BASKING RIDGE, N.J. — Affinity Federal Credit Union has launched an “Institute” to bring its financial education, wellbeing coaching and community partnerships under one organization, the credit union said.
The Affinity Wellbeing Institute was created on National Wellbeing Day, which encourages people to assess their financial, physical, career, social and community health and take a step toward improving it.
The institute will expand existing initiatives through education, research, content, resources and community experiences, according to the $4.3-billion Affinity. The credit union said its approach recognizes the connections between financial stability and other aspects of a person’s life.
Wellbeing About More Than One Thing
“Wellbeing does not live in one category of a person’s life,” said Grant Gallagher, the institute’s founder and executive director. “A stressful job, a health scare or a disconnected community can shake someone’s financial stability just as much as a bank balance can.”
Gallagher said the institute would provide a centralized source of trusted, judgment-free resources for the community.
Affinity said it has trained and certified more than 100 employees as wellbeing coaches. Its existing educational offerings include an article library and the “Wellbeing and Your Wallet” podcast, along with annual indexes examining the financial, emotional and community effects of summer vacations and holiday spending.
Other Events Hosted
The credit union also hosts community events and webinars, including Financial Reality Fairs that teach financial skills to high school and college-age participants. Its partnerships provide estate planning assistance through Legal Karma and free credit counseling through Navicore Solutions, Affinity said.
The annual Affinity Wellbeing Awards recognize individuals and organizations working to improve wellbeing in their communities.
For National Wellbeing Day, the institute is encouraging people to take one concrete action, such as reviewing a budget, scheduling a health screening, updating an estate plan, reconnecting with a neighbor or learning something new.
“Affinity has always measured success by how our members are doing, and that reaches well beyond their accounts with us,” President and CEO Kevin Brauer said in a statement. “National Wellbeing Day extends that belief to everyone with one simple invitation: take a single step toward better wellbeing today.”
