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.
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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Local students submitted art entries for the chance to be included in the 2026 Racine Financial Calendar. Their art highlighted the importance of savings, financial planning, and to be smart consumers. The winners came to City Hall and were honored by Mayor Cory Mason, the Superintendent of Schools, Soren Gajewsky, and representatives from Landmark Credit Union, who sponsored the project. The calendar will be available for free at the Racine Public Library in December. Thank you to all students who participated! ... See MoreSee Less
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In view of the possibility for those receiving assistance of having to face food insecurity, let us remember that you are not alone. The City of Racine Financial Empowerment Center has financial coaches that can help you navigate these challenging times.
Your City of Racine FEC counselor also can help you:
• Review your budget and plan for changes in food or utility costs;
• Get connected to other emergency supports; and
• Talk about ways to manage rising costs due to inflation, food prices, or healthcare.
Our services are free to all residents of the City of Racine. For more information or to make an appointment visit us at www.racinefec.org ... See MoreSee Less
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Protect those you love! We’re excited to share that legacy planning is now available as a free public service through the City of Racine Financial Empowerment Center! Legacy planning is how you protect what you’ve earned and take care of your loved ones. Through free, one-on-one, professional financial counseling, trained FEC counselors can help with a range of legacy planning services, like getting finances in order, reviewing insurance and titles, making a plan for who will care for dependents in your absence, and getting connected to resources for preparing important documents like a will, guardianship plans, or power of attorney.
You’re building a legacy that is uniquely yours and deserves protection. Ensure that your care and your legacy align with what’s most important to you—visit www.racinefec.org. to make an appointment and get started! ... See MoreSee Less
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We are happy to announce that the Racine Financial Empowerment Center is offering now Legacy Planning! Our counselors can assist you to help you build assets and protect and preserve those assets for future generations. All services are confidential and available to anyone who lives in the City of Racine. To learn more or schedule an appointment, visit www.racinefec.org. ... See MoreSee Less
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