About the course

Building & Managing Strong Financial Coaching Programs is a highly interactive, cohort-based virtual training program that helps Community Development Credit Unions design and implement strong, mission-aligned financial coaching programs.

In this course, participants will learn best practices for developing and operating a high-impact credit union-based financial counseling/ coaching program. The course will lead and support participants to create a  plan to either launch or grow a  program at their credit union.  This course will consist of seven 2-hour Zoom sessions, including a final capstone presentation meeting. Students will also complete 1-3 hours of independent homework assignments each week, between Zoom sessions.    

After completing this course, lenders will be able to: 

  1. Describe the spectrum of financial empowerment services.
  2. Discuss systemic and institutional barriers that restrict opportunities to build wealth for people in lower income brackets.
  3. Examine cultural perspectives on money.
  4. Identify their key member target segment and understand their needs and map their journeys in accessing credit union services.
  5. Formulate a unique value proposition.
  6. Develop a staffing structure for financial counselors/coaches  to include recruiting based on competencies, training, supervising and supporting.
  7. Estimate startup, maintenance and growth costs for program
  8. Research internal and external resources and possible community partners.
  9. Prepare a plan to secure internal and external buy-in by developing a well-rounded design team.
  10. Examine models from other credit unions.

Course Prerequisites

You must complete the introductory Financial Empowerment course before you can register for Building & Managing Strong Financial Coaching Programs. You can do so any time here:

Course Details & Eligibility

This is a 7-module, instructor-led course with weekly 2-hour Zoom class sessions. Participants can expect to dedicate 3-5 hours per week to course content and class meetings.

  • Open to:

    Inclusiv member credit unions who would like to start or expand their financial counseling/coaching programs.

  • Number of Participants

    This course is designed for each participating credit union to enroll a team of 2-3 staff members.

  • Language:

    Offered in English.

Instructor(s)

Megan Bolado

VP, Financial Inclusion and Empowerment

Megan joined Inclusiv in March of 2023. She leads Inclusiv's financial empowerment strategy by designing and implementing comprehensive initiatives that support credit unions in providing high-quality, personalized financially inclusive programs and services to individuals and families in low-income and historically excluded communities. With more than 20 years of experience in asset-building and financial capability, Megan is passionate about building opportunities and inroads to help households navigate a complex financial system towards a future where they can financially thrive, not just survive. She has previously held roles at the International Youth Foundation, Points of Light, Prosperity Now and Change Machine, specializing in finding solutions for integrating inclusive financial products and services into community systems. Megan holds a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations from the University of Georgia and a Master of Public and Nonprofit Management and Policy from New York University. A native Atlantan, Megan recently returned to Georgia after almost fifteen years in the Northeast Corridor where she now spends her free time spoiling her dog and pretending to garden.

Course curriculum

  1. Learning Essentials

  2. Module 0: Introduction to Financial Empowerment Services

  3. Module 1: Determining a Right-Fit for Financial Empowerment Services

  4. Module 2: What it Takes to Integrate Financial Counseling

  5. Module 3: Methodology Alignment with the Credit Union's Vision

  6. Module 4: Financial Coach Competencies: Staffing and Supporting Counselors

About this course

  • Non-member price: $2,000
  • Member price: $1,200
  • Additional discounts available for small CUs and groups

Course Tuition

Inclusiv members receive a 40% discount on instructor-led courses. Members with assets under $100M receive additional discounts. For group discounts, reach out to [email protected].

  • Inclusiv member price

    $1,200

  • Members with <100m assets

    $800


Upcoming Cohorts

Next cohort: TBA

Future cohorts: TBA

Questions? Email us at  [email protected] 

Building & Managing Strong Financial Coaching Programs - Next Cohort

Instructor-led cohort focused on creating a sustainable financial coaching program tailored to the needs of your credit union and your members.

 View Cohort