This past Saturday, the 2023 NAMI Walks Jacksonville event, hosted by the Winston Family YMCA in Riverside, saw an impressive turnout of over 400 community members. The day kicked off at 8 a.m. with Alive prominently represented at the NAMI Walks Wellness Fair. Mark and I engaged in meaningful conversations with hundreds of attendees, discussing our commitment to establishing a "Financial Zen Zone" for those grappling with the weighty burden of financial stress, all through our comprehensive and free financial wellness resources. As part of our outreach, we distributed Money Tree planter kits featuring Alive's information.

In addition to our presence at the fair, our dedicated team participated in the walk/run event. A special shout-out goes to Jess Parmenter, Shirley Rincon, and Andre Ruiz-Feijoo for their support, showcasing to all of Jacksonville that the Alive Team deeply cares about the community.

It's essential to recognize that a significant portion of event participants either confront their own battles with mental illness or support someone who does. While mental illness often conjures images of depression and anxiety, its impact extends far beyond these facets. Mental illness can touch anyone's life. Let's delve into how mental illness intersects with financial well-being.

Mental Illness & Financial Wellness

Financial stress ranks as a prominent catalyst for anxiety and depression in our society. Astonishingly, 62% of Americans admit to feeling stressed about their financial situation. Furthermore, financial stress correlates with a 13% higher likelihood of developing mental health issues.

As the weight of trying to make ends meet permeates one's daily existence, a perilous path can emerge. Individuals grappling with high financial stress are 3x more likely to experience symptoms of depression. An astonishing 70% of adults state that financial stress adversely affects their mental health.

How Alive makes a difference

Seeking professional help for financial challenges can result in an 80% reduction in overall stress levels. Becoming part of a supportive environment can lead to a 20% improvement in mental well-being. When a member reaches out to consult with Alive's Financial Wellness Coach, we can immediately make an impact on their mental health. Our focus on educating individuals about budgeting, saving, and credit isn't merely about finances; it's about enhancing overall well-being.

A remarkable 87% of individuals who receive financial education report a reduction in financial stress. Members can explore these educational resources through articles, webinars, coaching sessions, or by utilizing the Savvy Money tool available on their online banking page.

Do you have a member whom you suspect is grappling with significant financial stress? We encourage you to refer them to our dedicated Financial Wellness Coach and introduce them to the array of free resources accessible on our website.

In a world where financial stability and literacy are crucial skills, Alive Credit Union has taken up the mantel to make a tangible difference. Community Development & Financial Wellness Coaches, the driving force behind the financial literacy initiatives at Alive Credit Union, have been transforming lives and shaping futures throughout the year. As we pass the halfway-marker to a remarkable year, it's time to reflect on the incredible strides made in spreading financial knowledge and empowerment.

High School 9:12 Financial Literacy Bootcamp

The year started with a resounding success as we continued our partnership with High School 9:12 to deliver an intensive 6-week financial literacy bootcamp. The impact of this initiative is simple, equipping young minds with essential life skills that go beyond the classroom. From budgeting basics to understanding the nuances of credit, participants emerged from the program with newfound confidence and financial clarity.

We will be continuing this initiative with our fall series featuring all new materials and even more engagement with our invaluable resources from Banzai beginning September 18th. Please see upcoming events for more information!

Deepening Relationships through education

Throughout the year we have provided short seminars and get-to-know-us events for some of our existing partners such as Chad & Sandy Realty, Consor Moving, and Lutheran Social Services. If you have a business or foundation that may be interested in getting to know our credit union, reach out to Hali or Christian to set up an interactive and meaningful seminar.

Nurturing Financial Literacy in Local Schools

Summer became a season of outreach as we embarked on a journey to local high schools, including Terry Parker, Riverside, Andrew Jackson, and Westside, through the Communities in School Summer Camps. We also visited Lutheran Social Services After School Program, NLP Logix Coding Summer Camp, and the ARC’s High School High Tech Summer Camps. These sessions were bite-sized yet impactful, covering the fundamental aspects of opening bank accounts, cultivating a savings mindset, and laying the foundation for building a strong credit history. These efforts ensured that financial education reached young minds during a time when they were most receptive.

Monthly Financial Wellness Webinars

One of the cornerstones of Alive's initiatives was the launch of the monthly financial wellness webinars. This virtual platform allowed members to engage with financial experts and gain insights from the comfort of their homes. The inclusivity of this approach meant that geographical barriers were shattered, enabling a broader audience to access valuable financial guidance. Whether attending live or catching up on the replays, participants were armed with practical knowledge to make informed decisions.

Stay tuned to the free webinars that come out on the second Wednesday of each month. Our members can register to join live on the Alive website, or catch the replay on Youtube!

#FinancialFreedomFridays: A Social Media Movement

Alive has also demonstrated a keen understanding of the digital age by embracing social media as a tool for change. The inception of #FinancialFreedomFridays showcases our commitment to making financial literacy bite-sized and accessible. Through engaging and educational reels, members were treated to succinct yet impactful tips, transforming their Fridays into stepping stones toward financial empowerment.

A Special Gift on the Horizon: Spreading Holiday Cheer

As the year approaches its grand finale, Alive has created a special team of merry elves including Mark, Dylan, Christian, and Hali to prepare a special educational gift for all Alive Credit Union members. This December promises to be a season of giving, as members can look forward to a resource that encapsulates the essence of financial empowerment. The anticipation builds as Alives dedication to transforming lives continues to shine.

From intensive boot camps to virtual webinars, the initiatives undertaken in 2023 have redefined the landscape of financial education. Through collaboration, innovation, and a genuine desire to make a difference, Alive has taken strides toward a more financially empowered society.

As we eagerly await the December surprise, let's take a moment to reflect on the incredible journey of empowering financial literacy. The impact has been immense, and the future holds the promise of even greater strides toward a world where financial knowledge is a cornerstone of success.

Written by Hali

August 14th is National Financial Awareness Day! This is a day when we are able to highlight the importance of using the strategy and mindset of financial awareness in order to reach financial wellness.

Financial awareness includes:

• Understanding how to save money

• Knowing your income

• Having and knowing your spending plan

• Protecting your money

• Knowing when to borrow money

• Understanding credit and how to use it properly

• Knowledge of different accounts (CD, Savings Share, IRA, etc)

• Having and knowing a long-term investment plan

One way we can assist our members on Financial Awareness day is sharing our financial resources especially free financial coaching. We offer several free resources, all available on the Alive CU website, such as:

• Financial Calculators

• Fraud Protection Tips

• Replays of our Financial Wellness Webinars

• Interactive Financial Wellness Coaching Scheduler

• Links to all our Financial Wellness Programs

• Financial Education Portal (Banzai)

In addition to the resources on our website, we also integrate Financial Wellness through our social media channels in several ways:

• #FinancialFreedomFridays on Facebook & Instagram Reels

• “Ask Ken” Facebook Page

• Replays of our Financial Wellness Webinars

We have even more financial resources rolling out soon so keep an eye out! Remember you can always turn to our internal team of Financial Coaches (currently Jess & Hali) for support in best serving our members Financial Wellness needs.

Please try to share one of the resources listed above with each of your members on Financial Awareness Day and make yourself more familiar with one of our financial wellness programs such as Drive with Alive, Credit Builder loans, or the Fresh Start Checking Accounts.

For many years now, Alive has offered Free Financial Wellness Coaching to our members. Recently, this program has expanded with a new self service scheduling system rolling out so our members can request meetings with the coaches at their convenience. This new feature is located on the alivecu.coop website.

Alive’s Coaches are credit union certified financial counselors who offer motivational guidance and support to members in achieving their financial goals. Goals vary from improving credit, to paying down debt, preparing to purchase a home, or even transitioning into retirement. Every step of the way, the coach is there to assist the member in choosing the right “plays” and celebrating the victories. Tellers, member service representatives, contact center representatives, and loan officers are encouraged to recommend financial wellness coaching to the members who may benefit this service.

The Coaching Team is currently growing with several new coaches starting their own vigorous “training” through the CUNA eSchool. It’s not too late to join this year’s trainees! Webinars are available to view in your down time and all training resources as well as the national accreditation exam are free for employees courtesy of Alive. In addition to making a big difference in your local community, being a Financial Coach is a great resume builder and showcases your dedication to the credit union movement as well as your depth of knowledge.

If you are interested in becoming an Alive Financial Wellness Coach, send a quick email to get started!