Information and Policies

Where things stand

Stepping Stones Financial started in Cleveland, Ohio, because many families, especially those new to the United States, had no clear place to start learning how the financial system works.

Most people who use it come to it through community organizations, nonprofit groups and programs that work with newcomer and first-generation families. Today it has 3 modules, 26 lessons with worksheets, and 600+ glossary terms. It is still an early project, and the lessons, languages and reach are all growing.

Using the materials in a program

Schools, nonprofits, faith groups, libraries, community programs and individuals can all use the lessons freely. There is no login, fee or approval process.

If you use them in a class, workshop or recurring program, please tell us. You do not need permission; knowing where the course is used helps us improve it and offer support.

Keep the use educational. Please do not rebrand the materials, charge for them, or present them in a way that suggests a formal relationship with Stepping Stones Financial unless we have agreed to one.

Fitting it into what you already do

The simplest approach works best: pick the module or lesson closest to what your group needs right now and start there. The course runs from basic to advanced, but nothing breaks if you start in the middle.

Groups that pair each video with its worksheet tend to get the most out of it, because participants apply the idea before the next session. The glossary is a useful shared reference when people start with different levels of familiarity.

You do not need to use everything. One module done well is worth more than three rushed. If you want help planning a series, write to us.

Education, not advice

Nothing on this site is financial, legal, tax or investment advice. It is general education and does not account for your situation.

Knowing how a 401(k) works is different from being told whether to open one. Your income, family, immigration status, goals and timeline all affect the right choice. Use what you learn here to go into those conversations better prepared, then decide with someone who knows your situation, such as a certified financial planner, a tax professional or a trusted advisor in your community.

Privacy

You can use every lesson, worksheet and glossary term without an account, a name or an email address.

If you use the contact form, you share a name and email so we can reply. We use them only to reply. We do not sell them or add you to a mailing list.

We may look at anonymous, combined numbers, such as which pages are visited most, to see what is useful. They are not linked to individuals and are not used for advertising. We do not run ads.

Languages

The course is in English. Spanish and Arabic versions are being translated and reviewed, and will be added as they are finished. The goal is lessons that read naturally in each language, not word-for-word conversions.

For taxes, legal matters or other major decisions, work with a qualified professional who can speak with you in your language. If your organization serves a community that speaks another language, tell us; that shapes what we translate next.

Sharing and reuse

You can share links, print worksheets, and use the lessons in educational settings. When you share them, represent them accurately: do not present them as your own work or change them in ways that alter their meaning.

The materials may not be repackaged into a paid course, included in a commercial product, or sold. If you are unsure whether a use is allowed, ask.

How we write

The test for every lesson is whether someone with no financial background could follow it. When a technical term is necessary, it is explained the first time it appears.

No institution, company or person has paid to be featured or recommended. There are no affiliate links or sponsored sections. If something is unclear, out of date or wrong, please tell us.

Independence

Stepping Stones Financial has no investors, no corporate sponsors, no advertising revenue, and no financial relationship with any institution mentioned in the lessons. It was started by students, and every decision about what to teach is made on what helps the learner.