Camino Financiero Participants Graduate

In June, El Centro celebrated the graduation of its latest Camino Financiero cohort. Participants completed the free financial education program after several weeks of workshops focused on budgeting, credit building, debt management, and long-term financial planning. One attendee, Hamlet Aragon, wants to share what he’s learned with his friends and young people. 

“My closest friends—my advice to them is: don’t use more than 30% of your credit limit so you can improve your credit score and eventually start your own business or apply for a mortgage,” Aragon said.  “If I could talk to my 12-year-old self, the first thing I’d recommend is to practice saving. Don’t spend everything you have, because this is a habit that needs to be instilled from a young age."
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Led by El Centro Financial Coach Belén Fernández, the   program equips participants with practical financial skills to help them make informed decisions, improve financial stability, and work toward personal and professional goals. And, as Aragon points out, it can help you plan for a wealthier future.

Class of 2026 Camino Financiero

“I've learned that we should have savings, an emergency plan, an emergency fund, investments, and life insurance,” Aragon said.  “That's the best thing to do if you had a million dollars.” 
This graduating class included 24 participants from across the Greater New Orleans area, and it continues to expand access to financial education in Spanish, helping individuals and families build the knowledge and confidence to achieve lasting financial success.