Office of Financial Empowerment Key Partners:

The Center for Working Families empowers Richmond residents to achieve financial stability through education, workforce development, and family-support services that strengthen our community.

The Office of Community Wealth Building - Working together to provide financial literacy and build wealth across the city of Richmond.

The Office of Minority & Business Development is a key partner in helping equip our residents with the knowledge to become successful entrepreneurs that are fiscally savvy.

Help1RVA is a collaborative initiative to bring a catalog of services offered at a free or reduced cost into one easy-to-use and FREE platform with over 1,800 local programs.  Help1RVA has a mission to empower communities by connecting individuals to programs that foster wellness and nurture stability.

The Office of Financial Empowerment has partnered with Balance to provide online resources focused on financial literacy and education for the citizens of Richmond. Balance offers comprehensive financial counseling and education services that can help people achieve financial independence. Whether it’s reducing debt, buying a home, retaining a home, or simply improving money management skills, Balance provides guidance every step of the way.

Click HERE to get started with online learning resources now.

Help1RVA is a collaborative initiative to bring a catalog of services offered at a free or reduced cost into one easy-to-use and FREE platform with over 1,800 local programs.  Help1RVA has a mission to empower communities by connecting individuals to programs that foster wellness and nurture stability.

To Get Started

• Scan the QR code or visit help1rva.org

• A navigator will contact you within 48 hours

  

VITA Tax-Preparation Assistance - Available February through April

United Way VITA Tax Assistance

For qualifying families and individuals with income of $69,000 or less, free tax preparation services are offered through United Way's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program during the February - April season. Locations are available throughout Greater Richmond and Petersburg

Helpful PDFs/Materials

The following are selections of documents that can help highlight relevant information on personal finance management. These resources are not intended to be an all-inclusive approach to financial awareness but can be a helpful launch pad for identifying where further assistance would most benefit you. 

• Balance - Financial Literacy Training Resources

  • This web page contains topics overviews to help you start building your financial awareness and toolkit. Topics include credit, debit, saving & budgeting, homeownership, auto loans, college and retirement savings, privacy & security, taxes & income, and personal banking.

• Help1RVA

  • Help1RVA is a collaborative initiative to bring a catalog of services offered at a free or reduced cost into one easy-to-use and FREE platform with over 1,800 local programs.  Help1RVA has a mission to empower communities by connecting individuals to programs that foster wellness and nurture stability.

For Youth

• RPS SAVES

  • Virginia Credit Union is partnering with RPS to bring financial literacy opportunities to the students of Richmond Public Schools. And through RPS Saves, we’re encouraging students to save and setting them up for a bright financial future.

  • Sign your RPS student up for a VACU savings account, and VACU will jumpstart their savings by covering the $5 membership and depositing $20 in their account!

    Please note: Applications for minors age 13 or younger may only be completed and submitted by the intended custodian on the account. 

• Youth Engagement Services 

  • Youth Engagement Services team (YES), formally known as the Mayor’s Youth Academy (MYA), was launched by former Mayor Dwight C. In 2010, Jones designed a program to develop Richmond’s Future Leaders and workforce. YES is a workforce development program designed to engage youth in a productive career exploration program by using a work-based learning approach. The mission of YES is to develop Richmond's future leaders and workforce by providing youth aged 14–24 with opportunities for career exploration, skills development, and mentorship.

                  For more information about YES, click here.

• Thinking Money for Kids

  A collection of four interactive games designed for children ages 7 to 11, teaching basic financial skills related to earning, saving and spending money.

  They include:

  • Earning It: Follow the paths of characters Grace, Emma, and Kenji to see how their childhood interests translate into successful careers and opportunities to “give back” by volunteering.

  • Balance My Budget: Make choices about how to meet basic needs and treat yourself with a splurge here and there, while sticking to a monthly budget.

  • Money Trail: Starting with $500 in your bank account, make decisions about how to earn and spend.

  • Let’s Deal: Hear from buyers and vendors at a farmer’s’ market as they swap goods and learn about money.

Are you interested in hosting a workshop?

If you would like to have a financial literacy workshop made available for your group, simply contact us via email at: [email protected] or phone at 804-646-6673.

The OFE has partnerships with financial professionals across the city, as well as the youth focused presentation facilitated by the City Treasurer on the power of the dollar and building wealth.

We look forward to hearing from you!

VITA Tax-Preparation Assistance - Available February through April

United Way VITA Tax Assistance

For qualifying families and individuals with income of $69,000 or less, free tax preparation services are offered through United Way's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program during the February - April tax season. Locations are available throughout Greater Richmond and Petersburg.

Click HERE to find a location near you.