Starting Now

Who We Serve

We are deeply committed to empowering individuals from all walks of life, with a special focus on underserved communities, women, and veterans. Our mission is to provide the critical tools and support necessary to help these groups achieve financial stability and success through personalized credit and housing counseling, as well as comprehensive financial and homebuyer education.

Customized Support for Diverse Communities

At Starting Now, we recognize that underserved communities, women, and veterans face unique challenges on their financial journeys. Our approach is tailored to address these specific needs, offering personalized credit and housing counseling alongside financial and homebuyer education designed to build strong financial foundations. By focusing on these groups, we are making a significant impact where it’s needed most, guiding our clients through the complexities of credit management and housing finance, and keeping them on track to reach their financial goals.

Our Impact: Diverse and Far-Reaching

Our clients represent the heart of America’s working class. With 35% identifying as Hispanic or Latino, 44% as African American, and 49.6% as women, our reach is as diverse as it is impactful. Furthermore, with 49.3% of our clients being unmarried and 28% earning less than $50,000 annually, our program serves as a vital lifeline for those on the financial edge. These are the families striving for a better future, and our program is the bridge to that future.

Turning Aspirations into Reality

Starting Now is dedicated to turning financial aspirations into reality for those we serve. Our personalized credit and housing counseling, coupled with financial and homebuyer education programs, are designed to help individuals build better futures. Whether they are aiming to qualify for a mortgage, purchase a car, or enhance their overall financial wellness, our services empower clients to take control of their financial destinies and achieve the stability and success they deserve. Every step forward is a testament to their resilience and our shared commitment to fostering a brighter financial future for all.

Empowering
Underserved communities

Empowering Underserved Communities

 

Credit counseling is essential in underserved communities, where financial literacy and access to credit often lag behind national averages. According to the Urban Institute, homeownership rates among minority communities are significantly lower, with African American homeownership at 44.1% and Hispanic homeownership at 49.1% compared to 74.5% for white households. This disparity highlights the urgent need for targeted financial education and credit improvement strategies. 

Credit coaching provides individuals with the tools and knowledge to manage their debts, improve their credit scores, and make informed financial decisions, which are critical steps toward achieving homeownership and long-term financial stability. By offering personalized guidance and support, credit coaching empowers individuals to overcome financial barriers, increase their creditworthiness, and secure the economic benefits of homeownership, thereby fostering more equitable financial opportunities within these communities .

 

Sources:

*Urban Institute. “The Black-White Homeownership Gap: Research Trends and Why It Matters.” Accessed July 10, 2024. Urban Institute. “Hispanic Homeownership: Accomplishments, Challenges, and Opportunities.” Accessed July 10, 2024.

Empowering Veterans

Credit counseling is crucial for veterans, many of whom face unique financial challenges as they transition to civilian life. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, while the overall homeownership rate among veterans is higher than the national average at 76%, veterans still face significant hurdles, including higher rates of unemployment and underemployment compared to their civilian counterparts. Additionally, a report by the National Low Income Housing Coalition found that nearly 1.4 million veterans live in poverty, and approximately 38,000 veterans are homeless on any given night. These statistics underscore the importance of providing veterans with targeted financial education and credit improvement strategies.

Credit coaching helps veterans manage their debts, improve their credit scores, and navigate the complexities of financial systems, enabling them to achieve homeownership and long-term financial security. By offering personalized support, credit coaching empowers veterans to overcome financial barriers, enhance their creditworthiness, and secure stable housing, thereby contributing to their overall well-being and economic stability.

 

Sources:

*U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. “VA Home Loan Guaranty Program: Annual Benefits Report Fiscal Year 2023.”
National Low Income Housing Coalition. “Out of Reach 2023: The High Cost of Housing.”

Helping veterans manage their finances | Starting Now Corporation
Women

Empowering Women

Credit counseling is particularly vital for women, who often face distinct financial challenges and disparities. According to the National Association of Realtors, the homeownership rate for single women was 19.4% in 2023, compared to 29.2% for single men, highlighting a significant gender gap in homeownership. Additionally, the U.S. Census Bureau reports that women generally earn less than men, with women earning approximately 82 cents for every dollar earned by men, which can hinder their ability to save for down payments and secure favorable mortgage terms. These statistics emphasize the need for targeted financial education and credit improvement strategies tailored for women. Credit coaching provides women with the necessary tools to manage their debts, improve their credit scores, and make informed financial decisions.
 
By offering personalized guidance and support, credit coaching empowers women to overcome financial barriers, enhance their creditworthiness, and achieve the economic benefits of homeownership, ultimately fostering greater financial independence and stability.
Sources: *National Association of Realtors. “2023 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers.” U.S. Census Bureau. “Income and Poverty in the United States: 2022.”

Empowering Individuals from All Walks of Life