COMMON
WEALTH
ATHENS
financial education done differently
At the heart of our work is a deep respect for your lived experience and your financial goals. We use a goals driven approach, putting you back in control of your finances.We offer personalized, judgment-free support through one-on-one counseling and practical classes. Our goal is to replace anxiety, uncertainty, and discouragement with empowerment, understanding, and peace of mind so you leave feeling better, more informed, and more in control than when you came in.
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​The Ark offers the following financial education services on an on-going basis. Each topic can be offered in a class setting or in a one-on-one counseling session, whichever is your preference!
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Set goals with money that are Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relative, and Time-bound. Have a financial goal in mind but have no idea where to start? Let's work together to make that dream a reality!
Create a budget that is goals-based rather than numbers based. At the end of the day, you are a person, not a number. If the thought of creating a budget stresses you out, this is a great place to start!
Some loans in Georgia can carry interest rates as high as 300%—even though the legal cap is 60% APR. In this workshop, you’ll learn how to spot predatory loans like payday and title pawn products, understand how they operate, and explore safer, more affordable alternatives.
Set goals with money that are Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relative, and Time-bound. Have a financial goal in mind but have no idea where to start? Let's work together to make that dream a reality!
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Are you interested in free financial planning? book your appointment today!
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*Financial education inquiries only. For financial assistance requests, please click here.
meet stephanie
Stephanie Cockfield is the Ark's Financial Education Director. She has a bachelor's degree in Family Financial Planning from UGA and has been providing financial planning services to low-income families in Athens-Clarke County and surrounding counties for over 12 years.
Stephanie first came to the Ark as a volunteer offering one-on-one budget counseling to neighbors as they came in for assistance. It was then that she began to notice the lack of financial education resources available for families living at or below the poverty level, so she decided to create her own curriculum designed specifically to educate, elevate, and empower low-income families.
"I believe financial education and financial planning should be affordable and accessible to people of all income levels, not just middle to upper class. In the world of finances, knowledge is power. The more knowledge we can share with one another, the more empowerment we bring to our neighbors, friends, family members, and communities."
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Mr. A
"Stephanie at the Ark provided my wife and me with exceptional financial planning services, guiding us with clarity and confidence toward our goals. Her personalized approach and expert advice made a lasting impact on our financial future."
Mr. K
"I want to thank the Ark for all the help with the loan program. Since the start of my credit rebuilding journey, Stephanie and the Ark has helped with sound advice and assistance and my credit has increased by 44 points. Thank you!"
Ms. D
“Thank you to Stephanie and the Ark for encouraging me to become debt free and purchase a home. I learned how to make loan payments in a timely manner, and I was able to pay down my bills and buy a home!”