Asset Building Tools

Invest in Your Future

Individual Development Accounts (IDAs) are matched savings accounts that enable low-income American families to save, build assets, and enter the financial mainstream. IDAs reward the monthly savings of working families who are building towards purchasing an asset.

WWBIC’s IDA program allows individuals to save for four types of assets: purchasing your first home, paying for post-secondary education (college), starting or expanding your small business, or saving for your dependent’s college education. IDAs make it possible for eligible low-income families to build the financial assets they need to achieve the American Dream.

NOTE: The IDA program is currently only available for residents of the Housing Authority of the City of Milwaukee (certain Section 8 or public housing residents).  Visit our FAQ for more information.

To learn more about how IDA’s work, watch the video below.

If you have questions about your eligibility, please email info@wwbic.com or call at 414-263-5450

Asset Building Tools FAQ

What is an IDA?

IDAs, or Individual Development Accounts, are special matched savings accounts designed to help families and individuals of modest means establish a pattern of regular saving and, ultimately, purchase a “productive asset.” A “productive asset” is something of value that is likely to return substantial long-term benefits to its owner – benefits like security, stability and opportunities for more income. Watch the helpful video above for more information.

What is a "savings match?"

A “savings match” is a promise by the agency to supplement an IDA Participant’s savings deposits at a specific rate. For every dollar that you save in your IDA, you will be matched 2:1. The maximum number of accounts that a family can have is two.

What is required of IDA participants?

IDA Participants are asked to commit to:

  • Make regular savings deposits (the amounts are determined on an individual basis)
  • Complete Make Your Money Talk series
  • Participate in quarterly Asset Builders Classes
  • Work with a Financial Coach on an on-going basis

Is anyone in Wisconsin eligible for WWBIC's IDA program?

WWBIC’s IDA program is currently only available for residents of the Housing Authority of the City of Milwaukee (certain Section 8 or public housing residents).

Why would anyone give away money like that?

IDA savings matches are not “giveaways.” Participants earn matches by saving their own hard-earned dollars and taking other steps to prepare for the future, like attending Financial Capability classes. Furthermore, providing match dollars is a way to help hard-working low-income families and individuals build a more stable and secure future.

Is there more to an IDA Program than just savings matches?

Absolutely! People need more than just cash to become successful asset owners. For this reason, participants in the IDA program attend both Make Your Money Talk and special ongoing Asset Builders classes. These workshops are designed to help Participants acquire or polish the personal and financial skills that are essential for long-term success; such as skills for debt repayment, re-establishment of credit, household budgeting and savvy consumer habits.

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