The Open Enrollment period for 2023 Marketplace health insurance plans is November 1 to January 15, 2023, but you need to enroll by December 15 for your coverage to start on January 1, 2023.

If you or someone you know needs health insurance, our team of more than 100 Navigators is ready to help you find the plan works best for your health care needs and budget.

We have thousands of appointments available by phone and in-person at our two Prosper Centers in Austin. We're also welcoming walk-ins at both locations. Visit ProsperHealthCoverage.org or call 512-381-4520 to schedule an appointment today. 

Last week, we were joined by Congressman Lloyd Doggett, Judge Andy Brown, and Councilmember Vanessa Fuentes to kick off the 10th Open Enrollment period. Check out the video from the event here, including a special performance by local musician San Gabriel.

Imagine a holiday season that is filled with joy and doesn't add financial stress. It's possible if you're intentional about how you spend your time and money. This year, with high rates of inflation, it's more important than ever to plan ahead for the expenses that come with the holidays. But cutting down on expenses doesn't have to mean that your holidays can't be joyous. Here are some tips for minimizing costs while maximizing enjoyment.

Make a budget and check it twice. Making a holiday budget can keep you from getting overwhelmed with expenses that just seem to pile up over the holiday season. Your holiday budget should include how much money you have or can set aside for holiday costs, and a list of gift recipients and other expenses. Try out these holiday budget templates.

Look for deals now. Many retailers are spreading their holiday sales over November and December. With your holiday budget in hand, you can save on gifts throughout the coming weeks.

Plan for making memories instead of buying gifts. Get creative and plan low-cost activities that are fun and meaningful. Some ideas for activities are:

• Hold a cookie decorating party.
• Organize a food drive or fundraiser and donate the proceeds to a local charity.
• Send heartfelt hand-written cards. 

For help creating your very own budget-friendly holiday plan, schedule a phone or Zoom appointment with a Financial Coach. Call 737-717-4000 to schedule an appointment or click below to schedule online. 

The FAFSA and TASFA are now open for the 2023-2024 school year, and there is still time to apply to get the most out of your award. For free coaching and support on completing a financial aid application, students can schedule an appointment below with our College Hub experts. Appointments are available by phone, Zoom, and in-person at our two Prosper Center locations. 

We are currently accepting applications for the Succeed and Free Minds programs for prospective students who have faced barriers to college in the past achieve their education goals.

Free Minds is a college course for adults who do not have a college degree and would like to join a supportive community to build the tools and confidence to take on college-level coursework. Students work with professors from the University of Texas and Austin Community College to delve into literature, philosophy, history, art and writing, while earning credit hours from ACC. The application deadline to join us for Spring '23 semester is November 30th! Click here to apply.

Succeed is a program designed to provide a clear pathway into and through college for prospective or current college students. Join Succeed to work with a college coach, receive matched savings for tuition, and access a range of support services. Applications for Spring '23 will be accepted from November 4th until January 6th! Click here to apply.

Find us in the Community 

This month, the College Hub is excited to partner with Austin High Schools - Bowie, Travis, LBJ - and Georgetown ISD on financial aid events to support high school seniors across Central Texas apply for financial aid. Catch us at an event or workshop near you!

Prosper Tax Help wrapped up the year-round tax season on October 15 and are preparing to re-open for tax season on January 16. Check out our seasonal positions below and share them with anyone who might be interested. 

• Bilingual Intake Coordinator: Greet clients, conduct eligibility screenings, and assist taxpayers in assembling all required information and documents.  
• Site Manager: Oversee operations at our seasonal tax center locations, provide support and guidance to volunteer tax preparers, and ensure sites are operating efficiently.  
• Transmitting Manager: Assist with the setup and maintenance of tax preparation software provided by the IRS and ensure all returns are transmitted accurately and on time.
• For a full list of all the current openings at Foundation Communities, click here.