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Credit Success

Way Finders is nonprofit nationally certified by HUD, CHAPA, and the NeighborWorks Nationally Industry Standards. Credit Success is a financial education program that offers educational workshops, individual support, and guidance to anyone in the community. Our program helps families and individuals reach their goals, whether they want to buy a house or a car, pay off student loan debt, or learn how to build excellent credit. 

In the Credit Success program you will learn how to:

  • Create budgets and spending plans
  • Manage your money
  • Understand banking and saving 
  • Understand good and bad credit
  • Manage debt

The Steps to Credit Success

1. Attend a Credit Success Workshop

Credit Success workshops are scheduled monthly. To attend, you are required to create a free account HERE

There is a $10 fee to reserve your seat for the workshop. This fee will be refunded upon workshop completion. Way Finders is dedicated to assisting low-to-moderate income clients achieve financial stability and success. You will not be turned away for inability to pay. To request a one-time time waiver please contact our support department at homeownership@wayfinders.org or 413-233-1621.
 

2. Schedule a one-on-one Counseling Session

During your counseling session, you will work with a HUD-certified Way Finders counselor to help you build a custom plan of action to reach your financial goals. If credit is an obstacle, we can provide a tri-merge credit report and help you understand what's affecting your credit, and how. Alternatively you may also request that we review a copy of the credit report you obtained from https://www.annualcreditreport.com.

3. Put your plan into action

Take the plan you created with your counselor and put it into action. Your success is up to you. We will always be there if you have questions or need support. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a cost for the workshop?

There is a $10 fee to reserve your seat for the workshop. This fee will be refunded upon workshop completion. Way Finders is dedicated to assisting low-to-moderate income clients achieve financial stability and success. You will not be turned away for inability to pay. To request a one-time time waiver please contact our support department at homeownership@wayfinders.org or 413-233-1621.

Is there a cost for one-on-one counseling?

At this time one-on-one counseling is offered free of charge

Who would benefit from our Credit Success program?

Credit Success offers educational workshops, individual support and guidance to anyone in the community. Our program helps families and individuals improve their credit so they can reach their goals, whether they want to buy a house or a car, pay off student loan debt, or learn how to build excellent credit.

What should I expect in a one-on-one counseling session?

During your counseling session, you will work with a HUD-certified Way Finders counselor you build a custom plan of action to reach your financial goals. If credit is an obstacle, we can provide a tri-merge credit report and help you understand what's affecting your credit, and how. Alternatively you may also request that we review a copy of the credit report you obtained from https://www.annualcreditreport.com.

Do I have to pay for the credit report?

You can get a free copy of your credit report every 12 months from each credit reporting company at https://www.annualcreditreport.com. These credit reports do not contain your credit score.

We can provide you with a free tri-merge soft-pull credit report that provides your FICO credit scores (valued at $39.99 through online vendors). Don’t worry, this credit pull will not impact your score! This is a complementary service and is not a requirement of the program. Free tri-merge credit reports will be offered for as long as grant funding is available to cover the cost of this service.

I require an language or disability accommodation. What can I do?

Please contact us at homeownership@wayfinders.org or 413-233-1621.

What if I have a Way Finders section 8 voucher and am currently enrolled in the Family Self-Sufficiency program?

Please contact your housing counselor before you register.

How do I know if I am ready for Homeownership?

This is a complicated question. You should consider the following:

  • You cannot have any accounts in collections. 
  • The higher the credit score, the lower the down payment. 
  • The higher the credit score, the lower the interest rate. 
  • Private mortgage insurance may be waived for those with a higher credit score.
  • Do you have savings to weather unexpected emergencies such as a leaky roof?

Remember, even if you are not ready now we can still help you to reach your goal of homeownership. Please contact us for more information.   

You can also visit https://www.mymassmortgage.org to obtain additional information regarding the homebuying process. 

What is the difference between a Financial Counselor and a Financial Planner/Adviser?

Way Finders’ area of focus is financial counseling and coaching.  Financial counselors provide services to those who are low-to-moderate income but can assist anyone, no matter their income level. We tend to assist clients in learning how to pay off debt, understanding their credit, maximizing their income and tax returns, and how to save for their immediate needs. 

Financial Advisors or Planners tend to focus on long term investment and retirement goals. Financial Planners may require a substantial minimum investment, and may charge commissions and fees. 

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