Financial Coaching Sessions
Build your financial future now.
Let’s face it: managing money isn’t always easy—especially as a student juggling tuition, rent, groceries, and everything in between.
But here’s the truth: the financial habits you build now can set the foundation for your entire future.
Set Yourself Up For Options Post-Graduation
These financial coaching sessions are more than just learning to budget—they’re about empowering you to make smart, informed decisions with your money.
Whether it’s understanding student loans, building credit the right way, or setting savings goals, what you do now will shape your options after graduation.
The best part? It’s never too early or too late to start! These coaching sessions are tailored to fit your personal goals and lifestyle—because no two students are the same.
What to Expect in a 45-Minute Session
1. Quick Check-in & Goal Setting (5-10 mins)
- Share your financial goals and main concerns with the coach.
- You’ll decide on a focus: budgeting, debt management, credit, investing, or saving.
2. Personalized Planning & Strategies (25-30 mins)
- The coach will guide you through tools and tips that fit your situation.
- Together, you’ll outline a simple budget, savings plan, or loan strategy.
3. Q&A + Action Steps (5-10 mins)
- Get answers to any questions you have.
- Leave with 2-3 practical next steps to start improving your finances right away.
These sessions are relaxed, helpful, and designed just for you. By the end, you’ll feel more confident and have a plan to manage your money smarter!
Disclaimer: The services we offer are solely for informational and educational purposes.
We are not certified to advise on your financial situation, but are trained to help you better understand basic personal finance concepts to promote financial wellness in a college setting.
Meet the Financial Coaching Team
Program Supervisor
Anne-Marie Krumrei
I am a proud UCI alumna from the Class of 2020, having earned a B.S. in Public Health Sciences. I was a transfer student, having completed my first three years of undergrad at Cal State Long Beach.
During my final year of undergrad in the 2019-2020 academic year, I worked at the Basic Needs Center (formerly known as the FRESH Basic Needs Hub). After graduating, I took a position with a home health agency in Los Angeles, where I assisted Medi-Cal patients with chronic diseases in navigating basic needs resources and monitoring their health and well-being.
This role ignited my passion for community support through resource navigation, but I felt drawn to continue this work within higher education. Nine months later, I returned to the UCI Basic Needs Center, where I am proud to support students and be part of such an amazing team and campus community.
Peer Money Coaches
Alondra Arevalo
I’m a 3rd year International Studies and Public Health Policy Major. I became involved with the Basic Needs Center as I have always been passionate about budgeting and helping others with using their financial resources. Through my work with the Basic Needs Center, it is my goal to help others improve their knowledge of financial wellness, and improve my own as well! Additionally, I’m a first-generation Nicaraguan-American, which is a huge part of my identity and influences everything that I do.
Fun fact: I studied abroad in Madrid last spring semester; I visited 8 countries (2 countries twice) during my time there!
Alondra is a Certified Financial Education Instructor and has successfully completed the certification and testing program as conducted by the National Financial Educators Council®.
Catherine Benitez-Diaz
My name is Catherine, and I’m a third-year majoring in Business Economics. I’m really excited to help students improve their financial well-being. In the past, I’ve had the opportunity to facilitate financial literacy workshops for the Latinx Resource Center and for a startup founded by a UCI alumni! During my free time I enjoy late night drives, listening to music and hanging out with friends & family.
Catherine is a Certified Financial Education Instructor and has successfully completed the certification and testing program as conducted by the National Financial Educators Council®.
Gayathri Viswanath
Hi! I’m Gayathri, and I’m a 3rd year Business Administration and Environmental Science and Policy double major. I’ve always been involved with teaching students financial literacy since high school, so I’m incredibly excited to be able to continue that work through the Basic Needs Center this year. I’m passionate about connecting our students to the many resources we have on and off campus to improve their financial situations. Whenever I have free time, I love to read, collect vinyl records of my favorite bands, or go to the beach!
Gayathri is a Certified Financial Education Instructor and has successfully completed the certification and testing program as conducted by the National Financial Educators Council®.
Upcoming Events
Workshop: Credit 101
Date: Friday, November 7th
Time: 11am to 12pm
Location: Virtual over Zoom (link provided upon registration)
Registration is required!
Resources
Personal FinANTs
The Todd and Lisa Halbrook Center for Investment and Wealth Management (CIWM) offers the Personal FinANTs module to help students improve financial literacy. This interactive Canvas course covers topics like investing, credit cards, and budgeting, boosting money management skills and preparing students for a secure financial future.