Free, confidential financial coaching for University of Arizona, Tucson and Southern Arizona.
Money stress can show up in a lot of ways - feeling overwhelmed, stuck, unsure where to start, or worried about what comes next - especially when you're trying to juggle a lot at once. Financial Coaching Cats offers supportive, one-on-one coaching to help you think through your options, clarify your goals, and take next steps that feel manageable.
Our coaches won't judge your past decisions or tell you what you should do. We meet you where you are and help you move forward at your own pace.
Who are you here as today?
For Tucson & Southern Arizona Community Members
Free financial coaching for individuals and families in Tucson and Southern Arizona.
We partner with libraries, schools, Cooperative Extension, and other community organizations to offer free, confidential financial coaching across Tucson and Southern Arizona neighborhoods and communities. Whether you're navigating a tight budget, preparing for a financial transition, working toward a goal, or just trying to feel less stressed about money, our trained financial coaches are here to support you.
No cost. No judgement. Just a conversation focused on what matters most to you.
For University of Arizona Students
No-cost, peer-to-peer financial coaching for University of Arizona students.
Financial Coaching Cats offers free, one-on-one financial coaching with trained peer coaches who understand the realities of student life. Sessions are confidential, flexible, and centered on your goals - whether that's managing day-to-day expenses, planning ahead, or feeling more confident about money decisions.
You don't need to have everything figured out to get started.
For Community & Campus Partners
Partner with us to support financial well-being within your communities.
Financial Coaching Cats collaborates with campus departments and community organizations to expand access to financial coaching. We support partners through on-site coaching, referrals, pop-up events, and integrated financial well-being programming tailored to the populations you serve.
If your organization is looking for a people-centered approach to financial wellness, we'd love to explore what a partnership could look like.
Our Approach to Financial Coaching
Supportive. Strengths-based. Human.
Financial coaching is different from financial education or advising. Our coaches don't tell people what they should do with their money. Instead, they help clients explore their options, build confidence, and take steps that align with their values and lived realities.
At Financial Coaching Cats, we believe:
- Everyone deserves access to respectful financial support
- Financial decisions are shaped by context, experience and systems - not just knowledge
- Small, intentional steps can lead to meaningful change over time
What to Expect with Financial Coaching
If you're not quite sure what financial coaching is - or whether it's right for you - that's okay. Many people start coaching because they feel uncertain, overwhelmed, or just want a space to talk things through.
Here's what you can expect:
- A one-on-one conversation, focused on what matters to you
- A coach who listens first, without judgement
- Support that respects your goals, values, and lived experiences
- No pressure to have everything figured out before you begin
You don't need a plan, a budget, or specific question to get started.
Not sure where to start?
If you're unsure which option fits best - or just want to ask a question - you're always welcome to reach out.
Email: financialcoachingcats@arizona.edu
Program Coordinator: Noel Wilkinson, MS
Location:
Take Charge America Institute
McClelland Park Building - Suite 308
650 North Park Avenue
Tucson, AZ 85721
About Financial Coaching Cats
Financial Coaching Cats is a program of the Take Charge America Institute (TCAI) at the University of Arizona developed in partnership with the Norton School of Human Ecology and its Personal and Family Financial Planning (PFFP) Program. Through this partnership, trained University of Arizona students and professional staff provide financial coaching while gaining hands-on experience - expanding access to free, respectful financial support in the community.
All financial coaching is free, confidential, and voluntary.
We strive to make financial coaching accessible. If you have questions about language access, accommodations, or format, please reach out to our program coordinator at financialcoachingcats@arizona.edu and we'll do our best to support you.
The University of Arizona is an equal opportunity institution. The university prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin (including shared ancestry and ethnic characteristics), age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or genetic information. Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972 protects individuals from discrimination based on sex in any educational program or activity operated by recipients of federal financial assistance. As required by Title IX, the University of Arizona does not discriminate based on sex in its educational programs or activities, including in admission and employment. Inquiries concerning the application of Title IX may be referred to the university’s Title IX Coordinator or to the U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights, or both. The university's nondiscrimination policy and grievance procedures and information about how to make a complaint of discrimination is available online.