Financial Empowerment

Tools & Resources to achieve your financial goals

Everyone needs a little help to manage their finances. It doesn’t matter if you’re living paycheck to paycheck or earning six-figures a year, you need to know where your money is going, set achievable financial goals and manage your credit and debt wisely. The tools and resources on this page will help you do just that!

Most of the resources are provided through links to other organizations that provide useful information and services. The Red Tab Foundation has reviewed the content for quality and relevance, but does not control the content of these websites. The information is mostly applicable to United States residents. A webpage applicable to non-U.S. residents is in development.

Don’t know where to begin? Start by doing a quick self assessment.

What would you like to do?

Brush up on basic fundamentals
Get in touch with a certified credit counselor
Learn how to get debt free with a Debt Management Plan
View upcoming webinars
Watch a short video
Enroll in a comprehensive e-learning course
Access more popular tools and resources

The four fundamentals:

Budgeting – The foundation of every financial plan!
Debt – Learn how to reduce and manage your debt!
Credit – Obtain and understand your credit report and score, and take steps to improve your credit!
Savings – Build your savings and assets to secure your future!
- Budgeting
  
  Set financial goals
  Create a spending plan
  Money management tips
- Debt
  
  Assess your debt
  Reduce your debt
  Alternatives to bankruptcy
- Credit
  
  Track your credit score - for free!
  Tips on keeping a good credit score
- Savings
  
  Start saving today!
  Saving for a big purchase
  Savings goal calculator
  Matched Savings Accounts- Free money!
  Retirement: Planning for retirement
  Retirement: Overview of ESIP (for LS&Co. Home Office employees only)
- Get in touch with a certified credit counselor
  LS&Co. employees and retirees can receive free financial counseling services for budget, credit, debt, housing and other financial issues. Counselors are available by telephone 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. All counseling sessions are confidential.
  
  There are two recommended organizations that provide this service: Money Management International (MMI) and Lifeworks.
  
  MMI (retirees, CSC and retail store employees): (866) 515-2227
  
  LifeWorks (home office employees): (888) 456-1324
- Learn how to get debt free with a Debt Management Plan
  A Debt Management Plan (DMP) is one way to resolve your credit problems and repay your debt. A DMP consolidates all of your unsecured debts (e.g. credit cards, medical bills, etc.) into one convenient monthly deposit which is disbursed to each of your creditors.
  
  To learn more, contact Money Management International (a nonprofit organization) at (866) 515-2227.
- Webinars
  Attend class from the comfort of your own home! These 60-90 minute online seminars provide guidance on a variety of financial topics.
  Click here!
- Videos
  These short video clips are designed to help you make better financial decisions on a wide range of topics.
  Learn more!
- Mind Your Finances – eLearning
  This is the total package! This self-guided program will empower you to take charge of your finances.
- Learning tools and resources
  Have a great idea or resource not already listed? Let us know! Taxes
  Nationwide free tax preparation
  Make the most out of your tax refund
  5 reasons to avoid instant tax refunds Housing
  Find affordable housing
  Steps to help avoid foreclosure Medical
  Get help with medical debts Payday loans and other services to avoid
  Payday loans
  Car title loans
  Instant tax refunds
  Cost of using a check casher / money order
  Alternatives to check cashing and payday loans Misc.
  Prepare for major life events
  Create a financial crisis plan
  Apply for food stamps
  Collect child support
  Leasing vs buying a car
  Debt collection - frequently asked questions