer Services Center by e-mail at consumer.protection@state.mn.us.
Minnesota’s Attorney General Keith Ellison has advised consumers to be hyper-aware of COVID-19 scams and report price gouging. Information can be found at: https://www.ag.state.mn.us/Office/Communications/2020/03/13_CoronavirusScams.asp Attorney General Ellison also warns Minnesotans about COVID-19 phishing attacks and price-gouging: https://www.ag.state.mn.us/Office/Communications/2020/03/24_CovidPhishingScams.asp
Kids
MnCU Jr Financial Education App (ages 2-12)
MnCU Jr FInancial Education App, teaches simple money concepts through tools for kids to manage their money and financial games for ages 2 to 12. This is a FREE app for WFCU members. Just choose Wakota FCU when registering.
Apple https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/mncu-jr/id1251018274?mt=8
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B073655WQ4
Google/ Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.htmobileapps.mncujr&hl=en
Scholastic Learn at Home (PreK - Grade 9)
Day-by-day projects and activities to keep kids reading, thinking and growing!
My Money.Gov (Youth to Adults)
My Money.Gov, the Department of the Treasury prepared report highlighting the importance of financial literacy and education for all Americans and identifies ways to improve the delivery of financial education.
Practical Money Skills (Grades K-12)
Practical Money Skills
Grade Level K – 12, special needs
https://www.practicalmoneyskills.com/teach/lesson_plans
http://www.practicalmoneyskills.com/play
Biz Kids
Third Party Disclaimer
Third Party Disclaimer
This website includes links and pointers to Internet sites maintained by third parties. Wakota Federal Credit Union does not operate or control in any respect any information, products or services that third parties may provide on a website linked to www.wakotafcu.org.
The materials in this site and the third-party sites are provided “as is” and without warranties of any kind either express or implied. To the fullest extent permissible pursuant to applicable law, Wakota Federal Credit Union disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, including, but not limited to, implied warranties of merchant-ability and fitness for a particular purpose.
Wakota Federal Credit Union does not warrant that this website or any of its functions will be uninterrupted or error-free, that defects will be corrected, or that this site or the servers that make it available, are free of viruses or other harmful components. Wakota Federal Credit Union does not warrant or make any representations regarding the use or the results of the use of the materials in this site or in third-party sites in terms of their correctness, accuracy timeliness, reliability or otherwise.
If you have questions about this policy, please contact us directly at 651-451-3330.