Finding Financial Confidence in College and Beyond

Going into my freshman year at UW-Milwaukee, I didn't know what to expect as far as adulthood goes.

In high school, I was spending frivolously; I wasn't thinking about saving. I started working when I was 16 but every last cent I made went toward buying clothes and food, and spending on little things like you do when you're a teenager. Once the reality of having student loans hit, I started to think about how to be smart with my finances.

My mom encouraged me to open an account on campus for the convenience factor and told me UW Credit Union was one of the best financial institutions in the state. I expected to just open an account and then leave and be off on my own. My priority was getting a debit card so I could swipe at whatever store I wanted.

But at UW Credit Union it wasn't just about opening the account. I really appreciate that the people who helped me were very hands on. They took the time to ensure I understood everything – like how to make my money grow and avoid overspending – before I left the branch that day.

Being able to finance my education with a private student loan through UW Credit Union was also key. Having my student loan within my own financial institution versus having to go elsewhere was really helpful.

Banking with UW Credit Union has always felt very personable. I didn’t get lost in the crowd. I appreciated the one-on-one attention; they were very aware that I was really young and needed help. It was nice having someone right on campus I could turn to. I could go in at any point and ask them questions.

They taught me about saving for big expenses. When I wanted to save up for a laptop, they recommended I open a separate savings account and to automatically deposit a percentage of each paycheck into that account. Set it and forget it. Today I have five different savings accounts, because having those different “buckets” really helps me.

Over the years, I have asked many, many questions about my finances. Even in my thirties, I still need guidance. Don’t be afraid to ask questions!

I think a lot of people feel like they should just know the answer to financial questions. The thing is, you don't know what you don't know, and the people around you have no idea what you know. So asking questions is extremely valuable.

I’m excited to partner with UW Credit Union as a social media influencer because I know they’re doing good things for our community and making it a priority to include folks who have historically been excluded from the financial space.

Finance can be one of the most difficult, awkward areas of adulthood. It can be uncomfortable to talk about – or even think about – money. But with the financial education and guidance that UW Credit Union offers, you’ll be supported in your goals and decisions and set on a path to financial wellness.

Founded in 1931 on a Wisconsin campus by people passionate about helping people, UW Credit Union is a steady and strong financial institution. We’re here for all ages and all stages, and we value the relationships we’ve made on campuses throughout the state and beyond in the past 90-plus years.