Finances are top of mind for many people right now. In fact, almost three-quarters of Americans say that finances are the number one stressor in their lives.
Harborstone Credit Union works with members to learn about their financial challenges and create plans to alleviate pain points. The money management coaches focus both on actions members can take to relieve financial burdens now and proactive steps for the future.
“Let’s also think forward in the future to get us better prepared for if something like this ever happened again,” said Alyssa Fabellano, a money management coach at Harborstone Credit Union. “I find that most people are really open to having that conversation now more than ever.”
Harborstone, a member-owned and community-based credit union, created a team of COVID financial navigators to research community resources and provide members financial guidance through the pandemic. The credit union also works with the nonprofit organization Greenpath Financial Wellness to serve members. Greenpath’s mission is to empower people to lead financially healthy lives.
“Harborstone’s focus is on empathy and being able to show up for their members and help them make great financial decisions,” said Dusti Young, partner experience manager at Greenpath Financial Wellness. “Sometimes they need a little bit of extra support, and that’s where Greenpath comes in.”
Greenpath has more than 200 certified phone counselors who can review people’s financial situations. Because everyone’s situation is different, both Harborstone and Greenpath focus on individualized support.
“We just want to make sure that people have that personal attention, and we want to make it easier to have conversations about money,” Young said.
With the holidays approaching in the middle of a pandemic, many people are feeling added pressure about finances.
“Things aren’t normal,” Young said. “We really need to just know that everybody is doing their best and we are doing our best. It is okay to have some empathy around money and the feelings you have around spending.”
Harborstone Credit Union works to put relationships at the heart of the business. With branches in 15 communities throughout the Puget Sound, the credit union aims to build trusted, meaningful relationships with members, local businesses and organizations that serve as the foundation of local communities.
“Not only do we lead with our heart, we get to live out our mission every single day,” Fabellano said. “And we’re so fortunate that it’s built into the culture at Harborstone.”
Sponsored by Harborstone Credit Union. Segment Producer Suzie Wiley. Watch New Day Northwest 11 AM weekdays on KING 5 and streaming live on KING5.com. Contact New Day.