Financial Literacy

Loan and Financial Education Program

Serving Lower Fairfield County

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Are you struggling to pay your bills each month? Feeling overwhelmed by your finances and have no idea where to start? Catholic Charities Loan and Financial Education program has been serving the community for over 20 years. We serve all people without regard to age, race, or religion. We are dedicated to providing free financial education and budgeting services to those who are socioeconomically disadvantaged. Our caring and experienced counselors will work with you one-on-one to develop a personalized budget, offer tips on how to save money, and provide resources for achieving your financial goals. Investing in your financial well-being has never been more important. Don’t let fear or financial stress hold you back any longer.

Loans are available to qualified applicants for cars, Immigration fees, childcare costs, home repairs, job training, school tuition, and other unplanned expenses. Loans are issued to a third party and cannot be used for past due bills or outstanding debt. (Low interest loans take an average of 4 to 6 weeks for approval.)

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Services

• Personalized budgeting advice
• Helpful financial education and resource materials
• One-on-one support during the loan process
• Access to loans up to $10,000 at a low 5.5% interest rate regardless of a bad credit score of no credit history. The interest rate on the loan never changes.

• Flexible loan repayment schedule
• Referral to other community resources
• Peace of mind provided by Catholic Charities, one of the largest and oldest social service providers in Connecticut

Who to Contact

Diane Barston, Manager
203-767-4854
LFED@ccfc-ct.org

Location

120 East Avenue 2nd Floor
Norwalk, CT 06851
(Located across the street from Norwalk City Hall)

Program Hours

Monday-Friday
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (please call or email for an appointment)

In addition to our Norwalk location, we also offer Family Loan Program services in Danbury. Learn more about our Danbury location here.

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Testimonials

At this time in my life it seems that a rain storm started and kept going. One day I decided to reach out for help which is a hard thing to do, and where do you start? I was referred to Catholic Charities and then I met Diane Barston. Another blessing!! As soon as I spoke with her, I felt safe and I was in good hands. This loan helped me to be able to get on my feet to meet more than one goal. Financial stability, safety for my family and overall better quality of life.

Charlotte

Loan and Financial Education Program Client

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The Latest Financial News

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Important Documents and Information

Need cash quick? A payday loan may not be in your best interest

With the holiday season approaching, you might be looking for extra funds to cover things like gifts and trips. But if you’re planning to borrow the money, make sure a payday loan isn’t your first — or only — choice.

Federal Trade Commission Consumer Advice

LFED Application and Intake Form

Making A Budget

Personal Budget Worksheet

Loan and Financial Education Program in the news:

Medical Debt Removed from Consumer Credit Reports

Today’s final rule will remove $49 billion in unpaid medical bills from the credit reports of 15 million Americans. In addition, the Vice President is announcing that States and Localities have already Eliminated Over $1 Billion in Medical Debt Thanks to Biden-Harris Administration Support

Understanding Credit Seminar for Spanish-speaking clients

Catholic Charities Loan and Financial Education Program recently hosted an in-person financial literacy seminar, Understanding Credit, in their Norwalk Family Center. The class was designed to meet the needs of Spanish-speaking students who often feel more comfortable learning in their native language.

Program funds generously provided by:

This program was made possible [in part] by Fairfield County’s Community Foundation and United Way of Coastal and Western Connecticut.