Why choose us
Trusted Public Service
Led by the local governments of Pitkin, Garfield, and Eagle Counties, with support from the CFE Fund.
Expert Guidance You Can Trust
Delivered by the Savings Collaborative’s professional and certified financial counselors.
Free, Confidential Support
Always no cost, judgment-free, and tailored to your goals.
Flexible and Accessible Services
Sessions are available in-person, virtually, or over the phone to fit your schedule and needs.
Who we are
The Financial Empowerment Center (FEC) of the Rockies is the first tri-county and rural FEC in the nation, serving Pitkin, Garfield, and Eagle Counties. This public service is made possible through a collaboration between local governments, the nonprofit Savings Collaborative, and support from the Cities for Financial Empowerment (CFE) Fund.
As part of a national network of 37 Financial Empowerment Centers, the FEC of the Rockies offers free, professional financial counseling to help residents reduce debt, improve credit, build savings, planning their legacy, and access safe and affordable banking services. Managed by the Savings Collaborative, we strive to equip residents with the tools and support needed to achieve financial confidence and stability.
By working with local governments and trusted community organizations, we ensure our services are accessible and tailored to meet the unique needs of our community members.
Ways we support you
What We Offer: Managing debt, building savings, improving credit, accessing safe banking. Whether you’re connecting with us for the first time or continuing your journey, we’re here to listen, support, and offer personalized financial solutions tailored to your needs.
Schedule a phone, video, or in-person appointment with one of our experienced counselors in English or Spanish.
Our team of professional financial counselors will focus on creating solutions to meet your unique financial needs:
- Reduce Debt: Develop a repayment plan that works for you.
- Build Savings: Save for emergencies, goals, and long-term security.
- Improve Credit: Understand your credit report and boost your score.
- Access Safe Banking: Explore affordable, secure banking options.
- Build Healthy Financial Habits: Set goals and learn strategies to maintain them.
- Legacy Planning: Prepare for the future and protect your assets.
What We Don’t Offer: Direct cash assistance, investment advice, or tax filing services (but we can refer you to local resources).
Meet our team
Iliana Renteria
Program Manager
Take the first step toward financial resilience.
Schedule a phone, video, or in-person appointment with one of our experienced counselors
Our team of professional financial counselors will focus on creating solutions to meet your unique financial needs:
Reduce Debt
Develop a repayment plan that works for you.
Build Savings
Save for emergencies, goals, and long-term security.
Improve Credit
Understand your credit report and boost your score.
Access Safe Banking
Explore affordable, secure banking options.
Plan your legacy
Prepare for the future and protect your assets.
Break it down, step by step.
Set goals and learn strategies to maintain them.
Laura Garcia Villalpando
Lead Financial Counselor
Break it down, step by step.
Susie Meraz
Financial Counselor
Take control of your financial future.
Karina Roman
Financial Counselor
Karina moved to Colorado at age 18 and has called the Roaring Fork Valley home for the past 27 years. She is bilingual in English and Spanish and enjoys helping others, especially this community, in any way she can. She has 14 years’ experience in banking and 6 in mortgage lending.
Karina enjoys spending time with her family and friends, especially her beautiful daughter Amy, husband Cesar, and her dog Canelo.
Your next step toward financial success is just a click away.
