A Community Commitment: How Baker Boyer Helps Individuals Take Control of Their Finances
A recent college graduate whose personal information was hacked and stolen. A couple living paycheck to paycheck. An elderly person alone after the death of a partner who had taken care of their finances. These are just a few examples of the financial challenges tackled by participants in Baker Boyer’s free Financial Counseling service. Open to all, the financial sessions are tailored to the needs and goals of each person.
Conceptualized in 2019, accredited in 2020 and rolled out to the market that year, the program centers on a conviction that the Bank is only as strong as the community it serves. Through one-on-one, one-hour sessions, Baker Boyer Financial Counselors work to understand each participant’s financial picture and personal goals — from creating a sustainable budget or saving for a large purchase to managing student loans or retirement planning. “Each time we meet with someone, it’s individualized,” says Baker Boyer Vice President Lacey Braswell, Properties Manager and Executive Assistant who leads the growing program. “It’s up to them to decide their goals, and we provide tools, resources, and information to achieve them.” Participants book a consultation by filling out a form, available online or at the Bank. Clients run the gamut in age and financial literacy. Referrals and presentations to public groups through churches and community nonprofits have led to growing participation as well. “Everyone we meet with has a unique story,” she says.
The service has been managed by a team of four Financial Counselors. Another four employees are expected to complete Financial Counselor training in 2025 through the Association for Financial Counseling & Planning Education. Braswell says participants have most commonly been interested in learning how to create budgets and navigate credit reports. This fills a gap in services for those facing financial hardship. “Most of the people I meet with aren’t trying to decide where to invest their extra income,” Braswell says. “They’re trying to figure out which credit card to pay off.” The program has provided a bridge to people who may not have previously visited the Bank or been familiar with its breadth of services. “It’s a great way to show the community we’re all people, and we’re in this together,” Braswell says.
For more information or to schedule a free one-hour financial counseling session, visit our Financial Counseling Page.
