If you’re interested in this program and you live within our service area, please visit one of our Career Centers to meet with a Goodwill team member who can help you get started. Our Career Centers are open Monday – Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. No appointment necessary.
Financial Basics Workshop
Goodwill and Common Wealth Charlotte have partnered together to offer a free Financial Basics class to the community. If you have questions about budgeting, setting financial goals, credit, and investing, this may be the class for you! Financial Basics is offered over the course of three days, and class meets one hour per day.
2025 Workshop Dates
| Class Dates | Class Time | Delivery |
| January 14 – 16 | 10 – 11 a.m. or 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. | Virtual |
| February 11 – 13 | 10 – 11 a.m. | Virtual |
| March 11 – 13 | 10 – 11 a.m. | Virtual |
Course Format
JANUARY 14 – 16 & FEBRUARY 11 – 13
Day 1: Financial Empowerment
This is CWC’s signature and foundational workshop! In this power-packed session, you will learn how habits and behaviors impact financial success. You will also learn how your pay cycle determines how you should prioritize your monthly bills, the importance of creating and maintaining a conscious spending plan, the importance of saving, methods to build an emergency fund and save for future goals, the basics of credit and credit scores, and how to manage debt responsibly and avoid predatory credit products.
Day 2: Financial Goal Setting
Unlock your potential and take control of your financial future with this comprehensive workshop, designed for individuals eager to set and achieve their financial goals. This engaging and interactive session will guide you through the essential steps of making written and clear S.M.A.R.T.(E.R.) goals. Setting goals is one thing, but evaluating and reviewing them regularly to ensure you make informed decisions and stay on track is another. Your future self will thank you for taking charge of your financial destiny!
Day 3: Tax Season
You don’t have to dread tax season. Instead, spend an hour learning the basics of tax preparation – from who can file and what the IRS needs, what a filing status is, the types of returns and more. You’ll come away with information on standard deductions and who can take advantage of them, and how to get your largest refund.
MARCH 11 – 13
Day 1: Financial Empowerment
This is CWC’s signature and foundational workshop! In this power-packed session, you will learn how habits and behaviors impact financial success. You will also learn how your pay cycle determines how you should prioritize your monthly bills, the importance of creating and maintaining a conscious spending plan, the importance of saving, methods to build an emergency fund and save for future goals, the basics of credit and credit scores, and how to manage debt responsibly and avoid predatory credit products.
Day 2: Mastering Advanced Credit Strategies
Are you ready to elevate your understanding of credit? This workshop is perfect for individuals with a basic understanding of credit who are looking to deepen their knowledge. During this dynamic one-hour session, you will learn how to optimize credit utilization for your benefit, discover the hidden factors affecting your credit score, and learn how to maximize your credit score for lower interest rates and better financial opportunities. Take control of your financial future by mastering the credit game.
Day 3: Tax Season
You don’t have to dread tax season. Instead, spend an hour learning the basics of tax preparation – from who can file and what the IRS needs, what a filing status is, the types of returns and more. You’ll come away with information on standard deductions and who can take advantage of them, and how to get your largest refund.
Prerequisite
There are no prerequisites for this workshop.
