Financial Workshops, Counseling, and more!

Did you know?

78% of Americans are living paycheck to paycheck. (a 6% increase from 2022 to 2023.)

Source: Forbes, American Payroll Association, and the National Endowment for Financial Education conducted the survey in 2023.

Did you know?

66% of workers feel like they are not on track for retirement.

Source: Fed’s 2023 Economic Well-Being of U.S. Households.

Did you know?

37% of Americans lack enough money to cover a $400 emergency expense.

Source: Fed’s 2023 Economic Well-Being of U.S. Households.

Did you know?

There is $1.14 Trillion credit card debt in the United States.

Did you know?

53% of Americans say money has a negative impact on their mental health. It’s also the top cited factor, above self-health, the health of family, current events, and work.

Source: Bankrate, 2023

Did you know?

Only 26 states require students to take a personal finance course prior to graduating high school.

MN became the 20th state to require it on May 24th, 2023, although the legislature is the weakest in the nation.

Do you need advice or guidance with you finances? NCCYou can help...

As a Credit Union, we have a unique opportunity to educate our members and community about their finances.

Let us help you FLi in your finances with our financial literacy program!

NCCYou Financial Workshops (aka Financial Flyovers)

NCCYou’s financial counseling sessions or workshops, also referred to as “Financial Flyovers” are designed to educate members and nonmembers on fundamental financial topics. Common financial topics include developing a plan for spending, paying bills, savings, and/or reducing debt. Also, understanding how to build or improve credit and how to use it wisely in the future. Helpful things to know about Financial Flyovers:

Counseling sessions are completely confidential
Sessions are tailored to meet your individual needs
You may receive a written assessment with options
Great for company events, lunch and learns, etc.
You don’t have to be a member to book or participate

Now is the Perfect Time to Take Control of your Finances!

With the right tools and a little encouragement, you can take charge of your finances for good. Nonjudgmental, confidential and certified financial wellness support offered free for our credit union members. Our members and their immediate family have access to up to six free, confidential financial counseling sessions per year with Lutheran Social Services of Minnesota (LSS). LSS has been assisting people in achieving financial wellness and overcoming debt since 1987.

Example topics include:

Budget and debt counseling
Debt management plans for credit card debt
Credit improvement counseling
Student loan repayment counseling
Homeownership counseling
Reverse mortgage counseling
Foreclosure prevention counseling

When you’re ready to take action, we’re here to offer the tools and guidance you need. Financial Counseling in-person, by telephone, and online.
CALL: 800-528-2926
VISIT: lssmn.org

Upcoming 2026 Presentations

Aug 18, 2026 at 6:00 PM (Virtual)

Modern Money: A Guide to Budgeting, Borrowing, and Shopping in the Digital Age
Description: Everywhere you turn these days there are new ways to spend, budget, and borrow money. From online retail shops to FinTech, the way we shop, bank, and borrow is changing rapidly. If you don’t know the difference between “Buy Now, Pay Later” and Layaway, this workshop will help you understand the benefits and pitfalls of the digitization of spending and borrowing.

Click to sign up: https://lssmn-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/PK_qBGrjTn2-YW9i9-UXaA

September 2nd, 2026, at 11:30 AM (In-Person)

Planning For a Happy Retirement
Location: Virginia Library – 215 S 5th Ave, Virginia, MN 55792
Description: If you are nearing retirement this is the workshop for you. Everyone knows that saving for retirement is important, but there are other factors to consider the closer you get.

In this workshop you will:

Learn about the four phases of retirement.
Consider lifestyle scenarios that affect your costs.
Make a plan to eliminate debt that may drain your funds more quickly.
Talk about how to spend your long-saved funds in proven ways that lead to happiness.

September 24th at 6:00 PM (Virtual)

Successful Steps to Savings
Description: Seventy-two percent of Americans struggle to pay for a surprise $1,000 expense without taking on debt. Beat the odds with this workshop — you will set your savings goal and create your step-by-step plan to reach it!

Click to sign up: https://lssmn-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/kUjP2wilT9KGWqWLJN89nA

October 7th, 2026, at 11:30 AM (In-Person)

Financial Stress Busters
Location: Virginia Library – 215 S 5th Ave, Virginia, MN 55792
Description: The rising cost of living demands tough choices from everyday spending to reaching bigger life goals, like buying a home, saving for college, or retiring. Considering decision fatigue, rising interest on debts, and low levels of saving, it’s no surprise money has become one of the top stressors for many of us.

Learn methods to regain a healthy sense of control, including:

Stress reduction strategies.
Recognizing and challenging money beliefs.
Prioritizing debt payments.
Behavioral tips to change old money habits into new ones.

October 20th, 2026 at 6:00 PM (Virtual)

Financial Stress Busters:
Description: The rising cost of living demands tough choices from everyday spending to reaching bigger life goals, like buying a home, saving for college, or retiring. Considering decision fatigue, rising interest on debts, and low levels of saving, it’s no surprise money has become one of the top stressors for many of us.

Learn methods to regain a healthy sense of control, including:

Stress reduction strategies.
Recognizing and challenging money beliefs.
Prioritizing debt payments.
Behavioral tips to change old money habits into new ones.

Click to sign up: https://lssmn-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/4MT2aGDaT56bAEsttq0RVg

November 4th, 2026, at 11:30 AM (In-Person)

Get a Financial Health Checkup
Location: Virginia Library – 215 S 5th Ave, Virginia, MN 55792
Description: Financial Health Check-up: Just like with our physical health, building financial health requires steps that we take daily, monthly, and annually.

You will learn how to:

Assess your financial health on an annual basis with a financial health checkup.
Determine your “fin-metrics” that indicate financial health so you can set monthly goals to improve your stats.
Identify daily habits to practice that will help you build resiliency and achieve financial wellness.

We're Here to Help - Meet Sam

Hi! I’m Sam, a Financial Education Specialist and Financial Counselor at NCCYou. I grew up in Grand Rapids, MN, and when I moved out at 17, I quickly realized that I was not prepared for adulthood, especially in terms of managing money. My situation changed when I began working at NCCYou, where I developed personal finance skills that I had never learned before. These skills enabled me to buy my first home at 19. My passion for financial education grew during this experience, especially as I worked with many individuals who, like me, struggled to navigate their finances without having received formal education.

At NCCYou, I have been fortunate to be part of a program that truly makes a difference for our members and the community. What began with credit-builder loans has evolved into a comprehensive program that includes financial counseling, presentations, and online resources. I love being a cheerleader for people at every stage of their financial journey, and I believe that knowledge can be life-changing, particularly when it comes to money. Today, I am fortunate to do what I love: providing tools to help people achieve financial success. Additionally, I have the privilege of advocating for financial education on a national level, representing our community as an executive committee member of the Credit Union Financial Education Network (CUFEN).

Reach out to me today, I’d love to chat about your current situation!