Aurora Financial Empowerment Center Helps Families Build Better Financial Futures

The Aurora Financial Empowerment Center (FEC) has been providing free, one-on-one financial counseling to individuals and families across the city for the past five years. Through personalized coaching, the center helps residents reduce debt, build savings, improve credit, and access safe banking options—all essential steps toward long-term financial stability.

Managed by the City of Aurora in partnership with The Neighbor Project, the FEC works closely with local organizations to ensure financial empowerment is accessible to all, particularly low- and moderate-income households. Counselors create individualized financial plans tailored to each person's goals, offering guidance in the following key areas:

• Improving Credit Scores – Understanding credit reports, establishing responsible credit habits, and building credit safely.
• Reducing Debt – Prioritizing payments, managing budgets, and creating personalized debt-reduction strategies.
• Saving for the Future – Developing savings plans, growing financial reserves, and establishing habits for short- and long-term goals.
• Money Management – Crafting realistic budgets and gaining confidence in financial decision-making.
• Safe Banking – Finding accessible, low-cost banking options and developing strong financial behaviors.
• Homeownership Guidance – Assisting individuals in navigating the home-buying process and securing financial readiness.

Why is this important? Access to financial advice can help individuals make smarter financial decisions tailored to their specific circumstances and life stages. It equips people with the knowledge to avoid common pitfalls such as high-interest debt, poor investment choices, and inadequate savings. By providing expert guidance, the FEC empowers residents to break financial cycles and make informed decisions that lead to long-term stability.

Since opening its doors, the FEC has helped 2,608 individuals, assisting in the reduction of $2.8 million in total debt and supporting clients in accumulating $975,531 in savings. These services are essential in fostering economic growth and creating more equitable opportunities throughout the community.

​April is Financial Literacy Month

In recognition of Financial Literacy Month this April, the FEC is launching a special initiative under the theme “Inform, Inspire, Ignite." Throughout the month, the center will release engaging financial literacy content focused on five core principles: Earn, Spend, Save & Invest, Borrow, and Protect.

The celebration will conclude with a youth-focused event on May 3rd, featuring the “Game of Life" experience. This interactive program will immerse young participants in real-world financial scenarios, helping them understand key financial principles in a fun and educational setting. Teaching kids about money is crucial for their future financial well-being, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to make informed decisions, manage their finances responsibly, and achieve long-term financial stability. By introducing financial concepts early, young people can develop positive money habits that will benefit them throughout their lives.

For more information or to schedule a free financial counseling session, visit the Aurora Financial Empowerment Center at https://www.cityofaurorafec.org/