Learning Center
Learning about money and feeling confident about financial decisions go hand in hand. We’re here to help you do both, and college is a great time to start the process.
Start by exploring the tools below, and then check out our Resource Library. Every step you take can build your knowledge—and your financial health. Have a question along the way? Visit our Money Questions page.
Money by the Minute
You don’t have to spend a ton of time growing your financial knowledge. Our Money by the Minute videos can take your knowledge to the next level in a matter of seconds.
Meet Erin
UW Credit Union has its own financial educator, Erin. She’s the host of these videos, and helping students is her job.
Erin believes that financial knowledge can transform students’ lives, providing security and opportunities. She has received the Wisconsin Governor’s Award for Financial Literacy twice, and she’s currently pursuing a doctorate in education.
Budgeting in 5 Minutes
What’s a budget? What should it include? Do you really need one in college? Find the answers in less time than it takes to find your friends at the union.
Credit in 4 Minutes
What does “credit” mean? How do you get it, and when might you need it? Erin explains it faster than anyone has ever finished a group project.
Security in 3 Minutes
What should you do if someone gets into your bank account? Better yet, how can you prevent that from happening? Erin covers the basics in less time than it takes to sing your school’s fight song.
Credit Unions in 2 Minutes
What are credit unions? How are they different from banks? Are they a good choice for students? Find out in less time than it takes to cook a cup of ramen noodles.
College Life Hacks
There’s a lot to stay on top of in college, from classes to bills to social events. These free tools can help:
- Our mobile app makes it easy to pay bills, deposit checks and more on the go.
- Zelle® is a fast, safe way to receive money from parents or send it to friends.
- Our online budgeting tools can help you track your spending and plan for purchases.
- Text banking is another way to check balances and transfer funds from your phone.
- You can track your credit score through our app or Web Branch.
Want details? Visit our mobile banking page.
Resource Center
We have all sorts of tips and tools to help you save money—and understand it. Begin with these:
- Guide to Financial Success for Students
- Tips and Checklists for Students and Parents
- Money Advice for International Students
- The Cost of College Life
- College Spending Worksheet
- Accounts Designed for Students
- Calculators: Student Budget and Loan Payoff
- Free GreenPath Debt Counseling
The Financial Tools You Need
Our Campus Package is designed for your life as a student. Build credit and avoid fees by mixing and matching tools like these:
- Free savings account
- Credit card with no annual fee
- Mobile deposit and bill pay
- Zelle® to send and receive money fast
Just open a checking account to get started!
Open Account
Student Story: Build Credit Now, Benefit Later
“When I signed up for UW Credit Union’s Campus Package, I didn’t realize how much it would help me build my credit. Having a strong credit score after graduation helped me buy my first car at a great interest rate and without a cosigner.”
—Ria, UW-Madison
Find more advice from students on our Money Questions page.
Paying for College
If paying for your degree is on your mind, you’re in good company. Learn about your options and discover which ones are the best fit for you:
- Paying with scholarships
- Paying with student loans
- Paying with savings
- Filling out the FAFSA
- UWCU’s loans for students and families
- Our Community Values Scholarship
- Part-time teller jobs at our branches
Mark Your Calendar
If you’re applying for federal financial aid (a smart choice!), make a note of these dates:
- June 30: Last day to submit FAFSA
- July: Time to apply for private student loans
- August: Tuition bill due
- October 1: Next year’s FAFSA debuts—reapply every year!
