Financial stress can challenge anyone, but it can be an added burden for people who don’t have access to trusted financial services and information.

People in north and east King County now have access to financial coaching through Redmond-based Hopelink. The organization was selected by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) to participate in the federal agency’s Financial Coaching Initiative, which provides for a full-time financial coach.

Hopelink was chosen as one of 20 “host sites” nationwide in a competitive process that received 160 applications, and is the only site in Washington state. Another 40 sites across the country – including two in western Washington – will serve veterans.

Donna O’Connor, Hopelink’s new financial coach, said financial stress can create a “barrier to progress” for a lot of people who have never learned about banking options and budgeting basics.

“Financial education is essential – you can’t be expected to make informed decisions if you don’t have the information,” O’Connor said.

She said a lot of clients don’t know what to expect when they first sit down with her.

“They are fearful – especially when it comes to such a personal topic as finances – because more likely than not they have been met with judgment and criticism in this area in the past,” she said. “But when a client begins to reclaim their power to make informed financial decisions, there is a transformation.”

The program helps veterans as they transition from active duty status as well as economically vulnerable consumers seeking other services from social services and other providers.

All of the nonprofit organizations selected to host financial coaches also provide services that complement financial coaching, such as job training and education, social, and housing services.

To schedule an appointment with O’Connor, call (425) 499-2462  or email doconnor@hope-link.org.