Building Financial Wellness imparts valuable knowledge and skills that people need to better manage their personal finances. It acknowledges that many individuals with mental health and substance use issues have limited income, poor credit, and minimal access to financial institutions. These barriers, in turn, create financial burden and further limit economic opportunity, creating emotional distress and negatively impacting physical health.

​This curriculum helps people to develop money management skills that can promote their overall recovery, well-being, and health. It guides participants in recognizing what triggers spending, how using credit leads to debt, and ways to cope with challenging feelings about money. Participants also learn to set attainable financial goals. Learning occurs in a context of acceptance and encouragement aimed at increasing participants’ sense of control over their personal finances.