Financial Wellness – Human Resources

Financial Wellness: Supporting Your Health, Your Budget, and Your Future

Posted on February 2, 2026January 29, 2026 by Miasha Wilson

When we think about wellness, physical and mental health often come to mind first—but financial wellness plays a significant role in both. Research consistently shows that financial stress is linked to increased anxiety, sleep disruption, and difficulty concentrating at work (American Psychological Association [APA], 2023). Supporting financial wellness is not about achieving perfection; it’s about having access to information, tools, and guidance that help reduce uncertainty and support informed decision-making.

Financial Wellness and Everyday Stress

Financial well-being is increasingly recognized as a core component of overall health. According to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB, 2022), financial well-being reflects a person’s ability to meet current obligations, feel secure about the future, and make choices that allow enjoyment of life. Even modest planning and budgeting supports can help ease stress and improve day-to-day functioning.

Using FSAs as a Budgeting Tool

One way we can support financial wellness is by making intentional use of Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs). FSAs allow employees to set aside pre-tax dollars for eligible health care or dependent care expenses, which can reduce taxable income and help manage predictable costs such as copays, prescriptions, and childcare. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS, 2024) notes that FSAs are designed specifically to help employees manage out-of-pocket expenses more efficiently.

On a personal note, I used to struggle with making copayments and covering medical services before reaching my deductible. That challenge became even more pronounced when the employer medical reimbursement arrangement was reduced and eventually eliminated. Over time, I realized that my medical expenses were unavoidable—and if I wanted to ensure I could pay for the care I needed, I had to plan for it intentionally.

Using an FSA gave me a way to set funds aside specifically for those expenses. Knowing the money was already allocated helped remove the stress of figuring out how I would pay for necessary services, and the added benefit of reducing my taxable income made the arrangement even more valuable. I started cautiously, initially contributing only the rollover amount because I was concerned about forfeiting unused funds. As I became more comfortable and familiar with my actual expenses, I realized I needed to set aside more—and I have not forfeited any FSA contributions to date.

Periodically reviewing FSA balances and planning for anticipated expenses can help us reduce last-minute financial stress and make the most of this benefit. For many, FSAs can serve as both a budgeting tool and a way to support ongoing health and wellness needs with greater peace of mind.

Retirement Planning as Part of Wellness

Financial wellness also includes preparing for the future in a way that feels manageable. Studies show that access to financial education and guidance can positively influence both retirement readiness and workplace productivity (TIAA Institute, 2023; U.S. Department of Labor [DOL], 2023).

The College’s retirement savings program now includes access to free financial guidance and affordable planning services through HUB Investment Partners. These services are available to help employees evaluate savings strategies, review investment approaches, and align retirement planning with personal goals—regardless of career stage.

On-Campus Financial Advisor Sessions: February 18–19

To support financial wellness and make guidance more accessible, Coleman Fox from HUB Investment Partners will be on campus February 18–19.

Live Presentation:
Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. in Olmsted
(A recorded version will also be available.)
Individual Advisory Meetings (by appointment):
Wednesday, February 18 through Thursday, February 19, 2026
HR Wing Conference Room, Mandelle Hall (first floor)

During these one-on-one sessions, employees may ask questions about their retirement accounts, explore whether consolidating previous retirement plans is appropriate, and receive personalized planning guidance. Spouses or significant others are welcome to attend.

Taking the Next Step

Financial wellness does not require major changes all at once. Whether it’s reviewing your FSA usage, attending a presentation, or scheduling a conversation with a financial advisor, small steps can meaningfully reduce stress and support long-term stability. Accessing available resources is one way we can care for both our financial health and overall well-being.

Reflection: What financial decision or question has been sitting in the background for you, and what support might help you approach it with more clarity?

Mindful Mondays Reminder

Stretch & Reset (Chair Yoga) | Feb 2 | 8:00 AM | Hicks Banquet Rooms East & West

RSVP Only for Virtual Link

References

American Psychological Association. (2023). Stress in America™: The impact of economic uncertainty. https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/stress/2023/economic-uncertainty
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. (2022). Financial well-being: The goal of financial education. https://www.consumerfinance.gov/consumer-tools/financial-well-being/
Internal Revenue Service. (2024). Flexible Spending Arrangements (FSAs). https://www.irs.gov/publications/p969
TIAA Institute. (2023). Financial well-being and its impact on health and productivity. https://www.tiaainstitute.org
U.S. Department of Labor. (2023). Retirement savings and employee financial wellness. https://www.dol.gov/general/topic/retirement

Financial Wellness During the Holidays: Supporting Stability, Mindfulness, and Peace of Mind

Posted on December 8, 2025December 1, 2025 by Miasha Wilson

The holiday season can be joyful, meaningful, and deeply connective—but it can also place unexpected pressure on our finances. Between travel, gift-giving, celebrations, and year-end expenses, December often becomes one of the most financially stressful months of the year. Practicing financial wellness during this time is not about restriction; it’s about creating clarity, reducing anxiety, and giving ourselves permission to make choices that honor both our values and our budget.

Mindful Spending

One important component of financial wellness is mindful holiday spending. Research shows that financial strain plays a significant role in seasonal stress, affecting emotional well-being and overall life satisfaction (American Psychological Association, 2023). Mindful spending means slowing down long enough to ask a few key questions: What matters most to me and my family? What purchases will genuinely enhance my well-being? Which expenses am I taking on out of obligation rather than intention? By becoming more aware of why we spend—not just how—we can make choices that bring joy without compromising stability.

Boundary Setting

Setting boundaries around gift expectations is another essential practice. The pressure to meet unspoken or assumed expectations can lead to overspending, guilt, or comparison. Healthy boundaries might look like suggesting a gift exchange with spending limits, offering handmade items or acts of service, or simply communicating honestly with loved ones about your financial priorities this year. Research suggests that setting clear personal boundaries reduces stress and supports healthier interpersonal relationships (Smith & Nichols, 2020). Within our work community, it can also help ensure that gift-giving remains inclusive and comfortable for all.

Planning for January

As December brings increased spending, it’s also a strategic time to plan for January expenses. The start of the year often includes recurring costs such as insurance premiums, licensure fees, home heating bills, or educational expenses. Creating a simple month-ahead budget—or setting aside a small reserve—can reduce the financial “whiplash” many people feel in early January. Even small steps, such as reviewing subscriptions or scheduling bill reminders, can significantly improve financial confidence.

Review Your Flexible Spending Account Balances

For employees enrolled in Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs), December is an ideal time to check remaining balances and plan ahead. At K College, employees have until March 31, 2026 to submit claims for expenses that were incurred during the 2025 plan year. After the March 31 deadline, any remaining funds are evaluated for rollover eligibility. If the remaining balance is $660 or less, those funds will automatically roll over into your 2026 FSA. Any amount above $660 will be forfeited, per IRS rollover rules. Reviewing your balance now—and considering eligible expenses such as copays, prescriptions, vision or dental needs, and qualified over-the-counter items—can help you make the most of your FSA dollars before the deadline.

Conclusion

Overall, financial wellness during the holidays is about caring for our future selves. By practicing mindful spending, communicating boundaries, preparing for upcoming expenses, and understanding benefits such as FSAs, we create greater peace of mind during a season that can easily become overwhelming. Financial wellness is not a one-time achievement—it is an ongoing commitment to making informed, compassionate choices that align with our values and long-term well-being.

References

American Psychological Association. (2023). Stress in America: Coping with inflation and financial worries. https://www.apa.org
Internal Revenue Service. (2024). Flexible spending arrangements (FSAs). https://www.irs.gov
Smith, A., & Nichols, T. (2020). The role of personal boundaries in stress reduction and relationship satisfaction. Journal of Behavioral Health, 9(2), 45–52.