Financial Wellness at Work

Welcome to season five of Financial Wellness at Work! In this episode, we welcome our very own Think Tank director, Greg Ward, and financial coach, Scott Stark, to discuss their takeaways from the EBRI (Employee Benefit Research Institute) Symposium as we head into a new year. Tuning in, you’ll hear all about why this event is so beneficial, what was discussed at the HSA roundtable, how the day started by touching on the affordability issue, and so much more. We delve into what stood out to Scott and Greg from the discussions before touching on the power of efficient education and leveraging technology appropriately. We even talk about what a private letter ruling is! Finally, Greg and Scott talk about how offering employees a choice on how their money is spent improves their benefit satisfaction massively. To hear all this and more, be sure to press play now, and stay tuned for more episodes where we will unpack more about the benefits code! 

Key Points From This Episode:

• Why the EBRI Symposium is such an amazing and beneficial event. 
• One of the main challenges the industry faces: affordability and retirement saving. 
• What stood out from the event and the importance of auditing as a benefit manager. 
• The importance of education to improve the financial health of the American worker. 
• How technology can help us integrate benefits and provide a personalized experience. 
• The power of offering employees a choice on how money is spent. 

Quotes:

“The affordability issue is going to compete with the ability to save for retirement so if you’re not doing both when you’re younger, – it’s hard to catch up when you’re older.” — Greg Ward [0:05:03]

“There are several things that are needed to improve the financial health of the American worker [and] the first is just the education itself.” — Greg Ward [0:10:06]

“All this choice and all these other efforts that employers are making to support their employees – need some support.” — Scott Stark [0:14:15]

“One in three people [who] have an HSA know little to nothing about it.” — Scott Stark [0:14:27]

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Scott Stark on LinkedIn

Greg Ward on LinkedIn

EBRI Symposium

Think Tank

Julie Everett on LinkedIn

Financial Finesse

Email Financial Finesse

High inflation may have eased, but many employees are now facing the debt that built up while their budgets were stretched thin. In this episode of Financial Wellness at Work, Julie Everett talks with Scott Stark, CFP, Senior Financial Planner and Financial Wellness Think Tank researcher at Financial Finesse, about the financial patterns that defined 2025. Scott shares how employers have stepped up with creative programs that support workers navigating lingering financial pressure. He and Julie walk through new Think Tank findings, including debt now surpassing money management as the top coaching topic, the strong connection between overwhelming financial stress and credit report errors, and how a clear debt strategy can save years and thousands of dollars. They also unpack insights on tracking habits and why spreadsheets, though common, often add stress instead of reducing it. The episode ends with simple steps employees can use to lower stress and build momentum. Tune in to hear the data and learn how small changes can create meaningful financial progress!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Introducing guest Scott Stark, CFP, and Financial Wellness Think Tank researcher.
• Looking back on the shifts in financial coaching conversations throughout 2025.
• How employers launched innovative programs to support employees’ financial needs.
• Why “debt” is overtaking “money management” as the top topic on the coaching line.
• Reflections on why higher financial stress leads to more errors on credit reports.
• Actions employees can take to check and correct inaccuracies in their reports.
• How a focused payoff plan can save years and significant interest costs.
• What the data shows about stressed employees relying heavily on spreadsheets.
• Why simpler tracking systems often reduce stress more effectively than spreadsheets.
• Practical steps to help employees create quick wins and maintain financial momentum.

Quotes:

“During that time [of high inflation], people probably had to turn to debt a lot just to get through, and now dealing with that debt is front and center. So debt conversations have surpassed those money management conversations [in frequency].” — Scott Stark [0:03:38]

“This is an opportunity for some quick wins. There are a lot of things about getting out of debt that are not fun and long-term and can be a real grind, but bumping up your credit score can really be a nice boost.” — Scott Stark [0:05:52]

“If you have to sign into a spreadsheet every day or week or even month, that's a lot of work. It’s a tough thing to stick to.” — Scott Stark [0:11:19]

“The option that is the most correlated with lowering your financial stress is more of an informal tracking system.” — Scott Stark [0:11:43]

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Scott Stark on LinkedIn

Julie Everett on LinkedIn

Financial Finesse

Email Financial Finesse

The holidays can be an overwhelming time financially, and today on Financial Wellness at Work, we are joined by financial services expert, Kaitlin Vangura, to discuss how you can spend smart this season so that you can be present with your family and focus on what really matters! Tuning in, you’ll hear all about Kaitlin’s approach to the holidays, how she manages budgeting without becoming a ‘grinch’, how (and when) to plan financially for this time of year, how you can make some extra cash over the holidays, and so much more! We delve into how to make gift-giving more intentional and less financially burdensome before discussing why Kaitlin doesn’t like Black Friday. We even discuss how you can avoid last-minute shopping pressure during the holidays. Finally, our guest shares some invaluable advice about letting go of perfection during the holidays. Thanks for listening in!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Introducing today’s guest, Kaitlin Vangura. 
• Why the holidays always sneak up on us financially. 
• How (and when) we plan for the holidays by budgeting. 
• Some tips for making some extra cash for the holidays. 
• Why she loves Secret Santa and her thoughts on Black Friday.
• How to avoid getting sucked into last-minute shopping chaos.
• What to do in January if you overspend over the holidays.
• Kaitlin shares some advice for her former ‘grinch-like’ self. 

Quotes:

“I think drawing boundaries is a really good thing to do, especially if the idea of trying to get gifts for everyone is very stressful.” — Kaitlin Vangura [0:14:11]

“Keeping your eyes and ears open throughout the year, I think, is a much better strategy than trying to just go all in on the Black Friday sales.” — Kaitlin Vangura [0:17:04]

“Stop putting so much pressure on [yourself] to make [the holidays] perfect. It doesn’t have to be perfect!” — Kaitlin Vangura [0:28:08]

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Kaitlin Vangura on LinkedIn

Julie Everett on LinkedIn

Financial Finesse

Email Financial Finesse

We all know that financial stress can impact your health, but we often don’t consider how your health may impact your finances. Today, we are discussing the financial toll of living with a chronic health condition with employee, Alexis Lopez, and financial coach, Becca Wilton. Tuning in, you’ll hear all about Alexis’ health journey, endometriosis diagnosis, the unexpected expenses that come with the disease, and how her relationship with her finances has changed since then. We dive into some of the tools Becca gave Alexis and how they helped her become financially healthy before our guests share some advice for anyone diagnosed with a chronic illness. Finally, you’ll be reminded of the importance of advocating for your financial health. Thanks for listening in! 

Key Points From This Episode:

• Introducing our guest, Alexis Lopez, and welcoming Becca Wilton back to the show.
• Becca tells us how often medical expenses come up when discussing finances. 
• Alexis shares her story and her endometriosis diagnosis.
• How her perspective on money has changed since her diagnosis.
• Becca shares what she remembers from her first chat with Alexis. 
• Some suggestions Becca gave Alexis and how they helped her. 
• Alexis tells us about some unexpected expenses of having endometriosis. 
• Personal and financial advice for someone who’s been diagnosed with a chronic illness. 
• What financial stability looks like for Alexis going forward.
• Becca touches on what she learned from her time with Alexis.
• The importance of advocating for your own financial health. 

Quotes:

“I had to provide 15 years of documentation before I was even allowed to be considered for an endometriosis diagnosis.” — Alexis Lopez [0:04:35]

“Financial coaches are not necessarily sharks in the water.” — Alexis Lopez [0:07:21]

“Money can be nurturing, money can be empowering, and can also lift me up.” — Alexis Lopez [0:08:22]

“[Financial coaches] talk to so many different people from different walks of life, so we can really help you think through some of those ways and things that you might need to advocate for.” — Becca Wilton [0:36:53]

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Julie Everett on LinkedIn

Financial Finesse

Email Financial Finesse

What happens when you stop Googling financial advice and start talking to a real coach? In this episode of Financial Wellness at Work, host Julie Everett sits down with Megan, a healthcare professional who shares how financial coaching helped her move from uncertainty to confidence in her money decisions. Megan discusses her initial hesitation, the relief of discovering she was not “so far off” in her financial planning, and the ways her coach improved her investment strategies. Together, Julie and Megan explore the connection between financial health and overall well-being, the importance of starting early, and why everyone deserves a trusted partner in their financial journey. Tune in now!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Discover why financial health is an essential part of overall well-being.
• Megan’s experience of managing money without guidance or coaching.
• Find out what made her nervous before her first coaching session.
• Hear about the moment that validated her financial decisions.
• Find out why she regrets not working with a financial coach earlier. 
• How coaching gave her confidence and ideas for new investment strategies.
• Uncover her biggest money win since she started financial coaching.
• Takeaway advice on how to begin your financial wellness journey.

Quotes:

“The greatest joy in my life is to know that something that I have done has improved the circle of somebody else.” — Julie Everett [0:01:08]

“Just like everyone should have a primary care doctor, I truly feel everyone should have a financial coach.” — Megan [0:06:24]

“The biggest win is the different ways that [my financial coach] said that I could be investing that would be most beneficial for me.” — Megan [0:07:39]

“If anyone is thinking about making any life decision that would impact your finances in the future, talk to someone, talk to [Financial Finesse].” — Megan [0:09:50]

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Julie Everett on LinkedIn

Financial Finesse

Email Financial Finesse

Financial curveballs can often affect our physical well-being, but how can we learn and grow from the unexpected twists and turns that few of us are prepared for? Today’s guest experienced a sudden financial shock that forced her and her family to think fast, adapt, and make some tough decisions. She joins us today to share her story of resilience, resourcefulness, and the emotional side of money that is often overlooked. Rebecca, a Compensation and Benefits Manager and avid money saver, begins our conversation by explaining how financial wellness affects physical wellness. Then, we unpack lifestyle creep as a camouflaged concern, how to understand your needs and cut back wherever necessary, how Rebecca’s upbringing informed her astute money habits, and how to find financial help for your particular needs. To end, our guest shares more about her family’s financial recovery, why having oversight over your finances is non-negotiable, and words of hope for the future of financial coaching. To learn how to bounce back and reclaim financial health, press play now!   

Key points from this episode:

• Rebecca explains how financial wellness affects physical wellness.
• How Rebecca assesses her money and savings habits before her household’s big financial loss.
• Lifestyle creep, understanding your needs, and learning how to trim and cut back.
• How Rebecca keeps track of her finances, and how she became money-savvy. 
• The dangers of not doing what you know you should be doing, and how to find financial help.  
• Rebecca’s thoughts on Financial Finesse.
• Understanding how long Rebecca and her family have felt the effects of her husband losing his job. 
• The importance of having complete oversight over your finances. 
• Rebecca’s parting words of advice and hope about the world of financial coaching. 

Quotes:

“We had always been very particular about our home; could we afford our home on one income? If we couldn’t afford our home on one income, we couldn’t afford our home. We never wanted to become house poor.” — Rebecca [5:09]

“I don’t collect things. I don’t like to collect things in my home. I also don’t like to collect things in my checkbook.” — Rebecca [5:26]

“I can’t be so afraid of what I’m going to find that I don’t look at it, because I could inevitably make it worse by not choosing to look at it.” — Rebecca [10:40]

“I learned how to be resourceful because [my parents] were resourceful. I remember all the things they did trying to make the money go as far as it could.” — Rebecca [15:25]

“We need to be prepared because bad things can happen. They can happen at any time, and even when you’re doing all the things right.” — Rebecca [16:23]

“You can make it through hard times when you sit down and think about it and put together a plan. It’s when you’re willing to face it that you can do those things.” — Rebecca [27:17]

“When you don’t have that oversight over your finances, you can really lose touch quickly.” — Julie Everett [29:57]

Links mentioned in today’s episode:

Julie Everett on LinkedIn

Financial Finesse

You don’t need to love numbers to get good with money — just the right support and some clear guidance. In today’s episode, Financial Finesse coach Julie Everett is joined by Briana Oliver, a technical recruiter at a Fortune 500 company, who opens up about her five-year journey from financial uncertainty to clarity and confidence. Briana reflects on how growing up with a save-every-penny mindset left her unsure of what to do once she had “extra” income, and how financial coaching helped her shift from survival mode to a more intentional, empowered approach. She shares how overwhelming it felt to navigate terms like 401(k) and Roth IRA, especially in a tech culture steeped in financial jargon. Together, she and Julie break down the emotional side of money decisions, the power of simplifying complex goals, and the importance of finding a financial coach who truly gets you. Tune in to hear Briana’s honest, relatable story and discover why small, supported steps can lead to lasting change!

Key points from this episode:

• How Briana’s money script was shaped by a scarcity mindset and a strong habit of saving.
• The culture shock of entering the tech world and feeling overwhelmed by financial jargon.
• Why paying off student loans gave her structure, but left her wondering what came next.
• How Briana’s first coaching session with Julie felt radically human and approachable.
• The value of breaking down complex goals, like consolidating 401(k)s, into simple steps.
• Why emotional clarity matters just as much as financial strategy when making big decisions.
• Lessons from skipping a rushed home purchase and finding the right place on her own terms.
• How Briana learned to enjoy life today while still planning wisely for tomorrow.
• The importance of filtering advice, even from well-meaning, financially savvy colleagues.
• Characteristics to look for in a financial coach and how to make sure you’ve found the right fit.
• How Briana used her experience to help her cousin take a confident financial step.
• Parting advice from Briana on how to find a financial coach and transform your money journey.

Quotes:

“I knew it was important to save, but I didn't really know what I should be doing outside of ‘put your money away’ and, like, ‘don't spend more than you make’, and just ‘save, save, save.’” — Briana Oliver [2:42]

“That's what I appreciated about you, and about Financial Finesse, was that there was this very grounded approach, and you spoke to me in language I could understand. It was such a refreshing, inviting experience.” — Briana Oliver [4:21]

“One small step at a time can really compound into big changes in the end.” — Briana Oliver [10:56]

“My finances need to fit my life, and I need to make my money work for me; it doesn't have to be overly complicated.” — Briana Oliver [15:55]

“Keep going until you find someone that clicks, that respects you, that's certified, and that can break your big goals down into small chunks. It doesn't hurt to try it.” — Briana Oliver [31:24]

Links mentioned in today’s episode:

Briana Oliver on LinkedIn

Julie Everett on LinkedIn

Financial Finesse

Surviving divorce and debt to thrive against all financial odds is an impressive feat, one worthy of impactful discussion. In today’s conversation, we welcome Financial Finesse Financial Coach, Becca Wilton, and single mom and healthcare professional, Gerlyn Kuroski, to the show to unpack Gerlyn’s path to financial freedom. To start, Gerlyn describes who she is and what she does. Then, we learn why she chose Financial Finesse, her struggles with debt, what she has learned from our tools and coaching, how her faith led her to Becca, and Becca’s initial thoughts after their first meeting. We also discover how Becca’s relationship with Gerlyn has impacted how she works, and Gerlyn walks us through the financial wins she’s most proud of. To end, Gerlyn shares important advice for other single parents in financial predicaments, while Becca details helpful employer benefits for employees to be aware of, and we are reminded of life’s inevitable rollercoaster. 

Key points from this episode:

• Gerlyn Kuroski explains who she is, what she does, and her journey in finances to date.
• Why Gerlyn chose Financial Finesse, and Becca Wilton’s first thoughts of Gerlyn.
• The stress of debt, and unpacking the moment Gerlyn started prioritizing herself.
• What Gerlyn has learned from Financial Finesse and how her faith brought her to Becca.
• The financial wins Gerlyn is most proud of. 
• How Becca’s relationship with Gerlyn has influenced the way she works.
• Gerlyn’s advice to other single-income households who feel stuck in their finances. 
• Becca details helpful employer benefits for employees to be aware of.
• A reminder of life’s various phases and the inevitability of both good and bad times. 
• Closing thoughts from Gerlyn and Becca. 

Quotes:

“The lowest of my low was thinking I’ll be forever in debt.” — Gerlyn Kuroski [3:22]

“Financial Finesse, when I entered your program, it was overwhelming in the sense that everything I’ve ever asked myself or others, and I couldn’t answer or nobody could answer for me, was all in one app, one place.” — Gerlyn Kuroski [5:32]

“401(k) – Every job that I’ve had offered it, but I didn’t really know what it meant. I didn’t know that you had to invest money in order for that to fully work to its capacity. I thought it was just like another bank account.” — Gerlyn Kuroski [10:46]

“My biggest win is feeling confident again in my finances.” — Gerlyn Kuroski [18:34]

“It is not the end, there is a light at the end of the tunnel, and don’t be afraid to ask questions.” — Gerlyn Kuroski [22:33]

“You don’t want to live a lifelong journey of regret, not taking the first step.” — Gerlyn Kuroski [24:05]

“It’s hard to be stuck when you open your eyes to Financial Finesse.” — Gerlyn Kuroski [25:23]

Links mentioned in today’s episode:

Rebecca Wilton on LinkedIn 

Julie Everett on LinkedIn

Financial Finesse

What does it really mean to navigate the U.S. financial system as an immigrant? In this episode of Financial Wellness at Work, host Brian Kelly is joined by Veronica Arellano, a financial planner at Financial Finesse, and Yemi Rose, founder of OfColor and Growth Leader at Financial Finesse, to explore the layered financial experiences of first-generation immigrants in America. Veronica and Yemi share personal immigration stories, arriving from Mexico and Jamaica, and reflect on how cultural values, family expectations, and systemic differences shape their financial decisions. They unpack challenges like navigating unfamiliar banking systems, mistrust of financial institutions, and planning for uncertain futures across borders. They also discuss how cultural norms influence money habits, why multigenerational responsibilities matter, and how embracing both opportunity and uncertainty is key to building a life and legacy in a new country. Tune in to hear how culturally relevant coaching can build trust, bridge financial gaps, and empower immigrant communities through understanding and empathy!

Key points from this episode:

• An introduction to today’s topic: immigration and navigating the U.S. financial system.
• Veronica’s immigration story from Mexico and her family’s journey to citizenship.
• Yemi’s experiences moving from Jamaica for school and building a life in the U.S.
• How culture influences financial behavior.
• The influence of multigenerational living and care on financial priorities.
• Yemi’s reflections on the concept of immigrant privilege and growing up outside the U.S.
• How family support, resourcefulness, and access to education helped Veronica succeed.
• The scale and opportunity of the U.S. compared to Veronica and Yemi’s home countries.
• How systemic complexity in the U.S. creates both challenges and professional opportunities.
• Challenges immigrants face: unfamiliar banking, mistrust, and sending money abroad.
• How planning for retirement without knowing where you’ll live adds extra uncertainty.
• Veronica and Yemi's insights into hybrid retirement approaches.
• The importance of trust and cultural understanding in financial coaching.
• Final guidance for new immigrants navigating work and money in the U.S: Embrace opportunity and seek support.

Quotes:

“Having financial freedom and being able to speak to [a financial planner] is something that should be available to everyone, regardless of your background or where you came from, or what you've done or what you're looking to do.” — Veronica Arellano [3:06]

“I came here somewhere before I turned 18. And so there is an element of dodging, what I call some of the PTSD that comes from growing up Black in America. I have two young daughters that I see all the time, and it can manifest itself in different ways.” — Yemi Rose [13:49]

“In Jamaica, we've had systems collapse [and] in the 70s, there were a lot of banking failures. You have folks who [were] around for that, not having their cash insured – needing to feel that safety of being able to touch and see your money, and therefore having it under a mattress is a real thing.” — Yemi Rose [22:50]

“I have lots of family that don't trust ATMs.” — Yemi Rose [23:16]

“Rely on all the resources that you have available. [Learn] about the retirement plans at work, the employee benefits, and getting to know your community. I would encourage everyone to do that as soon as they can, because knowledge is power.” — Veronica Arellano [28:45]

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Veronica Arellano on LinkedIn

Yemi Rose on LinkedIn

What actually happens when you reach out to a financial coach for the first time? If you’ve ever wondered what to expect from that initial conversation, this episode has you covered! Joining us from Grace Health, Sally Armstrong and Chris Higdon break down the process of connecting with a coach at Financial Finesse, including what’s discussed, how to prepare, and how you can benefit from the personalized guidance, action items, and resources they offer. We also explore common financial strains, the importance of flexibility in financial plans, and the surprising ways that coaching can help you unlock new perspectives and solutions. Tune in today to demystify the process and walk away with a clearer sense of what financial coaching could do for you!

Key points from the episode:

• Insight into the relationship between Financial Finesse and Grace Health.
• The first conversation with a financial coach: what to expect. 
• Common financial strains in today’s workforce.
• Why financial plans should be “written in pencil, not in pen.”
• Personalized guidance, action items, and resources to help you take control of your finances.
• No sales pitch: the perks of not being sold anything.
• Tangible (and sometimes unexpected) outcomes of financial coaching.

Quotes:

“One of my reasons for not calling [a financial coach sooner] is I thought that I would be asked questions I didn't know [the answers to]. I never felt inadequate in talking with anyone from Financial Finesse.” — Chris Higdon [7:07]

“Financial plans should be written in pencil, not in pen because it’s not about making the numbers look good. It’s about building a plan that works and that we can live with.” — Julie Everett [8:30]

“When people think about financial wellness, they think, ‘I don't need help writing a budget,' but they need to realize how many aspects of their life involve finances. There are so many different areas and avenues to your money that [a financial coach] can help you with.” — Sally Armstrong [18:21]

Links mentioned in the episode:

Grace Health

Sally Armstrong on LinkedIn

Chris Higdon on LinkedIn

Julie Everett on LinkedIn

Financial Finesse