City of Milwaukee Financial Empowerment Center

10/01/2026

You might think that your credit reports are only used for loan approval, but the information in your credit reports may also be used to make decisions about everything from employment to housing and even the terms of your cell phone plan. That’s why it’s important to look at your reports each year to make sure your information is correct.

You have the right to get a free credit report once a year from each of the three nationwide credit reporting agencies. Getting your credit reports is easy. All you need to do is go to AnnualCreditReport.com and request your reports.

https://youtu.be/ZML1Huzc4eI?si=A6mtr7SbzjxHviEx

You might think that your credit reports are only used for loan app...

09/29/2026

Higher fuel prices don’t just affect what you pay at the pump; they can put additional pressure on an entire household budget.

Brown University’s Climate Solutions Lab has created an Iran War Energy Cost Tracker that estimates the additional gasoline and diesel costs paid by American consumers since February 28, 2026.

According to the tracker, the estimated additional cost to U.S. consumers has reached approximately $117.5 billion; about $897 per household. The site also allows visitors to explore gasoline prices and estimated consumer costs by state.

The tracker uses daily fuel-price data along with federal energy consumption and Census household data to estimate the financial impact. These figures are estimates based on a comparison with a modeled historical price trajectory.

For households already managing tight budgets, changes in transportation costs can mean making adjustments elsewhere. This is another reminder of why having a spending plan, and revisiting it when prices change, can be so important.

Explore the Iran War Energy Cost Tracker from Brown University:
https://iranwarcost.watson.brown.edu/

Need help reviewing your budget or adjusting to higher household expenses? The City of Milwaukee Financial Empowerment Center provides FREE, one-on-one professional financial counseling to Milwaukee residents.

📞 Give us a call at 414-882-7430, and schedule an appointment with one of our financial counselors.

Tracks the extra cost paid by U.S. consumers for gasoline and diesel since the Iran conflict began on February 28, 2026, compared against a no-war counterfactual baseline.

09/22/2026

Financial stress is rising, and more families are feeling the squeeze.
The newly released Financial Health Network’s Financial Health Pulse® 2026 U.S. Trends Report shows that household financial health is moving in the wrong direction:

• 17% of U.S. households are now considered financially vulnerable, up from 15% last year.
• Only 47% of households reported spending less than their income.
• Just 68% reported paying all of their bills on time.
• 31% said they have more debt than they can comfortably manage.
• The percentage of consumers experiencing high financial stress increased from 13% to 16%.
• Among lower-income households, only 31% reported spending less than they earn.

https://finhealthnetwork.org/research/financial-health-pulse-2026-u-s-trends-report/?utm_campaign=54121576-2026%20%7C%20Pulse%20Trends%20Report&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9hiifr6NXLiQ4veZNaeApOkVaQlLH4dH7PV7v8P6VydYpEh44jHXuUBI1GZSzVuvJRHktbp_09mXqZgvKqvOM79XIr5AYxleDj6sbH9AygmazewKM&_hsmi=440135956&utm_content=440135956&utm_source=hs_email

These numbers are a reminder that struggling financially isn’t always about making “bad choices.” Rising costs, debt, limited savings and unexpected expenses can make it difficult for even hardworking households to get ahead.

That’s why the City of Milwaukee Financial Empowerment Center is here.

Milwaukee residents can meet one-on-one with a professionally trained financial counselor at NO COST. We can help you:

✓ Build a realistic budget
✓ Improve your credit
✓ Reduce debt
✓ Build savings
✓ Review your credit report
✓ Develop a plan for reaching your financial goals

There are no income restrictions, and our counseling is free.

You don’t have to figure it all out by yourself.

📞 Call the City of Milwaukee Financial Empowerment Center at 414-882-7430 to schedule an appointment.

Read the Financial Health Network’s 2026 report:
Financial Health Pulse® 2026 U.S. Trends Report

New Financial Health Pulse® data show a reversal in household financial health trends, with vulnerability rising amid mounting financial pressures.

09/16/2026

The City of Milwaukee Financial Empowerment Center is making a difference; one financial goal at a time.

A recent Milwaukee Journal Sentinel article highlights the work taking place at the Riverworks Financial Clinic, where professionally trained counselors from the City of Milwaukee FEC provide free, one-on-one help with credit, debt, budgeting, savings, banking and other financial challenges.

Milwaukee residents do not have to navigate their finances alone. Whether you are working to improve your credit, reduce debt, build savings or simply create a plan, our counselors are ready to help at no cost.

We’re proud of the impact our counselors are making throughout Milwaukee.

Read the article: https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/local/milwaukee/neighborhoods/2026/09/16/this-milwaukee-financial-clinic-is-helping-families-with-tax-help-credit-repair-and-more/91663933007/

The Riverworks Financial Clinic has a variety of financial planning offerings that are free to the public.

09/14/2026

Unfortunately, we have had to cancel this event and apologize for the inconvenience caused.

09/13/2026

Higher gas prices don’t just affect what you pay at the pump. They affect your entire household budget.
According to GasBuddy, since March 1, Americans have spent $109.2 billion more on gasoline and diesel than during the same period last year.

When everyday costs rise, having a budget becomes even more important. A good budget isn’t about restricting every dollar you spend. It’s about knowing where your money is going, planning for changing expenses, and making informed choices when your dollars have to stretch further.

The City of Milwaukee Financial Empowerment Center, in partnership with the Riverworks Financial Clinic, offers FREE, one-on-one financial counseling to Milwaukee residents.

Our professional financial counselors can help you:

• Build a realistic household budget
• Identify opportunities to reduce expenses
• Develop a savings plan
• Manage and reduce debt
• Review your credit and work toward your financial goals

When prices change, your budget should change with them. You don’t have to figure it out alone.

Financial counseling is free and confidential—regardless of income. Call (414) 882-7430 today.

09/04/2026

⚖️ Questions about child support? Get clear, trustworthy answers from an experienced legal professional.

Join the Riverworks Financial Clinic for the next session of our Your Rights, Your Future: Legal Wellness Series, featuring special guest Katie Murphy, Milwaukee County Deputy Administrator for Legal Counsel and Policy—Child Support Services/DHHS.

Topics will include:

✅ Understanding child support orders
✅ Addressing past-due support and avoiding penalties
✅ Driver’s license suspensions and other enforcement actions
✅ Rights and responsibilities of custodial and non-custodial parents

Whether you pay child support, receive it, or help support a family member navigating the system, this session can help you better understand your rights, responsibilities, and options.

📅 Wednesday, September 16, 2026
⏰ 5:30–6:30 p.m.
📍 Riverworks Financial Clinic
518 E. Concordia Ave., Milwaukee

Space is limited—register today:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdcx7f3DB33BrsxA7pVIKHwMKgNh4_BIm9NHJCFWQAFNdKnuQ/viewform?usp=preview

Questions? Call (414) 882-7430.

09/03/2026

In Nick's video, discover the Buy Nothing Rebellion and learn five essential things you should stop buying for good to simplify your life and improve your financial goals. Explore sustainable living tips, conscious consumption habits, and practical ways to save money and build wealth by avoiding unnecessary purchases. His guide is perfect for anyone seeking financial freedom through mindful spending. Join the movement to break free from the cycle of overbuying and embrace a more intentional lifestyle.

Disclaimer: The purpose of Nick's video is to inform viewers about finance in a responsible, educational way. Please consult with the City of Milwaukee Financial Empowerment Center for free, professional one-on-one financial coaching before making major financial decisions. Call us at (414) 882-7430

In this video, discover the Buy Nothing Rebellion and learn five es...

09/02/2026

IF YOU MUST BUY NEW, YOU DON’T HAVE TO “SPEND THE FARM.”

The average new vehicle can easily cost $40,000 or more, but an expensive vehicle is not the price of admission to reliable transportation.

The 2026 Hyundai Venue, currently identified by Car and Driver as the least-expensive new vehicle on the market, starts at approximately $22,200. It is small, practical, well equipped for its price and backed by a strong warranty. But affordability still requires thoughtful decision-making.

The Venue also demonstrates an important point: a sensible car does not have to do everything. It has front-wheel drive rather than all-wheel drive, modest power and is better suited to city driving than frequent highway travel. Milwaukee buyers should consider how any vehicle will handle their actual commute, passengers, cargo needs and winter driving, not simply how it looks at the dealership.

Before buying any new vehicle:

✅ Decide what monthly payment your budget can truly support—including insurance, fuel, maintenance and registration.

✅ Get an insurance quote before signing. A manageable car payment can become unaffordable once insurance is added.

✅ Compare the total “out-the-door” price, not only the advertised price or monthly payment.

✅ Arrange financing through a bank or credit union before visiting the dealership so you have something to compare with dealer financing.

✅ Be cautious about 72- or 84-month loans that lower the payment but keep you in debt longer and increase the total interest paid.

✅ Avoid loading an affordable vehicle with unnecessary dealer add-ons and protection packages.

✅ Compare it with a reliable one- to three-year-old vehicle, which may cost less while still carrying some factory warranty coverage.

A vehicle is transportation, not a measure of your success! It is also a depreciating asset. If buying new is important to you, choose the least-expensive vehicle that safely and reliably meets your needs. Keeping thousands of dollars in your pocket can help you build emergency savings, reduce debt or work toward homeownership.

Watch the mechanic’s review:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jjZGJ9U_LVo

Read Car and Driver’s review:
https://www.caranddriver.com/hyundai/venue

Need help determining what you can realistically afford before visiting a dealership? The City of Milwaukee Financial Empowerment Center provides free, confidential financial counseling.

The 2026 Hyundai Venue is a subcompact SUV that offers comfortable interior space and desirable features for a very low price.

09/02/2026

Scam victims do not need shame. They need support.

A new investigation from the Associated Press and FRONTLINE reports that Americans lost a record $15.9 billion to scams in 2025—a 25% increase from the previous year. Because many victims never report what happened, the true losses may be dramatically higher.

Scammers are using artificial intelligence, cryptocurrency, fake relationships and sophisticated impersonation tactics to target people of every age, income and educational background. Three in 10 Americans say they have already lost money or personal information to a scam.

The harm often continues after the money is gone. Victims may face taxes, debt, bank fees and emotional trauma—and some are targeted again by criminals who falsely promise to recover their money.

If someone you know has been scammed, respond with compassion rather than judgment. These are carefully organized financial crimes, and anyone can be targeted.

Protect yourself:

✅ Pause before sending money or sharing financial information.

✅ Independently verify unexpected requests—even when they appear to come from someone you know.

✅ Be especially cautious when someone demands cryptocurrency, gift cards or immediate payment.

✅ Never pay a person or company that guarantees it can recover money lost to a scam.

✅ Tell someone you trust before completing an unusual transfer or withdrawal.

If a scam has disrupted your finances, the City of Milwaukee Financial Empowerment Center provides free, confidential financial counseling to help you assess the damage and begin rebuilding your financial stability.

Contact us at (414) 882-7430 and schedule a session with one of our financial coaches.

Read the AP/FRONTLINE investigation: https://apnews.com/article/scams-online-scams-ai-internet-safety-phishing-fraud-34517de3546d604e20c9d78d3dc5af4f



https://apnews.com/article/scams-online-scams-ai-internet-safety-phishing-fraud-34517de3546d604e20c9d78d3dc5af4f?utm_medium=email&utm_source=ten_tabs&utm_campaign=&position=1&category=fascinating_stories&scheduled_corpus_item_id=10fceaaf-4de1-4132-ab29-5fd1553332e8&url=https%3A%2F%2Fapnews.com%2Farticle%2Fscams-online-scams-ai-internet-safety-phishing-fraud-34517de3546d604e20c9d78d3dc5af4f

Virtually every American has been targeted by scammers in some way, exclusive new polling data shows.