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New Paths Forward
This month at Financial Beginnings, we’re highlighting the power of financial education to meet people where they are. From the introduction of SAGE (Sustaining Ancestral Guidance and Empowerment), our culturally responsive financial education initiative developed alongside Indigenous partners, to the refresh of our Forward program supporting adults navigating major life transitions, we’re expanding programs designed to build confidence, stability, and long-term opportunity. We’re also proud to celebrate volunteers like Rebecca McKinsey, whose passion for helping others is creating meaningful impact in classrooms and communities alike.
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1. SAGE: Building Generational Strength Through Financial Education
Financial Beginnings is proud to announce SAGE (Sustaining Ancestral Guidance and Empowerment), a new financial education initiative designed with and for Indigenous communities. In SAGE, core financial concepts like saving, budgeting, and planning for the future are woven into cultural context, honoring community traditions and long-term perspectives on stewardship and generational wellbeing.
By connecting financial knowledge with cultural identity and community strengths, SAGE helps participants build financial confidence while honoring the values that shape how communities think about money and the future.
This new program was made possible through the generous support of Columbia Bank, whose partnership is helping expand access to culturally responsive financial education.
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2. Forward in Action: Supporting Life Transitions
Financial Beginnings has refreshed our Forward program to better support adults navigating real-life financial transitions. Designed for individuals experiencing housing instability, workforce reentry, or other major life changes, the updated curriculum places an even stronger emphasis on practical application, trauma-informed delivery, and building confidence through real-world decision-making.
The refreshed Forward program integrates lessons on budgeting, credit, debt management, and financial goal setting with space for participants to reflect on their experiences and build strategies that work for their lives. This evolution ensures the program remains responsive, relevant, and grounded in the realities participants face every day.
By continuing to adapt Forward based on community feedback and lived experience, we are strengthening our ability to support individuals as they move toward greater financial stability and long-term independence.
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3. Digging into the Financial Literacy Mandate: Virtual Roundtable
Join Financial Beginnings and leaders in education, school systems, and financial services for a virtual roundtable conversation exploring what schools, teachers, and students actually need to thrive as financial literacy requirements expand nationwide.
This discussion will explore the realities educators face, what meaningful implementation looks like in practice, and how schools and community partners can work together to support long-term student success through financial education.
Featuring:
Tracy Godat, FEPPP
Adam Whalen, Northwest Regional ESD
Kaori Yamada, U.S. Bank
Ronecca Norvell, Financial Beginnings
May 26, 2026 4:00 PM (PST)
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The CEO’s Corner: Real Talk on Money
Monthly perspective and practical advice from our CEO Ronecca Norvell
I just finished Morgan Housel's book The Psychology of Money. Sometimes when you're reading a book like this the truth just hits you and sticks with you. I loved the focus on humility, personal goals, ensuring you can sleep at night, and playing the long game.
It's a great book, but stay for the Postscript - which summarizes in less than 20 pages, how the American consumer has developed over the past 70 years.
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Rebecca McKinsey
As Financial Literacy Month comes to a close, we’re proud to celebrate the volunteers who bring financial education to life in their communities.
Rebecca McKinsey is one of those champions. After experiencing her own financial turning point, she now helps others see what’s possible. “It helped me realize I had control of my finances. I had options, and the ability to change where I was headed,” she shares.
In a short time, Rebecca has already taught 12 classes and reached 118 participants, helping learners build confidence, take control, and move forward with clarity.
We’re grateful for volunteers like Rebecca who turn knowledge into opportunity, and make lasting impact every day.
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