The University of Iowa's partnership with Hills Bank continues to deliver meaningful, measurable benefits to employees across campus, strengthening financial confidence and overall well-being.

Financial coaching is one of many financial well-being resources liveWELL supports for UI employees.

Over the past year, employees have increasingly engaged with Hills Bank's free financial coaching, webinars, and educational tools, resulting in notable improvements in personal well-being, high satisfaction ratings, and a strong likelihood to recommend the services to colleagues.

This growing impact reflects the success of a supportive, judgment-free approach that helps employees build financial skills, create actionable plans, and feel more optimistic about their financial futures.

"Cayla Kiene at Hills Bank was clear about the services she could offer and thoughtful in guiding us when our questions went beyond her role, even reaching out on our behalf," says Megan Wiebersch, COPE team chaplain in the Department of Spiritual Services. "I appreciated how quickly she responded and how easy she made it to get connected."

Program data compiled by liveWELL and Hills Bank show that 71 individual financial coaching appointments were scheduled last year across 15 Hills Bank locations.

Survey feedback from participants highlights the meaningful impact of the program:

• Improvement in personal well-being. Most respondents reported moderate to high improvement after meeting with a coach.
• Likelihood to recommend. 82% of respondents rated their likelihood to recommend the program a nine or higher (out of 10).
• Welcoming environment. The majority felt "highly welcome" during their session.
• New skills and insights. Participants frequently reported learning new financial skills or information.
• Applying what they learned. Most indicated they were very or moderately likely to continue using the strategies developed with their coach.

Participants also praised the nonjudgmental, compassionate support provided by coaches, noting that sessions were informative, empowering, and free from sales pressure.

"One of the things I value most about Hills Bank is the convenience of having a bank right here in the hospital, along with access to one-on-one coaching," Wiebersch says. "Cayla helped me understand how these resources can support new customers, and I'm grateful for her time and care."

Financial coaching through Hills Bank is a collaborative process that helps employees receive personalized guidance, set and achieve financial goals, develop debt-reduction strategies, build healthy savings practices, and strengthen retirement readiness.

Through the partnership, employees also gain access to GreenPath, a nationally recognized nonprofit specializing in debt counseling, debt management, and housing guidance.

Throughout 2025, Hills Bank hosted several financial wellness classes for UI employees, including sessions on digital savings tools, identity theft and fraud, financial planning, estate planning, and market and economic updates.

Looking ahead, the 2026 virtual financial wellness series will include:

• Smart Tax Strategies for Investors – June 11
• Special Needs Trusts – Sept. 10
• Economic and Market Review – Dec. 10

To learn more or schedule an appointment with a financial coach, visit the bank's webpage for Iowa faculty and staff.

Q&A with Tyler Bartlett, first vice president and branch manager, Hills Bank

What are some common questions you receive as a financial coach?

We frequently receive questions about budgeting, managing or eliminating debt, understanding credit scores and how credit works, purchasing a first or next home, and planning for retirement. Our team at Hills Bank is equipped to address a wide range of financial topics at no cost. As a community bank, providing financial guidance is one of the most meaningful ways we support the communities we serve.

What are the benefits of working with a financial coach?

You'll work with someone who listens without judgement and is committed to helping you improve your financial well-being. We assist anyone – Hills Bank customer or not – in gaining clarity around their finances. After discussing your goals and challenges, we help create an actionable plan and offer follow-up support in the weeks or months that follow.

What financial advice do you have for individuals early in their career?

Start with a clear budget and stick to it. Pay yourself first by setting up automatic transfers to savings on payday. Avoid carrying high credit card balances and begin contributing to your retirement plan as soon as possible. Building a strong relationship with your banker and asking questions along the way can be invaluable. Good financial habits established early will benefit you for years to come.

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

Connect with your HR department to understand your retiree benefits and available options. In addition, consult with a financial advisor, preferably a certified financial planner, to develop a personalized retirement plan. A comprehensive plan helps you understand how your income will support your expenses, addresses key questions and concerns, and identifies steps you can take now to strengthen your financial future.

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

The most common issue is a lack of awareness or avoidance of personal finances, especially when money is tight. Addressing challenges early helps prevent them from worsening. We start by building a budget to clearly outline income and expenses, then make adjustments as needed. This foundational step is essential to achieving financial stability and long-term success.