Financial Resources
General Food for thought
A couple of sites to ponder: Overcoming Financial Trauma and What is Financial Trauma, and What to do about it?
Harvard University Federal Credit Union (Harvard FCU)
The Harvard Federal Credit Union (Harvard FCU) provides you and your family a smarter banking experience designed to support your long-term financial wellness. An alternative to a traditional bank, Harvard FCU offers fewer fees, better rates, and personalized service.
When you join, you’ll also get access to:
- Consumer-friendly accounts and loan options – Choose from a selection of accounts and loan products, including Rewards Checking, Home Loans, and Credit Cards.
- Free financial counseling – Take advantage of complimentary financial counseling—including personalized debt management plans—through GreenPath.
- Expert-led financial workshops – Learn from Harvard FCU’s team of Certified Financial Counselors, who offer workshops on topics like home buying and budgeting. Plus, you can access their comprehensive financial wellness resources anytime.
- Credit monitoring – Stay on top of your credit health with easy access to your credit score and credit report—and personalized tips on improving your score.
- Nationwide access – Whether you’re in Harvard Square or across the country, you can bank from anywhere using thousands of shared branch locations and surcharge-free ATMs.
Easily access your accounts, transfer funds, and pay bills—anytime, anywhere.
Beyond banking, Harvard FCU is committed to giving back by volunteering with local charities, leading outreach initiatives, and supporting small businesses through Business Banking services—helping strengthen the community it serves. forms for several financial situations, including loans.
Postdocs who wish to claim unemployment benefits should follow the process described by the Department of Unemployment Assistance (DUA). The information provided on the DUA site also includes helpful videos. Please note that one cannot apply for unemployment benefits while still employed.
The Residential Assistance for Families in Transition (RAFT) program provides short-term emergency funding to help you with eviction, foreclosure, loss of utilities, and other housing emergencies.
RAFT provides up to $7,000 per 12-month period so your family can stay in your current home or move to a new one. You may use the money for rent, utilities, moving costs, and mortgage payments.