About the Program

Welcome to the official program page for Financial Literacy Month 2025! This page is your central hub for all program activities, including event recordings and resources to guide your financial wellness journey this April. Over four weeks, we’ll cover key financial topics—from budgeting and credit to retirement planning and financial preparedness.

Week one kicks off on Monday, April 7. Peruse the topics and activities to engage throughout the month of April and be sure to register for events of interest!

Just getting started? Be sure to join our community on Microsoft Teams for community connection. 

30-Day Financial Wellness Checklist

Each day in April, use this handy checklist for simple steps to improve your financial wellness. You’ll find action items related to each key topic in Financial Literacy Month. Download the checklist and begin using it today.

See if you can complete each step by the end of the month!

Week One – Budgeting Basics:

Join Ruth Kaneko, a financial educator with over 14 years of experience at BECU, for an engaging webinar designed to help you take charge of your finances. You’ll learn how to create a personalized budget, maximize your income, and avoid common financial pitfalls. This session is perfect for anyone looking to establish a strong financial foundation or refresh their money management skills.

Article: Saving and Budgeting

Learn practical strategies to build a budget that works for you and develop smart saving habits for long-term financial success.

Additional Resources: 

Build financial confidence with the Inside Money workbook
A practical guide to managing income, tackling debt, and creating a budget that works for you. With easy-to-use tools and expert tips, it’s a great first step toward a more secure financial

Create a spending plan and set a budget worksheet
Take control of your spending with TIAA’s easy-to-use budgeting worksheet. Track expenses, set goals, and build a monthly plan that supports your financial well-being.

Week Two – Preparing for Retirement

Event: Fundamentals of Retirement Income Planning

Tuesday, April 15, at 12:00 p.m.
Thursday, April 17, at 11:00 a.m.
Planning for retirement can feel overwhelming, but these informative sessions will provide you with the tools to navigate the transition confidently. Join experts from Fidelity and TIAA to explore how to turn your savings into a steady income stream. The webinar will cover strategies for creating a retirement income plan, key considerations for transitioning your savings into income and practical tools to align your financial goals with your lifestyle.

Article: Roadmap to Retirement – Planning with Confidence

Actionable strategies to help you avoid common missteps, maximize your savings and gain clarity around your retirement journey.

Week Three – Understanding Credit & Debt

Event: Understanding Your Credit with HomeStreet Bank

Monday, April 21, from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m.
Join HomeStreet Bank for an enlightening webinar on understanding and improving your credit. This session will cover how to access and interpret your credit report, proven strategies to improve your credit score, and exclusive benefits available through the HomeStreet Bank Affinity Program. Whether you’re new to credit or refining your strategies, this session offers actionable tips for taking control of your financial health.

Article: Building and Maintaining Credit – Publishing April 21

Gain insights into how credit works, ways to improve your credit score, and how to make informed borrowing decisions.

Week Four – Investing Fundamentals and Financial Emergency Preparedness

Event: How to Financially Prepare for the Unexpected with Fidelity

Monday, April 28, from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m.
An important part of financial health is having a plan for navigating uncertain times. Join Fidelity for a practical webinar on Monday, April 28 discussing financial strategies when facing the unexpected. This session will cover emergency financial planning, preparing for income changes and building financial resilience.

Event: Investing Fundamentals: An Introduction to Investing with TIAA

Tuesday, April 29, from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m.
If you’re looking to explore the world of investing, don’t miss this webinar led by Kevin Collins, Director of Financial Consulting at TIAA, this session will provide a foundational understanding of investing, including insights into retirement planning and risk management. Kevin will guide you through key concepts to help you make informed investment decisions and build long-term financial confidence.

Article: Financial Emergency Preparedness – Publishing April 28

Prepare for the unexpected with expert advice on building an emergency fund and planning for financial setbacks.

Thank you to BECU and TIAA for sponsoring The Whole U and this signature program. Special thank you to our partners HomeStreet Bank and Fidelity Investments.