Need help managing your finances or want more information about budgeting? This page is where you need to be!

United Way of Southwest Alabama

UWCA has several programs to help individuals gain financial stability. Programs can help you save for college, understand purchasing a home, learn to budget, and understand your credit. Depending on your income, UWCA also offers free help with taxes. For more information, visit https://uwswa.org/

*FREE TAX HELP:  United Way works closely with the Internal Revenue Service and other partners to provide free income tax preparation to individuals earning $53,000 or less. Tax returns are prepared by IRS Certified Preparers and are filed on-line through secure IRS systems. United Way’s new Drop Off Services provide a convenient way for working individuals to get their taxes done around their schedules.

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

The CFPB is a 21st century agency that helps consumer finance markets work by making rules more effective, by consistently and fairly enforcing those rules, and by empowering consumers to take more control over their economic lives. Learn more at CFPB.

Southern Disability Foundation

The Foundation’s Mission is to allow individuals with disabilities and their family members, guardians, advocates, and authorized representatives to acquire and purchase assistive technology devices and services through the establishment and administration of Alabama’s Assistive Technology Alternative Financing Program. Alabama’s Alternative Finance Program for individuals with disabilities and their families allows applicants to borrow money at low interest or extended terms for the purchase of assistive technology, adaptive equipment and related services. Alternative financing needs may include but will not be limited to a means of paying for devices not covered by public programs, of providing a loan sooner than other public programs, and/or of having another funding source available. Learn more by calling 1-800-782-7656, email kate.wallace@rehab.alabama.gov, or visit their website at Southern Disability Foundation.

Subsidized Housing Search Engine

HUD multi-family subsidized housing search engine allows users to search available housing options in their area. Click HERE to reach the HUD search engine, or click HERE to reach the USDA Rural Rental search engine.

Home Modifications & Tax Deductions

IRS Publication 502

Certain improvements made to your home to accommodate your disability, or that of your spouse or your dependents who live with you, don’t usually increase the value of the home and the cost can be included in full as medical expenses. These improvements include, but aren’t limited to, the following items.

Constructing entrance or exit ramps for your home.

Widening doorways at entrances or exits to your home.

Widening or otherwise modifying hallways and interior doorways.

Installing railings, support bars, or other modifications to bathrooms.

Lowering or modifying kitchen cabinets and equipment.

Moving or modifying electrical outlets and fixtures.

Installing porch lifts and other forms of lifts (but elevators generally add value to the house).

Modifying fire alarms, smoke detectors, and other warning systems.

Modifying stairways.

Adding handrails or grab bars anywhere (whether in bathrooms).

Modifying hardware on doors.

Modifying areas in front of entrance and exit doorways.

Grading the ground to provide access to the residence.

Only reasonable costs to accommodate a home to a disabled condition are considered medical care. Additional costs for personal motives, such as for architectural or aesthetic reasons, aren’t medical expenses.

Basic Budgeting Tips

• Save money each month by collecting you loose change. Simply tape the lid of an empty 2-liter bottle or milk jug and cut a hole in it. Each day drop your loose change in the jug. At the end of the month or year, take the change to the bank. Instant savings without much effort!
• Coupons are a GREAT way to save some money each month!
• Spring Cleaning time!! As you clean out your house, look for items you might could sell, recycle, or donate. Consider having a yard sale or listing your items online. Put any money you make into a saving account. If you donate items, be sure to get a tax receipt. Let that JUNK work for you!
• Be sure to shop around for the best prices. Many stores offer price matches. Check around before purchasing big ticket items. Ask about warranties or guarantees when purchasing large items or appliances. Make sure you know how your investment is protected.
• Track your expenses for one month to see where you spend your money. You might be surprised at how those biscuits, coffees, or cokes add up! Look at the expenses at the end of the month and see where you might be able to save a little more!!