GET YOUR FINANCES BACK ON TRACK WITH FRESH START

Are you having difficulty opening an account with a new bank or credit union because your financial history includes bounced checks, overdrawn funds or your credit score does not meet their requirements?

Opening a new checking account is not as simple as bringing some cash to the bank and making a deposit. Why not? Banks and credit unions want to learn about your financial past before establishing an account with you. The Financial institutions will check to see if a past account was “closed for cause,” meaning the bank or credit union shut down the checking account because of something you did. If the report shows you have a record of mismanaging other bank accounts, the institution could refuse to open a new account, which will make it harder for you to save money and practice other good financial habits.

If you are looking for ways to improve your financial health and need a fresh start at a bank or credit union enroll in the Fresh Start Program offered by UF/IFAS Extension Alachua County. Fresh Start covers the basics of financial management, from creating a spending plan to preventing identify theft. Attendees also get hands on practice balancing a checkbook and mapping out a personal budget.

Fresh Start offers participants a second chance to get their finances back on track and develop healthier financial patterns. At the end of the Fresh Start class individuals who pass a financial management test will earn a certificate to open an account with a bank or credit union participating in the Fresh Start program.
Participants must submit a Consumer Disclosure report or Notice of Adverse Action along with registration or on the morning of the class before the start of our selected class. Individuals can order their free Consumer Disclosure report online at www.consumerdebit.com

Take Control of your financial future today and know where your money is going by pre-registering for a Fresh Start Class. Alachua County Family and Consumer Science Agent IV, Martha B. Maddox will be conducting the Fresh Start Program at the following dates and times: April 19 and May 22 from 10:00am to 12:00pm and 2:00pm to 4:00pm. Pre-registration is required and fee is nonrefundable. Registration fee is $25.00 by Money Order (payable to UF/IFAS Extension Alachua County) or Cash. Individuals can register in person at the UF/IFAS Extension Alachua County Office Monday thru Friday between 8:30am to 3:30pm.
For more information about Fresh Start, contact Alachua County Family and Consumer Science Agent IV, Martha B. Maddox at mmaddox@ufl.edu or 352-955-2402.