Financial Literacy
Community Action of South Mississippi offers free financial literacy workshops and resources to help you take control of your money. Whether you are working to pay down bills, build credit, manage debt, or start saving, our workshops and self-guided tools can help you take the next step toward financial stability.
Workshops are scheduled throughout the year at no cost. Registration is available through our Facebook page and website. All workshops use materials from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, a federal agency dedicated to helping people make informed financial decisions.
Free Financial Booklets
These interactive booklets from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau cover common financial challenges. Each one includes practical worksheets and action plans you can use on your own or during a workshop.
Published by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)
Behind on Bills? Start with One Step.
Feeling overwhelmed by bills? This booklet helps you create a plan to get caught up and stay on track.
- Create an action plan for your bills
- Track and manage income and spending
- Prioritize bills and expenses
- Understand your rights with debt collectors
Want Credit to Work for You? Start with These Steps.
Understanding credit can open doors. This booklet walks you through building, improving, and protecting your credit.
- Order and review your credit reports
- Dispute errors on your credit report
- Plan how to establish or build credit
- Respond to identity theft
Debt Getting in Your Way? Get a Handle on It.
Debt can feel overwhelming, but small steps add up. This booklet helps you understand what you owe and make a plan to pay it down.
- Get a full picture of existing debt
- Order a credit report
- Prioritize debts and set repayment goals
- Plan how to avoid additional debt
Building Your Savings? Start with Small Goals.
Saving money starts with small, realistic goals. This booklet gives you tools to plan for emergencies, set goals, and find the right place for your savings.
- Prioritize and set savings goals
- Prepare for unexpected expenses
- Find the right place for your savings
- Make the most of a tax refund
Online Financial Tools
These free resources from trusted federal agencies and national organizations can help you learn about money management, credit, debt, and banking at your own pace.
Featured Resource
FDIC Money Smart Games
Interactive games from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation that teach financial skills to adults and children. A fun, hands-on way to practice budgeting, saving, and making smart money decisions.
Banking and Financial Services
FDIC: New to Banking
Resources for people who are opening their first bank account or looking for safe, affordable banking options.
fdic.gov — opens in new tab
Credit Builders Alliance
A national nonprofit marketplace connecting people with credit building products and safe financial services.
creditbuildersalliance.org — opens in new tab
Know Your Rights
CFPB: Debt Collection Rules
Understand how federal debt collection rules protect you and what debt collectors can and cannot do.
consumerfinance.gov — opens in new tab
CFPB: Garnishments
Learn what wage garnishment is, when it can happen, and what protections are available to you under federal law.
consumerfinance.gov — opens in new tab
CFPB: Know Your Rights
A complete guide to your rights when dealing with debt collectors, including what to do if you are contacted about a debt.
consumerfinance.gov — opens in new tab
CFPB: Financial Well-Being Scale
Take a quick self-assessment to measure your financial well-being and get personalized next steps for improvement.
consumerfinance.gov — opens in new tab
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Whether you want to attend a workshop or explore resources on your own, CASOMS is here to help you build the financial skills you need. Contact us to learn about upcoming workshops or explore our other community services.
Or call us directly at (228) 769-3292