|
Across Oregon, “getting by” feels hard for many people right now. From Astoria to Ashland to Athena, high inflation, trade wars and other reckless decisions in Washington DC are straining family budgets. Too many families are struggling to figure out how to pay for gas, food, and health care.
Managing money in difficult times can lead to tough choices, and many Oregonians are looking for places to turn to for answers or assistance.
Developed by the Oregon State Treasury and Oregon’s Jump$tart Coalition, the “Financial Wellness” directory on the state’s 211info hotline and database connects Oregonians to community resources for financial education materials including managing debt. It’s a free service, accessible in more than a dozen languages, and links to resources in your region. Among them are financial coaching, credit building, opening bank or credit union accounts, foreclosure prevention, and help for people with disabilities.
I know these resources won’t bring down the price of gas, milk, or skyrocketing health premiums. But at a time when many Oregon families are straining to keep their heads above water, it’s good to know there are some lifelines you can reach out to.
Please visit and spread the word. Also, if your organization helps the public, please include your nonprofit on 211info.
- Elizabeth Steiner, MD, Oregon State Treasurer
|
|
|
 The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation (DFR) is warning consumers that artificial intelligence is making it easier for fraudsters to create convincing investment pitches, websites, videos, and messages.
AI tools can help you learn about investing and financial products, but bad actors are increasingly using technology to mislead potential victims, said Oregon Insurance Commissioner and DFR Administrator TK Keen.
“Consumers should slow down, independently verify who they are dealing with, and never let pressure or fear of missing out drive an investment decision,” he said.
|
|
Start early, get $100: Bilingual baby shower helps celebrate “Baby Grad” jumpstart
At a McMinnville community baby shower, Treasurer Steiner and the director of Oregon’s Department of Early Learning and Care celebrated Oregon’s “Baby Grad” bonus which gives babies statewide $100 toward their education futures through the state’s Embark savings plan.
Owed tax returns from past years? Get missed refunds for free
It’s like a tax refund time machine. If you’re due refunds and don’t owe taxes, you can file or re-file taxes for the past three years, without penalty. One valuable example: The Earned Income Tax Credit can be worth more than $1,000.
Oregon program helps seniors, people with disabilities to manage finances
Does a loved one need help budgeting? One-on-one services are available for Oregonians who are aging or are living with disabilities, and who cannot manage their finances. The Oregon Money Management Program is available to everyone, regardless of income.
Every eligible Oregon child now has a 530A account. What now?
To help kids build assets, children were automatically enrolled in federal 530A accounts, also known as Trump accounts, as of Oct. 1. Children up to age 10 in most Oregon zip codes will receive $250. People with babies born between 2025 and 2028 must file through the IRS for an additional one-time $1,000 contribution from the federal government.
 Financial education is one of the close-to-home resources you can find through 211info. When Oregonians take a financial education class, they tend to save more and stress less. In the 2025 financial wellness survey, 56% of Oregonians said they’ve completed a class or program, an increase over previous years.
|
|
-
Watch your mail! Oregon’s Unclaimed Property Division is sending almost $8 million as part of the 2026 “Checks Without Claims” initiative. Do you have unclaimed assets?
-
Resources for your community: You can request brochures or schedule a presentation to learn more about Upward Oregon’s savings programs like Embark and OregonSaves.
-
The newly updated U.S. Financial Literacy and Education Commission national strategy prioritizes youth financial learning, saving and investing, digital media literacy and scam prevention.
-
Need insurance? Be wary of low-cost and unlicensed health plans that cover few services, the Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services says.
-
Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield sued and protected funding for the federal Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, which fielded 8,800 Oregon complaints in 2024.
-
Teachers: Oregon-based Financial Beginnings’ Educator Training Center offers free training, turnkey curriculum, and practical resources.
-
Hiring for a project? The Oregon Construction Contractors Board lets you verify contractors are licensed.
-
Nonprofit Oregon Consumer Justice has released its 2026 consumer survey, which found that lack of affordability continues to strain budgets and savings.
-
Do you have customer service suggestions for state tax collectors? The Department of Revenue will host listening webinars on Oct. 21 at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m.
-
The RE: Conference on Oct 27-28 in Salem will encourage conversations and solutions to economic, racial and housing injustice.
-
Scam: A “Veterans Savings Program” postcard promises extra benefits yet the program doesn’t actually exist, says the U.S. Federal Trade Commission.
-
Scam: The government also warns that fraudsters are selling (fake) equipment to farmers.
-
Survey: Do you run a small business? The Federal Reserve would like to know your recent experiences seeking and obtaining credit.
-
The U.S. Internal Revenue Service has unveiled a new free app to access tools and tax information on mobile devices.
|
|
Helpful Resources and Tools
Featured Partners
|
|
|
|
|
