Money tips and financial education
Practical, California specific advice to help you budget smarter, save more and make confident money decisions. 12 free guides, written in plain language.
Need Money Fast? 15 Ways to Get Cash Today
Real ways to get cash fast in California, sorted by how quickly the money shows up, with what each one costs.
Read the guideBudgeting and saving
Simple strategies to stretch your paycheck further and build a financial safety net.
Need Money Fast? 15 Ways to Get Cash Today
Real ways to get cash fast in California, sorted by how quickly the money shows up, with what each one costs.
Read the guide
Need Help Paying Rent? 14 Ways to Get Help in California
Behind on rent or about to be? Real ways to get help in California, starting with the ones that work fastest.
Read the guide
Need Help Paying Your Electric Bill? 13 Ways to Get Help in California
Behind on your electric bill or worried about a shutoff? How to get help fast, then lower every bill after.
Read the guide
The 50/30/20 Budget Rule: 14 Steps to Make It Work in California
How the rule works with a $3,000 example, how to adjust it for California rent, and how to make it stick.
Read the guide
How to Build an Emergency Fund on a Tight Budget
Start with a $500 goal, save automatically every payday, and use tax time to give your fund a big boost.
Read the guide
How to Save Money Every Month: 15 Ways
California bill discounts, food and health help, tax credits and simple habits that add up every month.
Read the guideUnderstanding payday loans
Know how payday loans work, what they cost, and how to use them responsibly.
How Payday Loans Work in California: 12 Things to Know
How much you can borrow, how the fee works, when you get the money and how you repay, step by step.
Read the guide
13 Tips to Borrow a Payday Loan Responsibly
Check the lender, see every fee first, borrow only what you need and plan your payment.
Read the guide
15 Payday Loan Alternatives in California
Payment plans, credit union loans, 211 and bill help, plus when a short term loan makes sense.
Read the guideCredit and smart money
Build your financial knowledge, from understanding credit scores to setting long term goals.
How to Improve Your Credit Score: 15 Ways That Work
Free weekly credit reports, fixing mistakes, low card balances and simple ways to build credit from scratch.
Read the guide
How to Manage Debt: 15 Ways to Get Back on Track
Pick a payoff plan, ask for lower payments, and find free help from nonprofit credit counselors.
Read the guide
How to Set Financial Goals: 15 Steps to a Plan You Will Keep
Start with where your money goes, set goals that fit, and build them in the right order, one step at a time.
Read the guide