The holiday season is a time for joy, connection, and generosity, but it doesn’t have to be a time for financial stress. Our partners at BECU have shared some practical tips to help you navigate holiday spending while staying on budget. From creating a detailed holiday budget to finding creative gift ideas, these insights can [...]

Continue Reading →

Life can be unpredictable—but your finances don’t have to be. Building an emergency fund is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your financial well-being. Whether it’s an unexpected medical bill, car repair or job loss, having a financial cushion can help you weather the storm without derailing your long-term goals. [...]

Continue Reading →

This article was provided by our partners at BECU. Get even more financial wellness tips by downloading our 30 Ways to Improve Your Financial Wellness Checklist presented by BECU. The steps you take to improve your credit score vary depending on your credit history. Whether you’re building from scratch or recovering after a dip, understanding the factors [...]

Continue Reading →

Planning for retirement isn’t just about the numbers—it’s about preparing for a future where you feel secure, supported and free to live life on your own terms. Whether retirement is decades away or just around the corner, the steps you take now can shape what’s possible later. At the University of Washington, you also have [...]

Continue Reading →

Surprises Are Nice—But Not When It Comes to Your Money If you’re scrambling to pay the bills each month, you may want to consider implementing a budget. A budget helps you stay on top of your finances and avoid the stress of unexpected expenses. Here are three methods from our partners at TIAA to manage [...]

Continue Reading →

This April, The Whole U invites you to invest in yourself by taking part in Financial Literacy Month 2025. Over the course of four weeks, we’ll explore key financial topics—from managing everyday expenses to building long-term wealth—through expert-led webinars, actionable resources, and practical challenges. This program is tailored to empower UW faculty, staff and families [...]

Continue Reading →

As we enter October, Financial Planning Month serves as a timely reminder that achieving your financial goals is possible with the right strategies in place. Whether you are just beginning your financial journey or looking to fine-tune your approach, this month is an opportunity to take control of your finances, reduce stress, and set a [...]

Continue Reading →

As parents, one of the most valuable life skills you can impart to your children is financial responsibility. The earlier kids learn the basics of earning, saving, and investing, the better equipped they’ll be to navigate the financial challenges of adulthood. This guide will walk you through the key steps to help your children develop [...]

Continue Reading →

Key takeaways: Always note the amount due and the payment date so you pay on time, every time. Read the contract with your card issuer so you understand the terms and possible fees you may face. Check your credit reports regularly to monitor your credit score, and check for any errors. To make the most [...]

Continue Reading →

Your mind may have been boggled by the recent headline declaring that the full cost of attaining a four-year degree at a few of the nation’s elite universities is about to surpass $400,000 for the first time. Of course, few students will actually pay this astronomical sticker price. And higher education costs quite a bit [...]

Continue Reading →

Community land trusts (CLTs) are nonprofit organizations focused on creating permanently affordable housing. The land trust shares in the ownership of the home — they own the land, while you own the home. This may result in lower housing costs. The Whole U’s partners at HomeStreet Bank answer some frequently asked questions about community land [...]

Continue Reading →

April is not just about spring showers and blooming flowers—it’s also Financial Literacy Month! At the University of Washington, you have a handful of resources and financial experts at your disposal for education and support when it comes to your personal financial goals. We’ve rounded up a treasure trove of tools and resources to help [...]

Continue Reading →