Our scope of practice

Meet one-on-one with Financial Wellness Center Peer Educators and Mentors! The Financial Wellness Center (FWC) team is here to guide you through budgeting, student loans, goal setting, investing, and more—equipping you with the tools and knowledge to make confident financial decisions during your time at the U and beyond.

We do not offer investment advice, creditor negotiations, or assistance with retirement planning, legal, or estate matters. For these, we refer to campus or community partners.

Financial Crisis

If you’re dealing with a financial crisis, please schedule an Intake Appointment and we'll work to support you as soon as possible. You're also welcome to use our Referral Form to refer yourself or someone you care about who may benefit from financial guidance.

Book An Intake Session
refer a student

Examples of financial crises:

I can't pay for my tuition

I can't pay for groceries

I'm drowning in debt

My spending is out of control

The Financial Counseling Process

Intake

You will begin by attending an intake session! The intake session is designed for us to get a bigger picture of your financial situation. Intakes also give us the opportunity to hear your goals, priorities, and concerns. This information allows us to connect you to the best possible resources and financial counseling services for your unique situation!

Book An Intake Session

Financial Counseling Session

During the financial counseling session, your goals, priorities, and concerns will be addressed with the counselor that is best suited to you. If you have additional goals or concerns, you will be able to rebook with your financial counselor during this session!

Take Action

Armed with the knowledge from your financial counseling session, you will now be able to get out there and take control of your financial story! If you encounter more questions along the way, feel free to schedule another intake session with us! We would love to see you again!

Our Appointment Policy

** Your appointment may be moved to another financial counselor and/or peer mentor upon our discretion. **

Our Financial Counseling Appointment Policy

Why This Policy Exists

We want every student to have fair access to financial counseling services. This policy helps us manage appointments efficiently, respect everyone’s time, and make sure our team can support as many students as possible.

Appointment Attendance & Cancellations

✅ Rescheduling

Need to move your appointment? No problem! Just reschedule at least 24 hours in advance using our scheduling tool or by contacting us directly. This opens up the spot for another student and keeps your record in good standing.

❌ Cancelling

If you can’t make it and don’t want to reschedule, please cancel at least 24 hours ahead. You can do this through the scheduling app or by reaching out to us. Timely cancellations help others get the support they need.

🚫 Missed Appointments (Less than 24 Hours Notice)

Life happens! If you let us know you can’t make it less than 24 hours before your appointment:

First time: No penalty. We appreciate the heads-up.
Second time: You’ll be unable to book new appointments for 2 weeks to ensure fair access for others.

❌ No-Shows (No Show or 10+ Minutes Late)

If you don’t show up or arrive more than 10 minutes late without letting us know:

First time: You’ll get a reminder about our policy.
Second time: You’ll be restricted from booking new appointments for 2 weeks. Continued no-shows may require a conversation with our staff before rescheduling.

⏰ Running Late?

Let us know if you’re running behind! We allow a 10-minute grace period when possible. If you arrive late, your session may be shortened or rescheduled depending on availability.

What to bring to your appointment

Account(s) Login

Bring the login credentials for your financial accounts such as bank, financial aid, W-2/pay stubs, and any U of U financial documentation.

Your Current Financial Situation

Come prepared to show how you currently manage your finances.

Your Goals

Come prepared to talk about what you hope to achieve in the session.

U of U Financial Documents

University of Utah Financial Documents, such as Offer Letters (if applicable), or student bill statements.

Frequently Asked Questions

I am worried about opening up about my financial situation, will anyone find out about what I share?

We keep your information private, except when required by law or for safety. As mandated reporters, we follow AFCPE confidentiality standards. Feel free to ask about privacy before your appointment—we’re here to support you.

Will I be lectured or shamed about where I spend my money?

We seek to provide a brave space where you can open up about your financial situation, ask questions, and be offered some guidance. We are committed to honoring your values and your decisions, and we’re here to support you!

I am still in school, should I really be focused on my finances NOW?

YES! We understand the nuances of being a student, and the challenges of balancing being in school and trying to grow your wealth for the future. There are skills and behaviors you can build while you’re in school that will set you up for success. Book an appointment and we will help!

Common questions asked during an appointment

Budgeting and Money Management

What are the best strategies for budgeting my money?
Tips for saving up for a car.
What’s the best way to pay off credit card debt?
Ways to manage and reduce financial stress.

Student Loans & Financial Aid

What are the best strategies for budgeting my money?
Where can I find scholarships?
What steps do I need to take to complete the FAFSA?

Investing & Retirement

What’s the process for opening an IRA or 401k?
Where do I start when it comes to investing?

Credit & Debt

What are some effective ways to improve my credit score?
What are some strategies to manage my debt?
How do I repay my student loans?

Post-Graduation Planning

What are the next steps for managing finances after graduation?
How do I navigate salary and benefits negotiations?

Student Financial Counseling