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FINANCIAL EMPOWERMENT CENTER <br />October 15, 2021 <br />FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS <br />What is the County of HawaiTs Financial Empowerment Center? <br />The Financial Empowerment Center (FEC) is a partnership between the County of Hawai'i, the <br />Cities of Financial Empowerment Fund, Hawai'i Community Foundation, Hawaiian Community <br />Assets and Hawaii First Federal Credit Union. It offers free one-on-one professional financial <br />counseling to all residents of the Big Island regardless of income. <br />Who is eligible for counseling from the FEC? <br />The FEC is for all Hawaii County residents,18 or over. There is no income nor asset <br />restrictions. FEC counselors can help with topics ranging from personal finances to business <br />finances. If you need accessibility accommodations, please let us know in advance of the <br />appointment. <br />How much does this service cost? <br />FEC counseling is always free. This includes services like pulling credit reports and scores. <br />What can a counselor help me with? <br />FEC counselors can help you with a range of topics from personal finance to business finances. <br />Counselors help clients better manage their money, improve their credit score, pay down debt, <br />increase savings, establish and build credit, and provide access to safe and affordable banking <br />products. Counselors can also help to create a customized plan to address student loans, buy a <br />house, build financial goals for your business, or start an emergency fund. <br />How long are counseling sessions? <br />Counseling sessions can range from 30 - 60 minutes. <br />How can I ask a quick question to a counselor? <br />This program is meant for one-on-one counseling services to reach short and long term goals. <br />If they have any questions, they can call or email a counselor. <br />What can I expect from my first counseling session? <br />The initial appointment may take about 1 hour, it involves answering questions based on their <br />finances, banking and financial goals so that we can get a detailed picture of where they are <br />and where they want to go financially and how they want to proceed towards their goals. <br />Where can I request an appointment with a counselor? <br />Initial appointments can be requested online on any of our service providers websites or you <br />can call them directly to schedule an appointment. <br />Contact information: <br />Hawaiian Community Assets <br />