CAFE Hub Resource Center

Welcome back to the CAFE Hub!

Bookmark this page for quick access to BalanceTrack Financial Literacy Resources, and to schedule coaching & counseling sessions. Please call the (973) 881-0801 for immediate assistance during regular business hours, or email CAFE@1stbergen.com.

This page is for registered CAFE Hub Clients. Click here to learn more about the Community Action Financial Empowerment (CAFE) Hub and to register. If you are already registered, continue your program below:

 

Financial Education Program

Welcome to the CAFE Hub Financial Education Program! You now have access to a self-paced personal finance lesson plan and resource center that will help you improve your financial wellness. Follow the steps below to begin your journey!

  • To get started, visit 1stbergen.balancepro.org and create an account. You will need to log in to Balance Pro every time you want to continue the learning modules. If you have trouble accessing the site or creating an account, please Click here or call (973) 881-0801 for assistance.

  • The next step is to improve your financial knowledge with Balance Pro and its industry-leading financial education resources. You can either follow our recommended learning plan below, or create your own lesson plan by exploring all of Balance Pro’s resources. Each lesson will include a 10 question quiz at the end.

    When you’ve successfully completed and received certificates for 10 or more lessons, contact the CAFE Hub Private Banker and move on to step 3.

    Recommended BalanceTrack Plan:
    1. High Cost Financial Services
    2. The Psychology of Spending
    3. Drive Away Happy
    4. Credit Matters
    5. The World of Credit Reports
    6. Money Management
    7. Checking Account Management
    8. Rebuilding After a Financial Crisis
    9. Financial First Aid
    10. Identity Theft

  • If you are not already a member of 1st Bergen, you are now eligible for 1st Bergen Membership! You can take advantage of savings and checking accounts with no monthly fees, free Visa Debit and ATM cards, online banking, lower-interest loans, and more. Visit a 1st Bergen branch to become a member, or complete an online membership request here. Make sure to let the credit union know that you are a CAFE Hub client.

  • By completing the financial education course, you may be eligible for a CAFE Hub Credit Builder Loan. Set up a short intake meeting with the CAFE Hub Financial Coach to get started. Additional assistance may also be available by participating in the Financial Coaching program.

    Read more about the loan process at 1st Bergen here.

  • The next step in your financial journey is to take you new knowledge and put it to use. Click here or the button below to register for an initial session and get started with one on one financial coaching.

Remember, your Private Banker is an exclusive resource to CAFE Hub participants. We are here for every step of your journey — no question is too small. If you’re ready to start financial coaching, click the button below to register for an intake session.

Personal Financial Coaching Program

Welcome to the CAFE Hub Financial Coaching Program!

This program is designed as a goal-oriented program to guide you throughout your time as a 1st Bergen Member. Your financial counselor is your primary contact for questions regarding your plan of action, income eligibility, and scheduling of coaching sessions.

Please read below for a summary of the free services and financial assistance available to you in the coaching program.

  • All 1st Bergen Members qualify for the following services:

    • No cost one-on-one financial coaching

    • Credit Report Review (once every 6 months)

    • Ongoing access to the CAFE Hub Private Banker

    • Unlimited Financial Education Lessons through Balance

    • Specialized Financial Counseling through Balance

    If you are in an income eligible household, you may also qualify for additional services and financial assistance.

  • People from income-eligible households within the service area of Greater Bergen Community Action qualify for the following services:

    • Up to $400 per child in deposit matches in a Future Dream Education Savings account.

    • Reduced rate debt-consolidation loans up to $2,500 when debt reduction is part of your coaching plan

    • Freeone-on-one financial coaching for as long as you remain income-eligible

    • Credit Report review sessions every 6 months

    • Ongoing access to the CAFE Hub Private Banker

    • Unlimited Access to all Balance resources, including financial literacy lessons, Student Loan Coaching, and Homeownership & Rental Coaching

    • Guided referrals to other NJ nonprofits that can help you improve your financial situation.

    Income eligibility is defined as a total household income at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines. You will be asked by your financial counselor to provide income documentation for every member of your household.

  • If you are participating through a partner nonprofit:

    • Financial Literacy & Coaching through your sponsoring Nonprofit

    • 1st Bergen Membership

    • Additional coaching services by becoming a 1st Bergen Member

    If you are not participating through a partner nonprofit:

    • You must become a member at 1st Bergen to receive free services.

Contact Private Banker

To receive assistance from the CAFE Hub Private Banker, fill out the form below or schedule a video call appointment.

You can contact the Private Banker at (973) 881-0801 for immediate assistance during regular business hours.