On March 29, Possible and the Orlando Magic hosted Full-Court Finance, a free, in-person financial education event at the Kia Center. With multiple sessions, 60+ guests including our friends from nonprofit partners United Against Poverty Orlando and New Image Youth Center, it was a fun time. Here’s the event recap.
Inside Orlando's free financial literacy class: credit scores, budgeting and a live Q&A
Ellen Falbo, Possible's Chief Credit Officer, led all sessions. Each included a 45-minute Credit & Budgeting 101 class and a 15-minute open Q&A. You may recognize Ellen from our Credit Corner video series.
Ellen covered how credit scores are calculated, how to read a credit report and how to build a working budget. During the Q&A, attendees got expert answers about debt payoff strategies, rebuilding credit after financial setbacks and budgeting on inconsistent income.
Kids didn’t miss out on the fun: the Orlando Magic hosted a free basketball clinic and coloring stations on the practice court for ages 3+.
Magic Community Ambassador, Bo Outlaw, stopped by the classroom and the practice court for some fun, a meet-and-greet, and a conversation about the importance of financial education.
Free financial education for Orlando nonprofits: United Against Poverty Orlando and New Image Youth Center
Local nonprofit partners, United Against Poverty Orlando and New Image Youth Center, brought their communities to the event. Both organizations work with Orlando families on economic mobility and youth development—exactly the local community this class was designed for. Grocery boxes were provided during the sessions, packed by volunteers with United Against Poverty Orlando.
“When we can have that conversation with our families and individuals about, what does it mean to be financially stable and healthy, then you don't have to worry because when you're worrying about money, stress comes," says Sharda Jetwani Love, Director of Programs at United Against Poverty Orlando. "So, financial literacy means just to be able to breathe knowing that when you know better, you do better."
How to improve your credit score and build a budget: tips from Ellen's class
Check your credit report. It's free at AnnualCreditReport.com, with one report per bureau per year from Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. It's the starting point for anything else you want to do with your credit.
Your credit score reflects your history, not your potential. Payment history, credit utilization and account age are the main factors. All of them can be improved over time with consistent action.
Start your budget with two numbers. What comes in. What goes out. Everything else—categories, targets, savings goals—builds from there. Complexity can come later; accuracy comes first.
Free credit and budgeting resources from class
All the tools, templates and links Ellen referenced are right here.
Thanks for being a part of Full-Court Finance and our mission to make financial health Possible. 🟦
