Applications of Financial Coaching

Financial coaching is an application of techniques emerging from research in positive and coaching psychology, as well as behavioral economics.  Note prior issue briefs on the topic from 2013: What are we learning about financial coaching? and Using Behavioral Economics to Improve Financial Counseling and Coaching. See also this brief from 2014 for the Asset […]

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Strategies for Improving Credit Scores

Credit worthiness is a priority for many families.  As educators, it can be useful to focus on people who are most in need of improving low credit scores or establishing credit at all. This brief summarizes how educators and counselors can work with their clients to develop credit building strategies. Issue Brief: Community-based Educators Guide to […]

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Emergency Savings

Building a modest emergency fund can provide financial security and peace of mind.  This brief describes the current lack of emergency savings in Wisconsin and strategies for building savings going forward. Issue Brief: Emergency Savings: New Approaches to Save for a Rainy Day. mp3 file*: Emergency Savings: New Approaches to Save for a Rainy Day […]

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The Emergence of Mobile Finance

The Emergence of Mobile Finance: what it means for you and your community. The majority of financial payments have switched from paper checks to electronic payments.  For more than a decade, people have managed bank accounts and paid bills online using home computers. The emergence of mobile phones has expanded the use of mobile devices […]

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Understanding Financial Capability

What does it mean to be “financially capable,” how does financial capability differ from financial literacy, and are these terms simply buzzwords with short shelf lives?  The FINRA survey data suggests a more comprehensive approach, including a well-being or wellness focus that does not judge the choices people makes, but helps them in the context […]

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Using Behavioral Economics to Improve Financial Counseling and Coaching

Behavioral economics integrates findings from psychology and economics into the study of human behavior.  This brief summarizes five ways that behavioral economics can inform the work of financial counselors and coaches. Issue Brief Using Behavioral Economics to Improve Financial Counseling and Coaching mp3 file* Using Behavioral Economics to Improve Financial Counseling and Coaching (March 18, […]

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Check Your Free Credit Report Campaign – 2/2, 6/6, 10/10

This campaign represents a coordinated effort to increase the number of people who check their credit reports regularly. The goal is to help people understand why it is important to check their credit reports, how to obtain a truly free report, and then how to interpret the reports, which are often difficult to read. The […]

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What are we learning about financial coaching?

Financial coaching is a promising approach to helping individuals work towards their financial goals, but the availability of coaching is limited. In order to expand the public’s access to financial coaching, the University of Wisconsin-Extension started training new coaches in 2010.  The training workshops are open to anyone interested in coaching. This brief provides an […]

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