Mount Vernon FEC Expands Financial Services to Include Free Legacy Planning Program
The City of Mount Vernon, in partnership with Westchester County and the national nonprofit Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund (CFE Fund), is now offering free one-on-one legacy planning services through the Mount Vernon Financial Empowerment Center (MVFEC) located at the Mount Vernon Career Center. Residents can now receive personalized guidance on creating wills, establishing powers of attorney, adding beneficiaries, and other essential steps to protect their assets and secure their family’s financial future—at no cost.
Professionally trained counselors at the MVFEC provide one-on-one guidance to help individuals and families with low and moderate incomes manage their finances, pay down debt, increase savings, build credit, access safe and affordable banking products—and now, protect and preserve their assets. Nearly 70% of Americans lack a will or broader legacy plan, despite owning valuable assets like homes, savings accounts, and retirement funds.
The launch event included a panel discussion where the panelists and audience members touched on important topics like trust and being transparent; adding financial health to our other health priorities such as mental, physical, spiritual, and community; and the burdens of the “working poor.”
OJ Yizar, Career Center Manager said: “All of the panelists here today are connected to a lot of people because you’re a community member, a leader, an activist, or belong to a faith-based organization. I believe it starts with us in this room being transparent and talking to our friends and family about the need for financial counseling. Admitting where we struggle with money is hard—many of us hide our financial weaknesses, and as a result, the next generation believes they’re alone in their struggles.”
To find out more about confidential financial counseling and/or to make a free appointment go to mountvernonfec.org
