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Closing the Year With Stories of Learning, Growth, and New Beginnings
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As we head into the final stretch of the year, we are excited to share highlights that reflect the heart of our mission. From college students in Nebraska taking charge of their financial futures, to how to adapt to rising home insurance costs, to Idaho residents preparing for a successful reentry, these stories show how financial education meets people exactly where they are. Each partnership strengthens the communities we serve and reminds us how powerful learning can be when it is accessible, relevant, and rooted in real life.
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1. Creighton University Kicks Off Financial Wellness with FB
Creighton University’s Recreation and Wellness Office welcomed our team at its inaugural financial wellness event last month, and the energy in the room set the tone for what we hope becomes a long-term partnership. Our volunteer, Karen Bravo, facilitated Credit Level 2 for more than 30 undergraduate students. Learners dug into topics like credit scores, responsible borrowing, and building healthy financial habits. The event showed how eager students are for clear, practical guidance. It also demonstrated how volunteer-led financial education can support student success and financial confidence across campus.
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2. Need Home Insurance? Oregon DFR Can Help!
If you are struggling to find affordable home insurance, you are not alone. Many families across the country are facing rising costs and confusing coverage options. Our good friends at the Oregon Division of Financial Regulation have put together clear, easy-to-use tools to help you understand your choices and take practical next steps. Visit their website to learn about coverage options, ways to reduce costs, and how to get support if you need help navigating your policy.
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3. Idaho Dept. of Corrections Partnership Continues to Grow
Our work with the Idaho Department of Corrections reached a milestone this year. Fourteen cohorts have now completed our financial education programming, serving nearly 1,000 residents preparing for a fresh start. This progress is strengthened by our partnership with Columbia Bank, whose team regularly facilitates SAFE modules including Goals and Tools, Income and Taxes, Credit and Debt, and Protecting Yourself. Their commitment helps ensure residents receive practical, relevant guidance as they plan for reentry. It is an honor to support this work and to see Financial Beginnings recognized as a key contributor to a new start.
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As we near the end of the year, this is a meaningful moment to invest in financial empowerment. Your gift today helps ensure more learners start the new year with the knowledge and confidence they need.
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The CEO’s Corner: Real Talk on Money
Monthly perspective and practical advice from our CEO Ronecca Norvell
New research reveals something that doesn't add up: 69% of women rate their financial literacy as good, yet they're twice as likely as men to feel ashamed of their finances.
The gap isn't really about knowledge. It's about confidence and having access to the right resources.
At Financial Beginnings this is exactly why we design our programs differently. We measure confidence because we know financial empowerment isn't just about budgeting basics - it's about building the skills to ask questions, advocate for yourself, and create security on your own terms.
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Daniel Abrego
We’re shining a light on the incredible volunteers who help bring Financial Beginnings’ mission to life. Their time, energy, and passion make financial education possible for learners of all ages and backgrounds. This month, we’re thrilled to introduce an inspiring quote from Washington volunteer Daniel Abrego, whose commitment to his community is what volunteer leadership is all about.
Financial Beginnings has literally transformed my life. I was able to shadow a presenter before presenting myself which gave me the confidence to know I could do it. Since then, I have learned and cemented the financial topics to present which has translated into some amazing presentations. The growth that I have seen in participants in the class as the information clicks is the true key factor I look for. To be able to help someone on their financial journey and watch them as they accomplish their goals is so rewarding.
Financial Beginnings helped me find my purpose in life, it helped me create a career helping the community, it gave me my last beginning.
Daniel’s story captures the heart of what volunteer-powered education can do. His journey from shadowing a presenter to becoming a confident, community-centered educator reflects the impact volunteers have on both learners and themselves. We are grateful for leaders like Daniel who turn financial education into connection, confidence, and purpose for everyone in the room.
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