Spring is right around the corner and so are upcoming financial education outreach events and campaigns! In this issue of the newsletter, there is information celebrating National Consumer Protection Week, financial education webinars, community events, and much more!
As a reminder, please share with us any highlights, updates, or events you would like to share with the more than 23,000 people receiving the WFEN updates. When you have something you'd like to share with the network via this monthly email update - please send it to [email protected] with the subject line "Proposed WFEN content."
Additionally, if you’re not already following DFI’s social media accounts, please do! We’re working to grow our networks in addition to promoting your great work.
- X https://x.com/dficonsumers
- Instagram https://www.instagram.com/wastatedfi
- Facebook https://www.facebook.com/wadfi
- YouTube https://www.youtube.com/user/WADFI
- LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/state-of-washington-department-of-financial-institutions
Just a reminder, DFI's outreach coordinator Nathan Spiecker provides financial education workshops statewide - in both English and Spanish! If you are looking for someone to help provide outreach in your community, contact Nathan at [email protected] or fill out a presentation request form.
National Consumer Protection Week 2025
DFI is celebrating National Consumer Protection Week in partnership with the Attorney General's Office and the Federal Trade Commission! Come visit us at one of many in-person events at local libraries!
Office of State Treasurer Financial Wellness 101 Workshops
In partnership with WorkSource of Thurston County, the Office of the State Treasurer provides financial Wellness one-on-one workshops in an effort to enhance financial education and empower individuals in Washington. These workshops educate participants on financial goal setting, budgeting, saving, credit management, and identity theft prevention and awareness. Attendees can participate either in person at WorkSource of Thurston County or online, making it accessible to people across the state. By equipping individuals with essential financial knowledge this partnership contributes to building a financially resilient community.
March workshops:
|
Financial Wellness 101 - Part A: Budgeting Wednesday, March 5 @ 9-11 a.m. |
In-person Registration | Online Registration |
|
Financial Wellness 101 - Part B: Credit & Debt Thursday, March 13 @ 9-11 a.m. |
In-person Registration | Online Registration |
|
Financial Wellness 101 - Part C: Consumer Cautions Wednesday, March 19 @ 9-11 a.m. |
In-person Registration | Online Registration |
Join United Indians of All Tribes Foundation (UIATF) in Making a Difference!
We are seeking individuals who want to make a positive impact on our community and learn more about financial skills. Financial education directly relates to the quality of life we experience. At United Indians of All Tribes Foundation (UIATF), we have lived experiences supporting our urban native communities. Through the WA Dept of Commerce Community Revitalization Program (CRP) Financial Literacy funding awarded to UIATF Native Workforce Services Program (NWSP), a UIATF division spearheaded by Kolbi Monasmith ([email protected]), we have extended our outreach efforts to include everyone in our extended community.
The funding allowed UIATF to hire a full-time Financial Education Coach, Rocky Hollenbaugh ([email protected]), in August 2024. Working closely with the NWSP staff and community partners, we are excited to announce four options to get involved:
- One-on-One Coaching Sessions
- Daily 1-Hour Digital Q&A Sessions: 1-2 p.m., Monday to Friday
- Weekly 2-Hour Digital Workgroups: Tuesdays, 3-5 p.m.
- In-Person Community Partners Showcase Seminars: Held at Labateya Youth Center (9010 13th Ave. N.W., Seattle) or their new Federal Way location (33434 8th Ave., Suite 101, Federal Way)
Stay tuned at unitedindians.org for showcasing more community organizations in the upcoming months. If you’re interested in presenting at one of our community spotlight events, please email Rocky Hollenbaugh at [email protected] to discuss.
We at United Indians of All Tribes Foundation are excited to offer these new service options and look forward to your participation!
WA Grant Gives More Money to More People
Washington College Grant (WA Grant) gives more money to more people for more kinds of education and training beyond high school. WA Grant is not reserved for valedictorians or athletes—it is available to all eligible Washington residents, including undocumented students. If you meet the program and income requirements, you have money waiting for you.
|
WA Grant can help you access many types of education and training:
|
WA Grant amounts vary based on income, family size, and program cost. This year, an eligible student from a family of four with income of $78,500 or less per year can get a full award. What does that mean? For example, public college tuition would likely be free for a family with three children and a single parent making $37 per hour. For middle-income families, grant amounts are lower. But even someone from a family of four making up to $120,500 per year can get some money to help pay for college or training — and income limits will be even higher for 2025-26.
Students and families can use the financial aid calculator to estimate their potential WA Grant award, but the only way to know for sure how much you can get is to apply for financial aid. Applications for the 2025-26 academic year are now open.
WA Grant helps make college or job training affordable. Learn more at WAgrant.org.
Washington Financial Coaching Network
Join the Financial Empowerment Network the fourth Wednesday of each month from 2-3:30 p.m.!
What is the WA Financial Coaching Network?
The Washington Financial Coaching Network is an initiative of the Financial Empowerment Network (FEN). The group was formed to connect the financial coaching community across Washington State and provide opportunities for coaches to gather on a regular basis to network with one another, share best practices, learn from, and support each other. We welcome financial coaches, counselors, educators, or anyone who is working on financial wellness with their clients or community members.
Who should participate?
- Anyone in Washington State providing 1:1 or group financial coaching, counseling, mentoring, or financial education
- Coaches who are brand new to the field as well as coaches with decades of experience are welcome
- Not sure if you should attend? If you are providing case management, resource navigation, or advocacy and approach personal finance topics (budgeting, credit, savings, etc.) with a client-centered, strengths-based mindset, this group is for you!
Date/Time: Fourth Wednesday of each month, 2-3:30 p.m.
Location: Zoom
Questions? Visit the FEN website for more information.
WA529 Knowledge Cafe Webinars
The WA529 Knowledge Cafe is a virtual learning center, where you can attend webinars to learn about the Washington College Savings Plans (The GET Program and DreamAhead Plan), ask questions and gather resources that support educational goals. There will be questions and answers time that will be available for all sessions to ask questions.
Register for a webinar:
| March 11 @ 12 p.m. | Register now |
| March 25 @ 12 p.m. | Register now |
2025 Financial Education Reading Days
|
| STAY CONNECTED: | ||||||
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
||
SUBSCRIBER SERVICES:
Manage Preferences | Unsubscribe All | Subscription Help | Contact DFI
| This email was sent to [email protected] using GovDelivery Communications Cloud on behalf of: Washington State Department of Financial Institutions · 150 Israel Rd SW · Tumwater, WA 98501 |  |