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This summer has been a challenging time for many in our state — our thoughts go out to those affected by the ongoing wildfires. There are many resources available to provide assistance, we hope you'll reach out for help.

This month, we have a lot of resources to share about financial relief, upcoming webinars, programs, and much more. 

As a reminder, please share with us any highlights, updates, or events you would like to share with the more than 23,000 people receiving the WFEN updates. When you have something you'd like to share with the network via this monthly email update - please send it to [email protected] <[email protected]%20> with the subject line "Proposed WFEN content." 

If you’re not already following DFI’s social media accounts, please do! We’re working to grow our networks in addition to promoting your great work. 


* *X: *[link removed] [ [link removed] ]
* *Instagram:* [link removed] [ [link removed] ]
* *Facebook:* [link removed] [ [link removed] ]
* *YouTube: *[link removed] [ [link removed] ]
* *LinkedIn:* [link removed] [ [link removed] ]
* *Bluesky: *[link removed] [ [link removed] ]

As a reminder, DFI's outreach coordinator Nathan Spiecker provides financial education workshops statewide - in both English and Spanish! If you are looking for someone to help provide outreach in your community, contact Nathan at [email protected] or fill out a presentation request form. [ [link removed] ]

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*Wildfire Financial Relief and Resources*

*Wildfire resources*

Visit the DFI website [ [link removed] ] for financial relief and resources on topics like: 


* Homeowners and mortgages
* Credit cards, loans, and other debts
* Student loans
* Insurance claims
* Taxes
* Small businesses
* Replacing records and getting into your accounts
* Be aware of scams

For more help: 


* WA211.org [ [link removed] ] - Dial 211 for help with food, shelter, and more - available anytime
* Washington Emergency Management Division [ [link removed] ] - State disaster preparedness and recovery information
* American Red Cross [ [link removed] ] - Emergency shelter, food, and immediate disaster help
* DisasterAssistance.gov [ [link removed] ] - Federal disaster help (becomes available if your area receives a federal disaster declaration)
* Wildfire Assistance | Washington State Military Department [ [link removed] ] - People whose homes were lost or severely damaged by the wildfires are encouraged to apply regardless of their income or whether they have insurance.
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*What is Check Fraud? *

America Saves logo

Throughout the month of August, America Saves [ [link removed] ] is highlighting the importance of being aware of check fraud to educate the general public on what check fraud is, the different types of check fraud to look out for, how to detect check fraud, and what to do if you're a victim of check fraud.

Check fraud is on the rise, and it can affect anyone. From stolen mail to altered checks and fake payment scams - fraudsters are finding new ways to steal money and personal banking information.

Follow America Saves on Facebook [ [link removed] ] for more information. 

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*Next Generation Financial Leaders 2026*

NGFL 2026

The 2026 Next Generation Financial Leaders Program is next month! 


Join DFI and leaders from Washington’s banks and credit unions for a free, four-day program. This program is designed to help develop and connect the next generation of financial leaders. Youth 18 and older are invited to apply. The programming is geared toward youth who will be 18 by the event date and people either in their first years of college or career who are interested in learning about potential careers in the financial services or financial regulatory sectors.

_Dates:_ Sept. 14-17, 2026

_Location:_ University of Washington - Tacoma Campus

Visit our website [ [link removed] ] for more information and for the application. 

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*How WA529 Can Help You*

WA529

Join a 30-minute webinar to learn how Washington's Education Savings Plans (WA529) can help families and individuals save for college and career training expenses. They'll guide you through the details of WA529's Prepaid and Investment Savings Plans and provide a Q&A session to help you get started on your savings journey today.

Upcoming webinars: 

Aug. 25, 2026 @ 12 p.m.



Register now [ [link removed] ]



Sept. 16, 2026 @ 12 p.m.



Register now [ [link removed] ]



Sept. 29, 2026 @ 12 p.m.



Register now [ [link removed] ]


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*Join a Financial Empowerment Network Workshop!*

Bank On WA

The Financial Empowerment Network (FEN) offers 10-12 free, virtual training workshops each year. These workshops are geared towards any professional working to increase the financial well-being of their clients or community members, no matter their level of comfort with personal finance. You don’t have to be a financial professional to attend – everyone is welcome!

Upcoming webinars:

Bridges Over Barriers: A Bank On WA Economic Justice Forum



Sept. 2 -3 - Registration now open! [ [link removed] ]


Day one: 9:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Day two: 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.



Abundance in Action: Community-Centered Sustainability Strategies



Sept. 4 @ 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Registration now open [ [link removed] ]!



Your Clients Are Already Asking AI About Money 



Oct. 15 @ 10:00 - 11:30 a.m.

Registration coming soon!



 

Visit their website [ [link removed] ] to learn more about upcoming events.

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*Financial Wellness 101 Workshops*

worksource logo

In partnership with WorkSource of Thurston County [ [link removed] ], the Office of the State Treasurer provides Financial Wellness workshops in an effort to enhance financial education and empower individuals in Washington. These workshops educate participants on financial goal setting, budgeting, saving, credit management, and identity theft prevention and awareness. Attendees can participate either in person at WorkSource of Thurston County or online, making it accessible to people across the state. By equipping individuals with essential financial knowledge this partnership contributes to building a financially resilient community.

August webinars:

Financial Wellness 101 - Part B: Credit & Debt:

Monday, Aug. 24 @ 9-11 a.m.



In-person & Online Registration [ [link removed] ]




Financial Wellness 101 - Part C: Consumer Cautions: 

Monday, Aug. 31 @ 9-11 a.m.



In-person & Online Registration [ [link removed] ]




 

September webinars:

Financial Wellness 101 - Part A: Budgeting:

Tuesday, Sept. 1 @ 9-11 a.m.

In-person & Online Registration [ [link removed] ]

Financial Wellness 101 - Part B: Credit & Debt:

Tuesday, Sept. 8 @ 9-11 a.m.

In-person & Online Registration [ [link removed] ]

Financial Wellness 101 - Part C: Consumer Cautions:

Tuesday, Sept. 15 @ 9-11 a.m.

In-person & Online Registration [ [link removed] ]

 

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*Scams, Schemes, and Screens: How They Really Work and How to Stay Ahead*

FEPPP logo

"Scams, Schemes and Screens" goes beyond identifying common scams to exploring why they work and how they continue to evolve. This session will examine the psychology behind fraud, the rise of AI-driven scams, and the everyday “micro-scams” that often go unnoticed but can have real financial impact. Participants will also learn practical strategies to respond quickly and effectively if targeted, and will hear directly from two co-presenters from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), who will share insights and resources to help you stay informed and protected.

Date: Aug. 24, 2026

Time: 4:00 - 5:30 p.m.

Location: Zoom

Register now! [ [link removed] ]

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*Do you know the steps you need to take to apply for college?*

WSAC logo

The first step to applying for college is applying for financial aid. Join one of the events listed below to learn more and get help. 

Class of 2027 Financial Aid Night:


* Wednesday, Sept. 30 @ 5:30 p.m. - Register on Zoom [ [link removed] ]
* Tuesday, Nov. 17 @ 5:30 p.m. - Register on Zoom [ [link removed] ]
* Tuesday, Dec. 1 @ 5:30 p.m. - Register on Zoom [ [link removed] ]

*Important notice - It's free to apply for financial aid! Beware of scams that ask you to pay to apply or get help applying. 

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