BOSTON–Hanscom Federal Credit Union (HFCU) has opened a new office that includes “quest rooms” as part of a larger initiative called “WealthTrek” that it said is a full-service financial wellness “experience center” designed to teach anyone about best practices related to managing their money and more, according to the credit union.
Hanscom Federal described WealthTrek as a “first-of-its-kind financial questing experience (that) turns learning into an exciting, hands-on journey. Interactive games and challenges make financial concepts come alive” inside the 2,300-square-foot location at Government Center.
“We are the trusted advisor people turn to for unbiased financial guidance,” HFCU President & CEO Peter Rice said in a statement. “And we are on an unwavering mission to make financial wellness accessible and exciting for all. We know that ‘play-to-learn’ breaks down the barriers of shame and stigma that sometimes appear when talking about personal finance.”
According to Hanscom FCU, the “Meow or Never: Cats, Puzzles, and Purrsonal Finance” interactive game features a single room divided into four distinct sections, each representing a different phase of the experience. As participants (up to four) progress, they move through each section, uncovering new challenges, solving puzzles and gaining insights about best practices related to financial wellness, the credit union said.
“The questing room, details of which cannot be shared without revealing too many clues, includes an ATM and cat bowl,” Hanscom FCU said. “Also of note, like other questing experiences, game players are never truly locked or trapped inside a room with no way to get out. “
The experience is free to all HFCU members and builds upon a prototype launched last year at HFCU’s Burlington, Mass. location.
‘Unofficial Employee Value’
“Curiosity is our unofficial sixth employee value at HFCU,” said Rice. “We challenged our team to think ‘outside the box’ about ways we could entertain and educate anyone about their financial well-being. I am thrilled about what we’ve created, and we now have plans to build more ‘experience centers’ throughout the U.S.”
Hanscom FCU said the unorthodox approach to teaching financial wellness has also caught the attention of the academic research community.
“Out of curiosity, HFCU Member Mary Jean Hughes Ed.D., MA, OTR/L, an occupational therapist associate professor at Regis College (Weston, Mass.) regularly tours WealthTrek – Burlington with a group of her students to get feedback and learn more about the dynamics of questing related to her field of study,” Hanscom FCU said.
‘Everyone Benefits’
“These innovative questing experiences in financial institutions promote client-centered, evidence-based, meaningful experiences celebrating diversity and interdisciplinary collaboration,” said Prof. Hughes. “All the stakeholders involved benefit.
“The HFCU WealthTrek questing rooms in Burlington and Boston are empowering accessible innovation through multi-modal learning and bridging disciplines for a sustainable and bright future. To be at the groundbreaking infancy stage of this awesome endeavor is incredible.”
“Student feedback was equally strong and included in Prof. Hughes’s January 2025 occupational therapy report, Health Equals Wealth and Wealth Equals Health,” according to Hanscom Federal.
“The HFCU WealthTrek questing room decreases barriers and helps people start thinking about financial wellness,” said one student.
Putting the ‘Pieces Together’
Added another, “By making the experience interactive, the clients can put the pieces together and learn about what types of habits are beneficial which can lead to positive outcomes. It may help clients decrease barriers and help them make better financial decisions, and participating in the questing / escape room helps people collaborate with their group members.”
A ’Key Tool’
WealthTrek is a key tool to HFCU’s 45+ certified financial coaches, who work regularly with members to achieve their goals.
Recent survey results reveal that HFCU members – who are offered personalized complimentary coaching services with their membership – do better with financial coaching.
Overall Satisfaction
According to Hanscom FCU:
- Average satisfaction score: 4.50 out of 5
- 75% of respondents report being “extremely satisfied” with the program.
Goal Achievement
- 77% of participants reported achieving one or more financial goals
- 82% feel empowered to achieve additional goals after completing their first financial goal
- 57% indicated better control over their spending habits.
Financial Milestones Reached
- 69% increased their savings
- 66% improved their credit score
- 52% established an emergency fund
- 43% diversified their assets.
- 43% increased retirement savings.
- 21% improved their insurance protection.
‘Carefully Crafted Journey’
To ensure that its members’ financial health is addressed holistically, HFCU said its coaches follow a carefully crafted journey that includes six pillars: Cash Flow Management; Savings; Debt Management; Credit Profile; Retirement Planning; and Protection..