Finances can be confusing. Let us guide you on an all-inclusive and personalized journey to financial success.

Benefits

Free Accounts

Open free standard checking & savings accounts at 1st Bergen Federal Credit Union.

Private Banker

Receive personalized support with banking opportunities.

Financial Literacy

Master your financial know-how with Balance Track, a self-paced online curriculum.

Financial Counseling

A financial counselor will provide you individualized counseling and support by phone or email.

No-Risk Credit Builder Loan

Increase your credit score with a worry-free, secured credit builder loan at 1st Bergen Federal Credit Union.

The Journey

Financial Counselor

One of the benefits of starting your journey to financial wellness with the CAFE Hub is that you will not do it alone. The CAFE Hub provides you with a financial counselor. The financial counselor will provide a positive experience throughout each step toward your financial empowerment through personalized support and answering your financial and CAFE Hub-related questions. At the end of your financial literacy courses, the counselor will assist you with ongoing budgeting and advising you of new opportunities based on your financial health.

Get Started Today

Click on the icons for an informational video about each step, then click on the link to start your journey.
Step 2-4 will not be available to you until you sign in to the CAFE Hub.

Step 1

Welcome to the Community Action Financial Empowerment Hub (CAFE Hub). As a member you gain access to tools like a no-fee checking and savings account, a no-risk credit builder loan, as well as online financial literacy tools to improve your financial wellness. Click on the link to access the sign-up form for CAFE Hub. After you have signed up, continue to Step 2 - Enroll for Financial Literacy Courses with Balance Pro.

Step 2

Enroll for Financial Literacy Courses with Balance Pro

Congratulations on becoming a CAFE Hub member. Your membership gives you access to the industry-leading financial education organization, Balance Pro. CAFE Hub has partnered with Balance Pro to provide members with free access to expertly crafted financial education resources such as Balance Track. Balance Track provides financial courses, no-cost one-on-one financial counseling, free webinars, and other related services. Click on the Enroll for Financial Literacy Courses link to sign up for Balance Pro.

Step 3

Join 1st Bergen Federal Credit Union for No-Fee checking and savings accounts

Congratulations on completing Step 2! Your membership also allows you to become a member of 1st Bergen Federal Credit Union, a credit union that has been working with low-income, first-time banking clients for more than 10 years. 1st Bergen requires a minimum deposit of $5 in your account and provides you with a Visa debit card that can be used at any location that accepts Visa. You will also have access to 1st Bergen’s mobile app where you can manage your account, deposit checks through your mobile device and much more. Click on the link to fill out the 1st Bergen membership form.

Step 4

Apply for a risk-free credit builder loan at 1st Bergen

As a member of CAFE Hub and 1st Bergen Federal Credit Union, you’re automatically qualified to receive a no-cost, risk-free credit builder loan from 1st Bergen, if you need a credit boost. This secured loan is meant to increase your credit score without you having to worry about making any payments. Once your credit builder loan is paid in full, your new credit score may qualify you for a debt consolidation loan, personal loan, or even an auto loan. Click on the link to apply for a risk-free credit builder loan.

CAFE Hub Lesson Plan

These Balance Track courses were chosen to build your financial know-how. Courses you have started will appear in yellow, and completed courses will appear in green once confirmed by an admin.

1. High-Cost Financial Services (1 hour)

2. The Psychology Of Spending (1 hour)

3. Drive Away Happy (1 hour)

4. Credit Matters In (1 hour)

5. The World Of Credit Reports (1 hour)

6. Money Management (1 hour)

7. Checking Account Management (1 hour)

8. Rebuilding After A Financial Crisis (1 hour)

9. Financial First Aid (1 hour)

10. Identity Theft (1 hour)

High-Cost Financial Services (1 hour)

While there are many excellent financial products available that can help you achieve your goals, there are a few loans, lines of credit, and services to avoid because of their expensive fees and problematic terms.

High-Cost Financial Services

Take the Lesson

Take the First Step

More Financial Empowerment

Additional Resources for your Continued Financial Empowerment Journey

Contact a Private Banker

Balance Track Courses

Get In Balance

Debt and Budget Coaching

Credit Report Review

Register for the Financial Empowerment Hub

Partners

Greater Bergen Community Action Inc.

GBCA is a progressive non-profit organization working throughout New Jersey to build more sustainable families, community institutions, and neighborhoods.

1st Bergen Federal Credit Union

1st Bergen Federal Credit Union is a non-profit financial institution that aims to empower financially underserved individuals and families to make them self-sufficient and secure a brighter future.

Community Action Partnership of New Jersey

CAP NJ is a nonprofit organization that supports the Community Services Block Grant-eligible Community Action Agency Network in New Jersey the goal of reducing poverty, promoting self-sufficiency and building stronger communities.

Department of Community Affairs

The New Jersey DCA is a state agency created to provide administrative guidance, financial support and technical assistance to local governments, community development organizations, businesses and individuals to improve the quality of life in New Jersey.

Balance Pro

Balance Pro is a non-profit that offers comprehensive financial counseling and education services to help individuals achieve financial independence.