Understanding that financial health is a crucial aspect of overall well-being, Hills Bank offers personalized financial coaching designed to help achieve financial goals and navigate life's challenges.

University of Iowa Family Services has partnered with Hills Bank to offer financial well-being services to UI employees. Financial well-being services through Hills Bank are free and available to UI employees regardless of whether you're a Hills Bank customer. Services include one-on-one coaching, webinars, and access to a library of online resources.

Financial coaching is a collaborative process where a financial coach works with individuals to develop a personalized plan to effectively manage finances. Whether looking to create a budget, save for a major purchase, reduce debt, or plan for retirement, a financial coach can provide expert guidance and support.

Employees across campus and UI Health Care have access to Hills Bank's financial coaching services in person and virtually. Benefits of these services include:

• Personalized guidance: Receive tailored advice and strategies that align with individual financial goals and circumstances.
   
• Goal setting and planning: Work with a coach to set realistic financial goals and create a step-by-step plan to achieve them.
   
• Debt management: Get assistance in developing a plan to reduce and manage debt effectively.
   
• Saving strategies: Learn techniques to build and maintain a healthy savings habit.
   
• Retirement planning: Receive expert advice on preparing for a secure and comfortable retirement.

Working with Hills Bank also provides employees access to GreenPath, a nationwide nonprofit that specializes in debt counseling, debt management, and housing counseling.

For more information about UI's partnership with Hills Bank, or to schedule time with a financial coach, visit the bank's webpage for UI faculty and staff.

Q&A with Hills Bank

What are some common questions for financial coaches?

We receive a range of questions such as, how do I set up a budget? I'm having a hard time managing credit card debt, is there anything I can do? I'm looking to get myself ready to purchase a house, what do I need to do?

What are the benefits of working with a financial coach?

Finances are a frequent source of stress for many people. Working with a coach can help you feel more in control of your situation and give you important tools and resources. No matter where you are in your financial journey, it can be beneficial to talk to a coach, get a checkup on your finances, think through your short- and long-term goals, and discuss tools that may be available to help you accomplish them.

Are there common financial missteps you see people make? How do you help them work through that?

We all have personal stories of financial missteps, including our coaches. Like so many things in life, we all have a lot to learn. We're happy to meet with employees wherever they are in their financial journey. We know it's a huge step to reach out to schedule time to meet with a financial well-being coach. We want to celebrate that and work together to help achieve their goals.

What are some steps people can take to begin planning for home ownership?

It would be great to meet one-on-one to learn more about the individual's personal finances and timeline. We can talk about budgeting and credit as well as provide resources to understand the home mortgage process and things to consider as they take those next steps.

What financial advice do you have for employees nearing retirement at the UI?

We know the UI has incredible resources to support employees nearing retirement and our financial well-being program is pleased to be part of those offerings. We would encourage an employee nearing retirement to set up an appointment with a coach. Depending on their personal situation, we would be happy to connect them with resources to help prepare for the future.