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February is Black History Month. Oregon’s Black community has been a vital and resilient part of our state’s history despite discriminatory barriers such as exclusion laws and real estate redlining that hurt wealth-building.
This month, we recognize community organizations who are empowering Black and underserved communities. Organizations like Micro Enterprise Services of Oregon (MESO), Self Enhancement Inc., and Urban League of Portland are addressing structural inequities and offering financial health programming.
They also offer classes, some of which you can find in our new statewide Financially Fit Oregon community calendar. Among the many listed events: a free session at MESO about getting recognized as a “COBID” woman- or minority-owned business.
Want to learn how money can work for you? Visit the calendar to easily find webinars, meetings, and clinics in your community, presented by our many trusted education, government, nonprofit, and financial partners.
- Elizabeth Steiner, MD, Oregon State Treasurer
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 Don’t make yourself an easy mark with a weak password.
Fraudsters are working overtime to steal your money online. “Building Digital Safety Skills,” a new all-ages consumer protection comic-and-coloring book from Oregon Consumer Justice, covers password security and scam red flags. Other editions cover car buying and debt collection.
Find them online in Spanish or English, or order a free copy by mail.
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Know your rights when it comes to homeowner's insurance
Homeowners insurance is meant to protect you and help you recover from losses. The Homeowners Bill of Rights from the Oregon Division of Financial Regulation spells out key protections, including that insurers can’t raise your rates if your credit rating drops, companies can’t cancel coverage for the first claim in five years, and you have the right to use any contractor for repairs.
Tax time: Find free help near you
You don’t have to file on your own. Nonprofits like AARP and CASH Oregon offer free one-on-one help for low- and middle-income filers -- and can make sure you’re getting all the refunds you’re owed. Spots fill fast, so sign up soon.
Tax saving tip: You can still save in an Embark account for future education costs and qualify for an Oregon 2025 refundable income tax credit.
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Don’t get chilled by solar scams
Solar power can save you money but scammers are following the boom. Complaints are climbing in early 2026, with scammers going door-to-door pretending to be utility employees. At least one company billed customers before abruptly shutting down.
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Oregon Financial Empowerment Roundup
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