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 Manager
Malak Kudaimi
Malak Kudaimi is a UCI Alumna and previous Basic Needs Center veteran. She’s been involved in the food security movement at UCI since the very beginning, when the Basic Needs Center was the SOAR Food Pantry, and then worked at the Basic Needs Center as both student staff and pro-staff as the CalFresh Coordinator a few years ago.
She has degrees in Public Health and International Studies from UCI, plus a Master’s in Health and international Development from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE). She is the CEO & Founder of Malak Kudaimi LLC, an online financial coaching business. She has helped clients create budgets, create a plan to pay off debt, increase their credit score, earn travel rewards through miles and points, explained investment options, and more. She’s originally from Irvine and is currently residing there.
Money Coaches
Arya Patil
Hi, I am Arya (she/her) a 4th year Quantitative Economics student minoring in Statistics and International Studies. I have been at the UCI Basic Needs Center for 2.5 years now! I am super passionate about connecting students with the resources we have on- and off-campus! During my free time I love cooking, going to concerts and reading books!
Arya is a Certified Financial Peer Mentor and has successfully completed the certification and testing program as conducted by Fincert.org®, a division of the Institute for Financial Literacy.
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 Peer Mentor and has successfully completed the certification and testing program as conductedby Fincert.org®, a division of the Institute for Financial Literacy.
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 Peer Mentor and has successfully completed the certification and testing program as conductedby Fincert.org®, a division of the Institute for Financial Literacy.
Upcoming Events
Solving the Mysteries of Credit Reports Workshop
Unlock the secrets of your credit score!
Your credit report can shape your financial future—but do you really know how it works? Join us for Solving the Mystery of Credit Reports and learn:
- How credit scores are calculated
- Tips to improve your score
- How to protect yourself from fraud
Date: March 6, 2025
Time: 12PM – 1PM
Location: Student Center, Doheny Beach C-D
Food will be provided.