Money Smarts Blog

Like most high school grads, I wasn’t sure where my future would take me. So, at 18 years old, I took a summer job as a teller at IHMVCU. I figured I’d earn a little money while I figured out what I wanted to do next. Little did I know I was exactly where I was supposed to be and have loved every minute of my journey toward becoming a financial coach.

Think of me as your personal Pathfinder, working with you one-on-one to step up your financial game and make sure you’re on track toward reaching your goals.

Still not sure what the heck a financial coach is? Let’s break it down with some frequently asked questions.

Why should I trust you for financial help?

Great question. All IHMVCU financial coaches are trained professionals who have passed the Certified Credit Union Financial Counselor exam administered by the Credit Union National Association (and we recertify every three years to make sure we’re keeping up with the trends). And for me personally, I love knowing that I’m helping someone reach their financial success. Sometimes, I’ll get a phone call or email from a member just to share an exciting accomplishment. It’s those personal connections that make my job worth it.

What’s a financial health checkup, and what should I expect?

Most of you know to visit the doctor when you’re not feeling your best. If you’re stressed, you might hit the gym (or your trusty yoga mat). But what about when your finances could use a little extra TLC? You get a financial health checkup! It’s like a routine medical exam, except we’re working together to identify ways to budget better, save more and build credit — with extra tips and resources along the way to help you become more “financially fit.”

The best part? Anyone can get a financial health checkup, anytime. Whether you’re not sure how you’ll ever manage paying your student loans and living expenses, or you’re looking to overcome a mountain of debt, or want to get better about budgeting, it all starts with a conversation to better understand your needs and goals.

Before your first visit, you’ll be asked to fill out a financial health checklist and gather any documents that’ll give us a baseline of what you want to discuss (past due bills or loans you want to refinance, for example). During your meeting, we’ll probably do a soft credit pull to get a snapshot of your credit situation (don’t worry — this won’t affect your credit score), complete a budgeting worksheet and set actionable goals. We’ll check in and reevaluate as needed, but the goal is always to get you back on the path toward reaching your financial best.

How do I know if I’m on track or need a little extra help?

There’s always room for improvement, but in general, your finances are trending in a healthy direction if:

• An emergency expense wouldn’t totally derail your progress
• Your debts are noticeably decreasing
• Your credit score is improving
• You’re able to comfortably contribute to a savings and/or retirement account

On the flip side, if you find yourself continuously overspending with no plan for getting rid of debt, or the thought of budgeting has you running for the hills, it’s time to consider that financial health checkup.

Through the years, I’ve learned a lot about money, and I’ve been lucky enough to build some great relationships with members. Here’s what I’ve learned: Everyone has a story, and no two stories are the same. That’s what makes my job as a financial coach so exciting! Every day is a new adventure and a new opportunity to help members take those steps toward a more secure, financially fit future.

Ready to sit down and chat with a financial coach? Learn more about our coaches on our website, schedule an appointment online with a coach, or call 309-793-6200 to request your financial health checkup today!