Children don't have to be old enough to vote to begin understanding the power of their voices. Teaching Civic responsibility early helps young people recognize how decisions made in their communities affect their families, finances, education, and future opportunities.

Voting is about more than choosing a candidate. It has more to do with participating in the decisions that shape your family, your community, and your future

The decisions that shape our lives are being made every day—whether we are paying attention or not. They can affect what we pay for housing, health care, and everyday necessities; the opportunities available to our families; and the resources available in our communities. We have more information at our fingertips than ever before, but access to information does not automatically make us informed. Being informed is a choice—and it requires intention. It means asking questions

Register Today for our next episode by Clicking Here! Voting is one of the ways we participate in shaping our communities and choosing the people who represent us. But being prepared to vote involves more than showing up on Election Day. Taking a little time to understand the process and the issues can help you make informed decisions. 1. Know Your Registration Status Before an election, confirm that you are registered to vote and that your information is current. If you have

Lorenzo Smith, Minneapolis, MN One young adult discovered that writing down his goals changed the way he thinks about his financial future. Almost everyone has goals. Pay off debt. Buy a home. Start a business. Build savings. Travel more. Retire comfortably. Wanting something and creating a plan to achieve it, however, are two different things. For many young adults, financial goals remain ideas carried around mentally, revisited every few months and pushed aside as work, bil

The numbers are staggering, but they don't have to determine what comes next. Whether you are working toward homeownership, trying to build savings, growing a business, planning for retirement, or simply trying to make better financial decisions, building wealth starts with knowing what opportunities are available to you—and taking the next step. For individuals and families, that may mean creating a realistic budget, improving credit, establishing an emergency fund, purchasi

Financial confidence starts at home. While schools may introduce basic money concepts, parents and caregivers have the greatest opportunity to shape lifelong financial habits.

When we talk about generational wealth, we often focus on saving, investing, home or business ownership. Those are essential steps—but insurance belongs in that conversation too. Generational wealth is not only about what you earn or own. It is also about what you protect. For many families, creating financial security has meant pushing through systemic financial barriers. That makes protecting our progress even more important. A medical emergency, car accident, disability, h

Building generational wealth doesn't start when you have extra money. It starts when you make one intentional financial decision. Here are five simple actions you can take today: 1. Save Something—Anything If you can save $5, save $5. If you can save $50, save $50. The amount matters less than the habit. Building wealth starts with proving to yourself that you can consistently set money aside for your future. 2. Check Your Credit Score Your credit score can impact your abilit

What if the financial decisions you make today could change the future of your children, grandchildren, and generations you may never meet? Every family has a financial story. The question is: What story will future generations tell about yours? Generational wealth is not simply about accumulating money—it is about creating opportunities, building stability, and leaving a legacy that helps your family move further than you could alone. The journey does not require wealth to b

Arise Community Credit Union CEO Francis Odhiambo was recently featured in the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder, sharing the story behind Arise's creation, its mission to expand financial access, and its commitment to serving individuals and families throughout Hennepin and Ramsey counties. The article highlights how community feedback helped shape Arise, the importance of financial education, and programs such as the Phoenix Loan Program that help members build and rebuild their

At 21 years old, I found out I was going to be a father. At the time, I only had around $300 to my name, was living paycheck to paycheck, and my wife and I were staying with my parents-in-law trying to figure life out. I didn’t come from a background where financial literacy was taught, and honestly, I didn’t understand money at all. I didn’t know how to budget, invest, save, or even what resources were available to help someone build a stable future. I remember the moment ev

Side hustles, part-time jobs, and gig work are often seen as ways to “get by.” But at the Association for Black Economic Power (ABEP), we see them differently—they can be the foundation for building generational wealth.

If money has ever felt confusing or overwhelming, you’re not alone.

Through the ABEP Financial Empowerment Center, we provide essential free financial coaching, workshops, and resources designed to help individuals and families build secure financial futures.

Black History Month invites us not only to remember our history, but to celebrate our leadership, innovation, and economic strength. For generations, Black communities have built businesses, banks, cooperatives, and entire business districts—often with limited access to traditional systems, but unlimited determination. What is often overlooked is that these accomplishments benefit everyone. When Black entrepreneurs open businesses, jobs are created. When families gain financi

A new year does not require a full reset. It calls for clarity, intention, and everyday choices that support the life you are building mentally, physically, emotionally, and financially. Here are 10 shifts that you can use today:

Access to trusted, local resources can help individuals and families feel more informed as they make financial and career decisions. While each situation is different, knowing where to turn for guidance can be an important step forward. HIRED A Minneapolis based workforce organization supporting job training, career placement, and long term employment pathways, particularly for individuals facing employment barriers. www.hired.org Urban League Twin Cities Serves as a central

ABEP is pleased to share that our Executive Director, Debra L Hurston , will serve as a panelist at the upcoming Wealth & Wellness Summit presented by The Anika Foundation . The event will take place on Saturday, December 6 at 10AM at the University of Minnesota Urban Research and Outreach Engagement Center (UROC), located at 2001 Plymouth Avenue North, Minneapolis, MN 55411. The Wealth & Wellness Summit brings together community leaders, professionals, and educators to exp

Arise Community Credit Union, Minnesota’s first newly chartered credit union in more than 20 years, is looking for a visionary leader to...