Education & Coaching

Building Financial Knowledge. Strengthening Financial Security.

Financial security means more than making ends meet. It means having the knowledge, tools, and confidence to manage everyday expenses, make informed financial decisions, navigate unexpected challenges, and plan for the future.

Across Snohomish County, thousands of ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) households earn above the federal poverty level but struggle to afford basic necessities. For families already balancing housing, transportation, childcare, groceries, and other essential costs, even one unexpected expense can put financial stability at risk.

Financial education is one important tool for building greater household resilience. Understanding how to create a budget, manage credit, reduce debt, access financial benefits, and establish savings can help individuals make the most of their financial resources and prepare for future needs.

United Way of Snohomish County works with financial institutions and community partners to make practical financial education and trusted resources more accessible to local residents. Through community-based workshops and educational partnerships, we help strengthen the knowledge and skills that support long-term financial security.

Free Monthly Financial Literacy Workshops

Practical financial knowledge. Real-world applications. No cost to participate.

United Way of Snohomish County offers free, in-person financial literacy workshops with educational support from WaFd Bank. These interactive workshops help participants explore everyday financial decisions, ask questions, and develop practical money-management skills in a welcoming, community-based environment.

Workshop topics vary and may include:

  • Budgeting and money management: Tracking expenses, prioritizing essential needs, and building a realistic spending plan.
  • Savings and emergency preparedness: Identifying opportunities to save and preparing for unexpected expenses.
  • Understanding credit and debt: Learning how credit works, managing debt, and recognizing high-cost or predatory financial products.
  • Financial benefits and resources: Understanding programs such as the Working Families Tax Credit and identifying available financial assistance and education resources.

Workshop Details

When: Second Tuesday of each month
Time: 12:00–2:00 p.m.
Location: Everett Recovery Café, Everett, Washington
Cost: Free

Workshops are designed to be accessible and relevant to adults seeking to strengthen their financial knowledge, regardless of their starting point.

Questions about upcoming workshops? 
Contact Financial Literacy AmeriCorps Member Deedee Williams-Strong at 425-374-5526 or email acmember@uwsc.org. 

Partner With Us

Help make financial education more accessible across Snohomish County.

Building financial security is a community effort. United Way of Snohomish County welcomes partnerships with banks, credit unions, financial professionals, and organizations that share our commitment to expanding financial knowledge and economic opportunity.

Working together, we can connect financial expertise and educational resources with individuals and families who can benefit from practical, accessible financial education.

Partnership opportunities may include contributing financial expertise to community workshops, providing educational materials and resources, supporting program delivery, or collaborating to expand financial literacy opportunities throughout Snohomish County.

Interested in becoming a Financial Literacy partner?

Contact Susan Gustafson, Director of Programs, to discuss opportunities for your institution to support UWSC's Financial Literacy initiative.

Phone: 425-374-5503
Email: susan.gustafson@uwsc.org

Learn Online, Anytime

Through our partnership with WaFd Bank and Banzai, United Way of Snohomish County connects residents with free online financial education resources. Explore practical lessons, articles, and interactive tools at your own pace, wherever and whenever it works for you.

Explore financial topics including:

  • Budgeting and saving
  • Credit and borrowing
  • Managing debt
  • Housing and homeownership
  • Fraud protection
  • Retirement and financial planning
     

Featured Free Tools:

Budget Calculator
Plan monthly expenses and better understand where your money goes.

Savings Calculator
Explore how regular savings can grow over time.

Financial Learning Courses
Learn about money management through self-paced lessons.

Explore Free Financial Resources Online educational content and tools are provided through the WaFd Bank–sponsored Banzai platform.