Meet Pranika Arunachalam
Sophomore, Finance Major with a Minor in PFFP
Hometown: Chandler, AZ (I was born and raised in India)
I decided to become a peer coach because I know what it feels like to be overwhelmed by new experiences and responsibilities, and I wanted to be someone who could help make that transition easier for others. College can feel like a lot at times, but having someone to guide you and share tips makes a huge difference. What I enjoy most about being a peer coach is getting to connect with other students, hearing their stories, and helping them find solutions that actually work for them. It’s really rewarding to see someone walk away feeling more confident and supported.
What I can help with:
- Creating a budget that actually works for student life
- Tracking spending and spotting habits
- Setting short- and long-term financial goals
- Reducing financial stress and feeling more confident with money
- Planning for semester costs (tuition, fees, books, housing, meal plans)
- Saving for study abroad, internships, or research trips
- Figuring out how to budget for campus events, social activities, or clubs
- Managing money when living with roommates (rent, utilities, shared expenses)
- Talking with family about financial support during college
Outside of Coaching:
I love meeting new people, drinking different kinds of coffee, going on hikes and travelling. On campus, I’m involved actively with Eller & am an WEB Ambassador. I enjoy listening to Frank Ocean, Taylor Swift and Indian music. Some of my favorite TV shows include Suits & Gilmore Girls.
Personal Money Lesson:
“How you behave with money is often more important than how smart you are.” — The Psychology of Money
When I Coach:
Most of my sessions are in the afternoons or in the evenings, since my mornings and early afternoons are usually filled with classes. I’m available both online and in-person, so you can choose whichever works best for you.
Meet Megan June
Junior, Accounting Major with a Minor in PFFP
Hometown: Dallas, Texas
Hi, I’m Megan! I decided to become a peer coach because I haven’t always been the best at managing my money, but through my PFFP minor I’ve really improved. Now that I’ve built up that knowledge and confidence, I want to share it and help others who might be feeling the same way I once did.
What I can help with:
- Balancing work and school income with expenses
- Talking with family about financial support during college
- Creating a budget that actually works for student life
- Building savings or starting an emergency fund
Outside of Coaching:
Outside of coaching I am a member of Chi Omega where I hold a position as recruitment assistant. Some of my hobbies include floral design and working out.
Personal Money Lesson:
“Saving money doesn’t mean giving everything up, it just means finding balance.”
When I Coach:
I usually coach on Wednesdays and Fridays in person or online, and sometimes by appointment on Mondays in between classes.
Meet Owen Such
Junior, Finance Major with a Minor in PFFP
Hometown: Salem, Oregon
Hi, I’m Owen! I decided to become a Financial Coaching Cat because I want to help my peers navigate their financial stresses and concerns. My favorite part of coaching is helping people figure out what works best for them, and ultimately seeing them achieve their financial goals.
What I can help with:
- Creating a budget that actually works for student life
- Tracking spending and spotting habits
- Understanding credit cards and healthy credit use
- Finding ways to stretch a limited foo or grocery budget
- Exploring how values connect to financial decisions
Outside of Coaching:
I am involved in the Financial Planning Club, where I am the Vice President, and I serve as the student liaison for the Financial Planning Association of Arizona. In my downtime, I enjoy golfing, fishing, and hiking with friends.
Personal Money Lesson:
Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out. Do the little things now, and your future self will thank you!
When I Coach:
I typically meet with students in the afternoons and early evenings. I am available for in-person and online sessions, whatever works best for you.
Meet Grant Olance
Sophomore, Finance Major with a Minor in PFFP
Hometown: Gilbert, AZ
Hi, I’m Grant! I decided to become a peer financial coach to help students feel more confident about their money and less overwhelmed by day-to-day financial stress. I especially enjoy showing students how small, manageable steps—like budgeting or saving—can lead to long-term financial confidence and independence.
What I can help with:
- Creating a budget that supports both academics and student life
- Building savings and starting an emergency fund
- Balancing work and school income with expenses
- Understanding credit cards and healthy credit use
- Setting short- and long-term financial goals
Outside of Coaching:
I am a member of the Pride of Arizona Marching Band and Pep Band, and enjoy both performing and being part of the game day atmosphere. In my free time, I also play tennis and enjoy exploring new places in Tucson.
Personal Money Lesson:
“Spending money to show people how much money you have is the fastest way to have less money.”
When I Coach:
My coaching sessions are usually held on M/F mornings and T/Th afternoons. I am available for both in-person and online sessions during those times.