Tax and Financial Planning Programs at The Women’s Center

It might surprise some people to learn that, in addition to its other services, The Women’s Center provides a multitude of resources relating to personal finances. The Center’s Tax and Financial Planning Workshops and Programs are designed to help people expand their financial acumen and to serve as a resource for those in our community. These programs are applicable to people of all levels of current financial knowledge and situations. Midway through National Financial Literacy Month, this blog spotlights the tax and financial planning services offered through The Women’s Center.*

For many of us, tax season heralds an annual self-resolution to improve our financial literacy and budgetary rigor for the coming year. Unfortunately, most of us abandon this commitment shortly after taxes are filed. 

Knowing how to set financial goals, maintain budgets, and navigate financial decisions aren’t simply topics for filing taxes – they’re critical life skills year-in and year-out, particularly during unplanned life events. 

Personal finance enablement and resources for all

To empower the financial literacy of members within our community, The Women’s Center offers group workshops and seminars as well as one-on-one planning sessions. There are a variety of reasons why many people can benefit from the financial services programs offered by The Women’s Center. These include:

• Straightforward ways to increase your overall financial knowledge – both for general decision-making as well as proactive planning and readiness for specific topics. 
• Easy access to resources and contacts related to taxes, personal finance, and related topics. 
• Many people realize the importance –but often don’t pay proper attention to – their personal finances and often neglect essential processes, such as budgeting, tax planning, and retirement.
• Sometimes, one person in a relationship ends up managing all the finances. When that situation changes, the other person often finds themself overwhelmed and unprepared. 
• A major life change might include divorce. When this happens, many people find themselves blindsided and unsure of what they even need before working with an attorney. The Women’s Center has workshops and resources specific to this topic. 
• Finally, personal finance is such a broad and important topic that there is always more to learn and discuss. 

Workshops and seminars on a range of financial topics*

The Center’s goal is to empower people with a strong understanding of financial concepts and strategies to make informed decisions, especially during significant life events such as going to college or retirement.

• Divorce is often a significant life event that can be both emotionally and practically challenging that involves a significant amount of change and transition. Individuals may need to adjust to living alone and managing their finances independently.   
• Considering how expensive a college education can be, understanding the various types of loans and financial aid available, as well as the potential long-term impact of taking on debt, is critical to making smart decisions.
• Investing is a powerful tool for building wealth over time, but it can also be risky if not approached with care. Making a profit and avoiding costly mistakes requires the knowledge of at least the basics of investing. 
• Without grasping concepts like retirement savings, social security benefits, and pension plans, it can be hard to create a solid retirement plan.
• Individuals who have experienced an abusive or controlling relationship may face unique financial challenges and barriers to achieving financial independence and taking control of their lives.

All of these topics are covered by The Center’s workshops or resources. Experienced subject-matter-experts working in the financial community lead one of The Center’s most popular workshops called “Money Matters.” This topic covers foundational topics such as budgeting and basic financial planning skills.  Future workshop topics can be found on The Center’s Legal and Financial Services Page. 

Free one-on-one session with a financial expert

The Center also offers a free one-hour planning session with a financial advisor, which is usually scheduled on Saturdays (either via Zoom or in-person at The Women’s Center Vienna, VA location). These sessions tackle a wide variety of topics, customized for the attendee, and usually start with specific financial questions brought up by participants, such as planning for a child’s future college costs or understanding nuances related to military and government retirement and pension programs. The best way to learn more is to either call the main line at The Women’s Center Vienna location (703) 281-2657 or email vkinsman@thewomenscenter.org.

The Tax and Financial Services programs offered by The Women’s Center are among the most popular activities. The Center is continually building content and topics related to this. For 2023 and 2024, we are planning on bringing on additional subject-matter-experts such as certified public accountants, and adding topics relating to career counseling, entrepreneurship, and other focused areas. 

For more information on Career Advice and Tax and Financial Services programs offered by The Women’s Center, please visit our Legal and Financial Services Web Page as well as our newsletter and Upcoming Events Page.  

*Please note:  There are admission fees for joining many of the Tax and Financial Services Workshops. The admission fee amount varies by workshop.