Income

According to an analysis of the Survey of Income and Program Participation of the Bureau of Labor Statistics, only 37% of lower-income working families have a checking or savings account with at least $300 saved. Though that may not immediately sound shocking, $300 is the average amount needed for a single typical family emergency. For practical purposes, it means that too many families are living perilously close to homelessness.

Increasing income, building savings and gaining and sustaining assets are all key steps for individuals and families to reach and maintain financial stability, and will ultimately help them be more productive members and contributors to the community. Before we can help residents increase their income, build savings and sustain assets, however, we must make sure they have the basic personal banking skills necessary to be successful. To this end, United Way is using the Money Talks for Teens curriculum to bring financial literacy awareness to students. Please visit the Money Talks for Teens page for additional details.

Because people work hard for their money and need resources at their fingertips to help them save and maximize their dollars to the fullest, United Way works with Community Action Partnership of San Luis Obispo County to bring the free Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program to local residents.  VITA trains volunteers to help low income, elderly, disabled and limited English speaking clients prepare their basic tax returns.  These volunteers are certified by the Internal Revenue Service and identify special credits that can be utilized, enabling families and individuals to get the most out of their annual returns. Check out the VITA link below for more information.

In conjunction with our other programs, United Way of SLO County is also distributing FamilyWize Prescription Drug Discount Cards and Coast2Coast Rx Prescription Drug Discount Cards to anyone who does not have health insurance or needs medication not covered by their insurance. With rising prescription and healthcare costs, the FamilyWize and Coast2Coast Rx cards help families and individuals save money that can instead be used for other daily necessities. While the cards cannot be combined, families or individuals can ask a participating pharmacy to use the card that gives the greatest discount. Use the links below to download Coast2Coast Rx and FamilyWize prescription drug discount cards.

Money Talks for Teens

FamilyWize

Coast2Coast Rx

VITA

	Learn How Lance lives united. (audio PSA)
Lance Parker, United Way Board Member and Finance Committee Member