Make your money work for you

We'll show you how.

• Your credit report
• The W4 - A powerful tool
• Debt and money management
• Tax time
• Banking

Your credit report

Employers, landlords, banks and lenders check your credit report before they offer you a service. If you don't know what's on it, you could get a nasty surprise when trying to take out a loan, make a big purchase, move into a new home or start a new job. Checking your credit report can also tell you if someone is trying to steal your identity!

You can get your credit report for free once a year by clicking here - it only takes a minute to check! Learn more about credit reports.

Free Credit Report and Monitoring Available 

TransUnion, one of the three major credit bureaus, is offering a one time settlement to nearly all individuals with a credit history. The settlement makes your credit report as well as credit monitoring services available to you for free for six to nine months. 

You do not need to provide a credit card or pay anything to receive this service. To learn more about how to take advantage of this opportunity, click here.

Return to top

The W4 - A powerful tool

The W4 is a form you fill out at work when you start a new job. It lets the IRS know what you plan to put on your tax return the next time you file. What you put on your W4 will also determine how much is taken out of your paycheck for taxes. To learn more about how to fill out a W4 and when to fill out a new one, click here.

Return to top

Debt and money management

As you probably know, it's very easy to get into debt but much harder to get out of it. Fortunately, there are some great resources out there to help you make a plan, manage your debt, and meet your money goals. These resources are usually offered by a community organization in your area. Some helpful resources:

• Debt Advice
• Beehive
• Institute for Debt Relief, Tel: (877) 833-5227

For more info on debt and money management, click here.

Want to really learn how to plan for financial success? Consider taking one of the free money management courses offered by the City of Chicago. For more information on these free six week courses, click here.

Return to top

Tax time

If you've filed your taxes before, you know it can be confusing, time consuming and sometimes expensive. That's why the Center offers free tax preparation to anyone who qualifies. We make sure to help you claim every tax credit you're eligible for and even offer you ways to save some of your refund for a rainy day. Learn more about this free service.

Return to top

Banking

In this day and age, you need to have a bank account. A good bank account can help you conveniently keep your money safe, build your credit, help you track your spending habits and even earn interest. At the Center, we work hand in hand with many Illinois banks, making sure to bring you only the bank accounts that are the best for you. For more information on banking and getting an account, click here.