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.

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.

Click here for details  

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

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

• COVID-19 plan

• Food assistance resources 

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

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