Guidance from financial wellbeing coaches

Sometimes the hardest part of managing money during a crisis is knowing where to start. Affinity’s certified wellbeing coaches¹ provide members with one-on-one support to break down complex issues into clear, manageable steps. These sessions are free, personalized, and rooted in the members’ own goals. A coach can help review a monthly budget, create a plan to build emergency savings, or talk through strategies for paying down debt. Many members find that simply having a professional sounding board makes the path forward less overwhelming.

Partnership with Navicore for debt counseling

For members struggling with credit card balances or multiple high-interest payments, Affinity partners with Navicore², a nonprofit financial counseling organization. Navicore counselors specialize in debt management programs that may reduce interest rates and consolidate payments into a single monthly bill. The goal is for members to attain short-term relief and long-term stability, avoiding the cycle of mounting debt while learning strategies to better manage credit going forward.

Educational resources to stay informed

Affinity hosts webinars and in-person workshops³ for our members and Financial Reality Fairs for high school and college-aged students. Affinity mobilizes its staff to speak to individuals where they are – at home, in our branches and at schools in communities we serve. Members and non-members alike can access practical advice on topics like creating emergency funds, managing credit scores, or preparing for major life transitions. These resources are designed to give members tools they can apply immediately to their own financial situation.

Products designed with members in mind

Alongside counseling and education, Affinity offers products that make it easier to weather financial strain. A few stand out for their role in helping members through tough times:

• Personal Loans⁴: With fixed rates and clear terms, personal loans give members access to funds without the hidden costs or high fees often attached to other borrowing options. These loans can be particularly helpful for covering unexpected expenses or consolidating debt into a single, predictable payment.
• Savings Options: Building even a modest emergency fund is an important safeguard. Accounts like SmartStart Savings⁵ make it possible to begin saving without a large initial deposit. Other savings options provide opportunities to earn more as balances grow, supporting members at different stages of their financial journey.
• Credit Cards with Member-friendly Features: Unlike many credit card providers, Affinity offers cards with competitive rates, low fees, and flexible features⁶. For some members, transferring high-interest credit card balances onto an Affinity card can create breathing room. For others, features like cash-back rewards provide small but meaningful returns on everyday purchases.

Housing and mortgage assistance

Housing costs are often the largest part of a member’s budget and when finances get tight, those costs can become overwhelming. Affinity’s mortgage⁷ team works with members to explore refinancing options, home equity loans, or restructuring solutions that may reduce pressure. For members at risk of falling behind, housing counseling resources are available to provide clarity about options and rights.

Financial hardship can create stress that touches health, relationships, and long-term plans. Affinity’s approach recognizes this reality by pairing financial products with human support. Whether through a financial coach, Navicore counseling, or tools that simplify day-to-day money management, the focus is always on helping members regain control and move forward.

At its heart, Affinity is about people helping people. That principle shows up in small ways—like offering checking accounts without unnecessary fees—and in big ways, like providing access to trusted advisors during moments of real difficulty. Through education, guidance, and competitive financial products, Affinity aims to give every member and consumers the support they need to take on any challenge and make sure they don’t have to face it alone.

This information is for informational purposes only, is intended to provide general guidance, and does not constitute legal, tax, or financial advice. Each person's circumstances differ and may not apply to the specific information provided. You should seek the advice of a financial professional, tax consultant, and legal counsel to discuss your needs before making any financial or other commitments regarding the matters related to your condition.

¹ Retrieved from: https://www.affinityfcu.com/financial-wellbeing/certified-wellbeing-coaches