Learn more about our team of Free, Professional, Financial Counselors here!
What do our Financial Counselors do, and how can they help you?
The Racine FEC’s free financial counselors are here to help residents with anything finance-related. They are professionally trained and certified. All the counseling they provide to Racine residents is 100% free, confidential, secure, and one-on-one. They can help you with budgeting, savings, banking, paying down debt, building and improving credit scores, and connecting to services and resources.. Our counselors are also knowledgeable about student loans, retirement accounts, and more. If you’re struggling to pay down debt, dreaming of owning a house, a car, or starting a business, or just looking for more cushion in your monthly budget, the Racine FEC’s free financial counselors are here to help!
Curtis Szymczak
Program Manager
Hello, my name is Curtis Szymczak. I am a financial counselor here at the Financial Empowerment Center in Racine, WI. I have lived my entire life in Racine and want to help my community grow and prosper. My goal is to provide a safe environment to help you to achieve your financial goals and dreams. I look forward to helping all walks of life to achieve their financial goals, dreams, and financial awareness to help strengthen and grow our community for today and tomorrow, together. My background is in community banking, service, and sales. These past experiences and the extensive training I’ve received to be a Financial Counselor have taught me valuable financial lessons that I want to share with those who need it. I look forward to getting to know you, and working towards your financial success.
Shasta Williams
Financial Counselor
My name is Shasta Williams. I’m proud to be a Racine Financial Empowerment Center (FEC)’s financial counselor. I was born and raised in Wisconsin and I’ve lived in the City of Racine for 11 years. I’m the mother of two children. I have over 15 years in public service, which I love. I believe in my community and am committed to helping Racine residents learn and become empowered through financial education and coaching. I’m looking forward to helping all of my clients achieve their financial goals.
Maira Pineda
Bilingual Financial Counselor
My name is Maira Pineda. I am grateful to be a Bilingual Financial Counselor here at Racine Financial Empowerment Center. I’m a born and raised Wisconsinite. I am very passionate towards helping people to the best of my abilities, from working in retail, customer service, to banking, I strive to do what is right. Financial education had been a roadblock growing up, now having experience in banking as well as training to be a Financial Counselor, I understand it and want to share it! I believe that no matter where in life you may be it is never too late to get financial education and to achieve your financial goals. I am eager to help the City of Racine residents in their financial journey and let them know they are not alone.
Program Closure Notice
Effective June 30, 2026, the Financial Empowerment Center program has concluded and is no longer accepting participants or providing services.
We appreciate the support of our community and partners throughout the life of this program. ... See MoreSee Less
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Welcome home! June is National Homeownership Month! Do you know some of the reasons of being a homeowner? Tax benefits, appreciation, equity building, savings, predictability, freedom, and stability! But homeownership is a great responsibility. Make sure you work with a HUD certified housing counselor that can help you through the journey of buying and keeping a home. Successful homeownership takes education, getting the right information and taking advantage of community resources. Congratulations to the Racine families that are in this journey! ... See MoreSee Less
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Today is Teach Your Children to Save Day! Make sure you talk to the young people in your life about the importance of saving. Do you want to learn some strategies to be great savers? Make an appointment with a financial coach at the Racine Financial Empowerment Center. This is a free service to all adult residents of the City of Racine. Call us today! ... See MoreSee Less
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January is Financial Wellness Month. Non-Public Title I at RUSD hosted a Family Night this week. We were honored to present at this event. The workshop focused on the services provided by the Racine Financial Empowerment Center, as well as the importance of budgeting and saving. The parents learned valuable lessons and tips to be better savers and maintain a family budget. Thanks to RUSD for putting this together. It was a fun night! ... See MoreSee Less
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Get your free 2026 Financial Calendar! The children of Racine have created art that highlights important financial dates to remember. It will help you to keep in mind the importance of saving, investing, being a homeowner, keeping up with your credit, and creating a healthy financial future. 2026 can be your best year ever. The Racine Financial Empowerment Center provides professional, one-on-one free financial counseling to City of Racine residents. The calendars are available at the Finance Department in city hall or at the Racine Public Library. Get yours while supply last. We thank Landmark Credit Union for sponsoring this project. Have a great new year! ... See MoreSee Less
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