Taxes, Cash & Savings · Surprise rank #302
Don’t Pay for a Financial Coach—NYC Gives Residents Free One-on-One Financial Counseling
NYC Financial Empowerment Centers
Who
Adults who live or work in New York City.
Where: New York City.
What to do
Start here: Book an appointment through NYC DCWP or call 311.
Eligibility: You must be at least 18 and live or work in NYC; income and immigration status do not matter.
What you get
NYC Financial Empowerment Centers provide free, confidential, one-on-one financial counseling and coaching.
Benefit: Counseling on budgeting, credit, debt, banking, student loans, disability benefits, and related financial goals.
Possible value: The service is coaching, not a cash grant or debt cancellation.
Good to know
Important: Counselors can help build a plan, but they cannot guarantee a lender, credit-score change, or benefit approval.
Availability: Current NYC program; sessions may be in person or by phone and offered in preferred languages.
Why people miss it: Many people assume financial coaching is paid or only for people with high income.
Sources reviewed: Aug 10, 2026