LEAVEN’s Guide to Using Tax Season to Strengthen Your Finances

What now? That’s a question many people ask as tax season approaches. Whether you’re preparing to file or expecting a return, this is an important opportunity to take a step back and think about your financial future.

In this blog, we’ll share helpful resources for tax filing support, financial planning, and budgeting, along with a unique way you can use your return to make a lasting impact through Paying It Forward.

Tax Filing Support

Let’s start with the basics. Tax Day (April 15th) is right around the corner and many of you are looking for a reliable, affordable way to file your returns. 

LEAVEN connects those looking for help to a program called AARP Foundation Tax-Aide.  This program is free of charge to those who qualify, with a special focus on taxpayers who are over 50 and have low to moderate income.

In the Fox Valley, there are numerous Income Tax Preparation sites available through April 10. There are six different locations offered throughout the area: Goodwill in Menasha, Ridgeview Highlands in Appleton, the Menasha, Kaukana, and Neenah Libraries and the Little Chute Center.

To prepare for your appointment, bring a photo ID and social security card. This service is run by IRS-certified volunteers who make the tax return process a much easier task. If you’d like to learn more about this service, reach out to LEAVEN for the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide flyer, or simply call 920-215-1040.

Budgeting Support

Once your taxes are filed, the next question becomes: what should you do with your return?

It can be tempting to treat it as extra spending money, whether for a vehicle upgrade or a well-earned vacation. But tax season is also a great time to build better financial habits and plan for the future.

When clients meet with a LEAVEN volunteer caseworker, each situation is carefully reviewed to identify the best path forward. Caseworkers and/or staff will review the client’s individual financial requests to ensure sustainability going forward. If the client is interested in Financial Counseling, a referral is made to either Goodwill Financial Wellness Services or to the Catholic Charities Financial Health Program.

Goodwill Financial Wellness Services

Offering practical budgeting guidance, help navigating student loans and bankruptcy counseling to name a few, counseling experts tailor their support to each individual’s unique situation.  Life happens and tends to throw us all curveballs from time to time. This program helps families and individuals improve the quality of their lives through the teaching and application of sound financial principles. 

Although LEAVEN will make referrals, you can reach out to Goodwill Financial Wellness Services without a referral by emailing financialsolutions@goodwillncw.org or calling toll-free 800-366-8161.

Catholic Charities Financial Health

This is another program LEAVEN refers clients to, and it’s conveniently located in our building, the LEAVEN Community Resource Center. Catholic Charities offers free budget counseling. With a plethora of classes and workshops, Catholic Charities is another resource you can reach out to directly. Their assistance with mortgages and how to handle back-pay are often referenced by LEAVEN caseworkers.

In addition, Catholic Charities offers a free downloadable book that may come in handy in your financial wellness journey. “The Small Book for Family Finances” is available at Resources | Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Green Bay. 

To reach out to Catholic Charities Financial Health in Menasha directly, simply call 920-272-8234.

Pay It Forward

“Pay it forward” usually means returning kindness by helping someone else. At LEAVEN, it’s also a practical financial tool that helps individuals move through difficult situations with dignity.

Here’s how it works.

If someone comes to LEAVEN in need of short-term assistance, such as help covering rent while searching for employment, staff will work with them to understand both their current financial needs and any expected income, such as a tax refund.

In some cases, a Pay It Forward Loan may be an option. This provides immediate support, with a structured repayment plan once funds become available. It’s a way to meet urgent needs today while creating a path to give back tomorrow.

From filing taxes, saving for a rainy day – or just making your money stretch how you need it, LEAVEN is here to help you navigate your next step with confidence.  Working with partners across the Fox Valley, just know that there are multiple resources to help.