Finance Navigator Guide Section 01: Financial Foundation
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Mastering Your Money Map
Reentering the community starts with a solid plan. This guide provides the tools to manage your cash flow, understand Wisconsin's credit landscape, and build the life you want.
The 50/30/20 Rule
A simple way to divide your income:
50% Needs: Rent, food, utilities, basics.
30% Wants: Hobbies, dining out, streaming.
20% Savings: Debt payment, emergency fund.
Wisconsin Credit Facts
Wisconsin law protects you from certain predatory lending practices. You are entitled to one free credit report per year from each of the three major bureaus.
Visit: AnnualCreditReport.com
Budgeting Strategies
How to make every dollar count in a new economy.
The Zero-Based Budget
In a zero-based budget, every dollar you earn is assigned a specific "job" before the month begins. Total income minus total expenses must equal zero. This ensures that no money "slips through the cracks." If you have money left over after all expenses, put it toward your emergency fund or debt repayment.
The Envelope Method
For many, using physical cash helps control spending. Label envelopes for "Groceries," "Gas," and "Fun Money." Put the budgeted cash in each. Once an envelope is empty, you can't spend more in that category until next month.
Top Tip: Track Your Spending
Before you can build an accurate budget, you must know where your money is actually going. For 30 days, save every receipt or track every purchase in a notebook.
Apps
Automatic Tracking
Notebook
Manual Entry
Receipts
Save Everything
Financial Foundation Guide
Page 02
Understanding Credit
Your financial reputation on paper.
What is a Credit Score?
A three-digit number (usually between 300 and 850) that tells lenders how likely you are to pay back borrowed money. The higher the number, the better your "financial reputation."
What builds your score?
Payment History 35%
Amounts Owed 30%
Length of History 15%
Secured vs. Unsecured
Secured Credit Cards are excellent for rebuilding. You provide a cash deposit (e.g., $200) which becomes your credit limit. If you don't pay, the bank keeps the deposit. It's a low-risk way to prove you're responsible.
Red Flags!
Avoid Payday Loans. Interest rates can exceed 400%.
Beware of "Credit Repair" scams that promise to delete true negative information.
Late payments stay on your report for 7 years.
The Goal
Building credit is a marathon, not a sprint. Aim for a score of 700+ to unlock the best rates for cars and homes in Wisconsin.
Financial Foundation Guide
Page 03
Financial Logic Organizer Financial Logic Map
Visualizing Your Budget and Credit Goals
New Leaf Navigator
Section 01: Finance
The 50/30/20 Breakdown
Needs (50%) Rent, Food, Utilities
List top 3 needs here
Wants (30%) Entertainment, Dining
List top 3 wants here
Savings/Debt (20%) Emergency Fund, Loans
Target amount for this month
Credit Score Factors
35%
Payment
30%
Amounts
15%
Length of
20%
Mix &
Focus most of your energy on the 35%! Pay on time, every time.
My Path to Financial Stability
1
Step 1: Emergency Fund
2
Step 2: Debt Repayment
3
Step 3: Future Goal
Name: _________________________________________________
Date: ________________________
Budget Builder Worksheet Zero-Based Budget Builder
Give every dollar a job.
Name: _______________________
Month: ______________________
Instructions
Start by listing your total monthly income (take-home pay). Then, subtract your fixed expenses (needs), followed by your savings goals, and finally your variable expenses (wants). Your goal is to reach $0 remaining at the bottom.
Monthly Income
Primary Job (Take-home) $ __________
Secondary Income / Gig Work $ __________
TOTAL INCOME: $ __________
Category Estimated Cost Actual Cost NEEDS (The 50%) Rent / Housing $ ___________ $ ___________ Utilities (Electric, Water, Heat) $ ___________ $ ___________ Groceries $ ___________ $ ___________ Transportation (Gas, Bus Pass) $ ___________ $ ___________ Savings & Debt (The 20%) Emergency Fund Contribution $ ___________ $ ___________ Credit Card / Loan Payments $ ___________ $ ___________ Wants (The 30%) Dining Out / Snacks $ ___________ $ ___________ Subscriptions / Entertainment $ ___________ $ ___________
The Bottom Line
Income - Expenses = $ 0.00
Finance Foundation Slides New Leaf Navigator
Financial Foundation
Building a stable life through budgeting and credit mastery.
The 50/30/20 Rule
50%
Needs
Rent, Food, Utilities, Health, Transportation
30%
Wants
Hobbies, Dining Out, Subscriptions, Shopping
20%
Goals
Savings, Debt Repayment, Emergency Fund
Zero-Based Budgeting
"Every single dollar has a specific job before the month begins."
1
Plan Ahead
Don't wait until money is spent. Decide where it goes first.
2
Zero Left Over
If you have extra, give it a job (Savings/Debt) until the balance is $0.
How Your Score is Built
Payment History 35%
Amounts Owed 30%
Everything Else 35%
The Golden Rule
Payment history is the single most important factor. Pay every bill on time, no matter what.
Did You Know?
Late payments stay on your record for 7 years.
Unlocking Your Credit
No credit? Poor credit? Use a Secured Credit Card to start.
Step 01
Give a deposit (e.g. $200)
Step 02
Spend only $20/month
Step 03
Pay it off in full monthly
Moving Forward Guide Section 02: Moving Forward
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Finding Your Home Base
Securing housing is often the most challenging part of reentry. In Wisconsin, knowing your rights and having a professional "housing portfolio" can make the difference.
Where to Look
1
WIHousingSearch.org: A free service to find affordable rental housing in Wisconsin.
2
2-1-1 Wisconsin: Dial 2-1-1 for local housing resources and emergency shelter assistance.
3
Private Landlords: Focus on independent owners rather than large management companies.
The Housing Portfolio
Present this to potential landlords to show you are a prepared and serious tenant.
Proof of Income (Pay stubs)
Personal Reference Letters
Letter of Explanation (History)
Credit Report Printout
Reading a Lease
Never sign anything until you've read the fine print.
1. Term & Termination
Is it month-to-month or a year-long lease? What is the penalty for moving out early? Wisconsin law usually requires a 28-day notice for month-to-month tenants.
2. Security Deposits
Landlords must return deposits within 21 days of you moving out. They must provide an itemized list of any deductions for repairs.
3. Utility Responsibility
Who pays for water, heat, and electricity? In many WI rentals, the tenant is responsible for heat, which can be expensive in winter.
Tenant Rights
In Wisconsin, it is illegal for a landlord to refuse to rent to you based on certain factors, but criminal records are generally not protected unless you can show disparate impact. Always be honest but brief about your history.
Resource:
Moving Forward Guide
Page 04
Vehicle & Financing
Getting from A to B without breaking the bank.
The Real Cost
The "sticker price" is only the beginning. Factor in these recurring monthly costs:
Insurance (Required in WI) $100 - $250
Fuel / Charging $80 - $150
Maintenance Reserve $50+
Total Monthly Add-on $230 - $450+
Loan Terms
APR (Interest Rate): The cost of borrowing money. With poor credit, you may see 15-25%. With good credit, under 8%.
Down Payment: Cash paid upfront. A larger down payment reduces your monthly bill and total interest paid.
Housing Search Organizer Housing Search Organizer
Mapping your search for a stable home.
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Section 02: Housing
Location
Desired cities or neighborhoods near work/support...
Budget
Max monthly rent (ideally < 30% of income)...
Needs
Bedroom count, bus line access, laundry...
My Housing Portfolio Checklist
Copy of Government-issued Photo ID
Last 3 Pay Stubs (or Income Verification)
List of Rental History (past 5 years)
2-3 Professional Reference Letters
Letter of Explanation for History
Bank Statements (past 2 months)
Letter of Explanation: Key Points
What 3 positive things should a landlord know about you today?
The "New Me"
Point 1: Responsibility...
Point 2: Stability...
Point 3: Future Focus...
Name: _________________________________________________
Date: ________________________
Car Loan Calculator Worksheet Vehicle Loan Calculator
Understanding the real cost of your wheels.
Name: _______________________
Date: ________________________
The Scenario
You are looking at a reliable used car priced at $12,000 . You have $2,000 saved for a down payment. You need to finance the remaining $10,000 .
Key Formulas
Loan Amount = Car Price - Down PaymentMonthly Payment = (Loan Amount + Interest) ÷ MonthsTotal Paid = Monthly Payment × Months + Down Payment
Compare the Interest
Loan Terms Option A (Low Rate) Option B (High Rate) Interest Rate (APR) 7% 18% Loan Amount $10,000 $10,000 Loan Term 48 Months (4 Years) 48 Months (4 Years) Estimated Monthly Payment $239.00 $293.00 Total Interest Paid $1,472.00 $4,064.00
1. The Difference
How much more money will you pay in total for the 18% loan compared to the 7% loan?
2. Budget Reality Check
If your monthly "Transportation" budget (for the car payment only) is $250, which option fits? What happens if you have to take Option B?
Strategy Check
If you are forced to take a high interest rate (Option B) because of your current credit score, you can plan to refinance after 12 months of perfect on-time payments. This could lower your rate to something closer to Option A!
Moving Forward Slides New Leaf Navigator
Moving Forward
Navigating housing search and vehicle financing in Wisconsin.
Finding Your Base
1
WIHousingSearch.org
The primary resource for affordable and subsidized rental units in WI.
2
2-1-1 Wisconsin
Dial 2-1-1 for local housing specialists and emergency resources.
The Strategy
Focus on private landlords. Big management companies often use strict automated background checks that are hard to bypass.
The Housing Portfolio
Don't just fill out an application. Present a professional "packet" to prove you're a low-risk tenant.
Proof of Income
Reference Letters
Letter of Explanation
Credit Report
Financing a Vehicle
The Power of Interest
A 15% interest rate vs. a 7% interest rate can cost you an extra $2,500+ over 4 years on a $10,000 car.
Refinance Strategy
If you have a high rate today, pay on time for 12 months, then ask for a lower rate (Refinance).
WISCONSIN TIP
Check wisconsindmv.gov to see if you have any holds or reinstatment fees before you buy a car!
Career Navigator Guide Section 03: Career Connections
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Your Next Chapter
Finding work is about more than a paycheck; it's about rebuilding your identity. Wisconsin offers robust resources for those ready to re-enter the workforce.
Wisconsin Job Centers
The Department of Workforce Development (DWD) operates centers across the state. They provide computers, resume help, and often have specialists dedicated to reentry (Reentry Employment Specialists).
Key Website
JobCenterOfWisconsin.com
Create a profile to search for jobs and access training grants like WIOA (Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act).
Top WI Industries
Manufacturing
Logistics & CDL
Skilled Trades
Agriculture/Processing
The Honest Explanation
How to talk about your history with confidence and integrity.
The goal of an interview is to show that you are the best person for the job today. When asked about your gap in employment or criminal record, follow the 3 Rs :
01
Regret
Briefly acknowledge the mistake. Don't make excuses or blame others. Keep it short (1-2 sentences).
02
Responsibility
Explain what you have learned and how you took responsibility for your actions during your time away.
03
Redemption
Focus on the positive things you’ve done since: training, work details, volunteering, or education.
The Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC)
Many employers don't know they can receive a federal tax credit (up to $2,400) for hiring individuals who have been recently released. Mentioning this during an interview shows you are business-savvy and provides an incentive for them to take a chance on you.
"I also want to mention that my hire may qualify your company for the WOTC program."
Career Connections Guide
Page 06
Professionalism & Networking
Building a network from the ground up.
The Hidden Job Market
Up to 80% of jobs are never posted online. They are filled through word-of-mouth. This is why "networking" is your most powerful tool.
Tell Everyone
Friends, family, and neighbors should know you're looking for work and what your skills are.
Informational Interviews
Ask a manager in a field you like for 15 minutes to "learn about the industry," not to ask for a job.
Professionalism Basics
Interview Prep Organizer Interview Prep Organizer
Scripting your success for the hot seat.
New Leaf Navigator
Section 03: Careers
Drafting Your "3 Rs" Script
1
Regret
Acknowledge the past briefly (e.g., "I made a poor choice...")
2
Responsibility
What did you learn? (e.g., "While I was away, I focused on...")
3
Redemption
Why you are ready today (e.g., "I am now a certified CDL driver...")
My Hard Skills
Certifications, machinery, tools, software...
My Soft Skills
Punctuality, teamwork, problem-solving...
Name: _________________________________________________
Practice this script with a partner until it feels natural.
Job Application Tracker Worksheet Job Application Tracker
Keep your hunt organized and professional.
Name: _______________________
Week of: ______________________
Employer & Position Date Applied Follow-Up Date Status / Notes e.g., Called manager on Tuesday...
The 48-Hour Follow-Up
"Hello, I'm [Name]. I submitted an application for the [Position] role on [Date]. I'm very interested in the opportunity and wanted to verify you received my materials. Thank you!"
Professional Tip
Always ask for the name of the person you speak with. Writing it down in the "Notes" column above helps you build a connection if you call back later.
Career Connections Slides New Leaf Navigator
Career Connections
Building your professional identity and explaining your journey.
Where to Start
1
Job Centers of WI
Visit JobCenterOfWisconsin.com for resume help and local job fairs.
2
Industry Focus
WI industries like Manufacturing, CDL/Logistics, and Skilled Trades are often more background-friendly.
Top Tip
"Don't just search online. Go in person. 80% of jobs are in the Hidden Job Market."
The 3 Rs Script
01
Regret
Short & honest. "I made a poor decision and took the wrong path." (1-2 sentences)
02
Responsibility
What you learned. "During my time away, I took responsibility by completing [Course/Work]."
03
Redemption
Today's value. "Now, I am ready to apply my skills to help your team grow."
The WOTC Program
Employers can receive a $2,400 tax credit for hiring you.
Mention this in the Interview
"I want to mention that my hire qualifies your company for the Work Opportunity Tax Credit."
Networking & Success
Building Your Network
Tell everyone you are looking.
Ask for Information, not a job.
Visit the WI Job Center weekly.
Professionalism
Punctuality 10 min early
Communication Professional Email
Reliability Consistency
