Increase Your Savings

Whether your goal is to put aside funds for an emergency, or to save for a car, a house or the future, your Counselor will help you create a savings plan that works with your budget.

Pay Down Debt

Credit cards, medical bills and student loans can feel overwhelming. Our Counselors will help you tackle your debt, work with your creditors, and put you on a path to being debt-free.

Access Safe and Affordable Banking

Our Counselors will connect you with safe and affordable banking options. Affordable accounts and loans will save you money and help you stay on track.

Improve Your Credit

Establishing credit and improving your credit score are key to achieving goals like owning a home, renting an apartment, and buying a car. Our Counselors will help you understand your credit report, and work with you to develop strategies to improve your scores.

Protect and Pass On Your Legacy

If you have people or possessions you care about, it's important to put a formal plan in place for how you want those things to be cared for when you can't make decisions yourself. Our counselors can help you prepare a plan to protect and pass on your assets, including:

  • Organizing your assets
  • Reviewing insurance and titles
  • Updating account beneficiaries
  • Connecting you to resources to help you prepare a will, guardianship plan, or power of attorney

How Financial Counseling Works

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Get an Appointment

Sign up for an appointment (virtual or in-person), and indicate language preferences. The Financial Empowerment Center is available to City of Gaithersburg residents and City employees. To check if you reside within the corporate limits of the City of Gaithersburg please use the Online Gaithersburg Address Search.
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Prepare Documents

A Financial Counselor will contact you to explain more about the program, and help you figure out what documents you need for the first session (bills, paystubs, etc.).
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Go to Your First Session

At the first session the Financial Counselor will review your financial situation and credit report. The Counselor will help you set goals and make a plan and outline first steps.
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Check In

Additional sessions with your Counselor will keep you on track and provide support and tools to achieve your goals. You Counselor will continue to support your progress over time.

Client Referral Option

Click below to refer a client, colleague or congregant who can benefit from individual financial counseling. When you make a referral, a Certified Financial Counselor will reach out to explain the service and set up an appointment. Our Counselors will coordinate with you to help clients stabilize their financial situation and achieve goals.