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Financial Wellness

Financial Wellness Series, Title V

As part of developing institutional capacity to address budget and credit enrollment threats, the California Community College Chancellor’s Office and Allan Hancock College are partnering to provide interactive money management professional development workshops for faculty, staff and students. These engaging workshops are designed to enable participants to become comfortable in their own personal financial foundation.

Find the Student Financial Wellness Workshop Playlist on Youtube

Topics covered include:  

  • Beginning the Conversation
  • What's Your Money Attitude, Mantra and History?
  • Budget or Spending Plan?
  • Making Savings and Habit
  • Are You Credit Ready?
  • Alternative Financial Services Cost

Please contact Maria Grando, Title V Grant Coordinator, if you have any questions.

Financial Literacy Resources

Allan Hancock College Financial Aid

The Financial Aid Office at Allan Hancock College is here to help you in applying for state and federal funds to help pay for your education. They can help connect you with scholarships, grants, loans, and other financial supports (free money!) to help you navigate your time at AHC and beyond!

You can drop-in to meet with a Financial Aid Counselor via Zoom Monday - Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. using the Financial Aid Zoom Link

You can also call 805-922-6966 ext. 3200 or email finaid@hancockcollege.edu to schedule your preferred method of appointment. Please have your H# ready. 

Mint Budgeting App

Mint brings together everything from spending, balances, and budgets to your credit score and more. Access your financial life in one powerful app. This budgeting app can help you track your expenses and keep you on track with your budget! Check out their online budgeting calculator to help you figure out your monthly expenses and how to save & spend!

Credit Karma

Use this free website to check your credit score, learn about credit cards, personal loans, and much more!

Check out MoneyGeek's Guide to building credit!

 

Tax Preparation Assistance

In partnership with Northern Santa Barbara County United Way, Allan Hancock
College will host clinics where low-income residents can receive FREE tax filing
assistance from certified IRS volunteers.

The VITA program is a free tax preparation service for local Santa Barbara County residents who make $57,000 or less a year. Tax returns are prepared and electronically filed by IRS-certified volunteers for qualified individuals or families. 

*Clinic dates in 2023 are pending to be announced.

Visit
liveunitedsbc.org for more information.

For more information, you can click on the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program flyer.

MyFreeTaxes

Prepare your own taxes anywhere you have an internet connection using MyFreeTaxes. It's easy, simple, fast and secure. When you file electronically, you let the computer do the math. Your work is saved at every step, so you can always come back and work on it later. MyFreeTaxes software has error checkers and calculators built in so you have a much smaller chance of making an error. Your personal information will not be shared with anyone.

IRS Free Tax Filing

IRS Free File lets you prepare and file your federal income tax online for free. File at an IRS partner site with the IRS Free File Program or use Free File Fillable Forms. It's safe, easy and no cost to you for a federal return. If your income is below $72,000, you will receive free tax preparation assistance

 

H&R Block Free Online Filing

H&R Block Free Online tax filing service offers a multitude of Federal & State tax filing services for free. Students will love the fast, easy features, while parents can get info about the Earned Income Credit and Child Tax Credit, including the IRS letters needed before filing.

 

Find free Tax Help Near You

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and the Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs offer free help for taxpayers who .

State of California Franchise Tax Board

You may be able to get help with your taxes for free.

This includes:

  • Help with filling out forms
  • What to do if you owe money
  • If you qualify for the EITC tax credit

If you live in California you can get free tax help from these programs:

  • Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA), if you:
    • Make $57,000 or less, generally
    • Have disabilities, or
    • Speak limited English
    • Are active duty or retired military personnel, or a dependent
  • Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE), if you’re at least 60 years old