PERSONAL FINANCIAL FIRST AID

These are difficult financial times for many of us. We face uncertainty in our employment and housing, which adds stress to the many difficulties of managing our lives, and those of our families, during the pandemic.  Financial health and mental health are closely linked and this page is designed to provide a range of resources to help you cope now, as well as find pathways to financial stability for the longer term..

Everyone’s financial life is different, complicated and private. However there is no stigma in taking a good long hard look at your financial life – you may find that making a plan, looking at your budget, seeking advice and looking squarely at your future needs, can help you feel resilient, empowered and even optimistic during a time of crisis. It is so important to ask for help.

We will update this page with new resources and information, so please check in.

Maximize Your Benefits

Pitkin County Economic Services, Aspen Family Connections, Catholic Charities and other organizations are here to help you navigate and access benefits, entitlements and other assistance to help get through hard times.  Even if you’ve never sought any kind of public assistance, there is absolutely no stigma in doing so. It’s your right!  Consider applying for unemployment, Medicaid, free/reduced lunches for your children, CCAP for your younger children, and food assistance – just to start with.  We have great resources and Pitkin County Economic Services, and other providers can help you figure out what you are entitled to. 

External Links

Budgeting and Planning

Even if you are late to the budgeting and planning game, it’s not too late to start. Taking  long hard look at your finances may help you see where savings can be made.

Documents

Videos

Our 5-part series videos provides some straightforward advice and tools for dealing with some common challenges relating to budgeting, planning, saving and coping with debt, by local expert, Dr. Robert Blattberg

INTRODUCTION TO BUDGETING

NEEDS VERSUS WANTS

CASE STUDY – HOW THINGS WORK IN THE REAL WORLD

THE BUDGETING PROCESS

TRACKING EXPENSES 

(advice, tips and apps for keeping your expenditure under control)

Manage Your Debt

Seek advice about how to consolidate and manage your debts for a debt-free future. It is important to be careful when choosing any financial adviser. 

External Links

Find a Way to Save

When times are tough, it may seem unrealistic to save, but doing so, even in a small way, can be empowering.

External Links

For a great local savings option, app-based and very easy to participate in:

Other Supportive Resources

Your own bank is likely to have some online resources to help you get your financial health on track. We also like the following

External Links

Food Support

One way to help your money go a bit further is to use the food distributions and pantries in our Valley. There is no stigma associated with food distribution and all are welcome. 

Pitkin County food distributions:  

Crown Mountain Park (El Jebel), every Tuesday, 12.00 pm to 2.00 pm

Aspen Golf Course, every Wednesday, 12.00 pm to 2.00 pm

LiftUP food pantry

465 N Mill St #18, Aspen, CO 81611

Tuesday-Saturday, 11.00–5.20 By appointment: 

call 970-544 2009 or sign up online   

Financial Health and Mental Health

Don’t forget that financial health is closely related to mental health.  If at any time you feel overwhelmed, please seek help.

External Links

(719) 427-7969