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In this article: 

• Why couples benefit from a judgment free space to talk about money
• What happens in a financial wellness review, from credit insights to personalized guidance
• How reviews help couples align major life events and shared financial goals
• Frequently asked questions and answers about financial wellness reviews

Money conversations aren’t always easy—but checking in together is one of the most important things couples can do for their financial health. A financial wellness review isn’t just helpful during big milestones like moving in, getting married, or buying a home, it’s something couples should make a habit of doing every year or anytime life changes. 

These regular check-ins ensure you’re on the same page, aware of your full financial picture, and aligned on your goals. At United, a financial wellness review is a quick, free, judgment-free meeting with a United expert who helps you review your finances, understand your options, and create a plan together. 

After the review is complete, couples can walk away knowing how to improve their credit score, save money, grow their savings, reduce stress, and get clarity on how to work towards goals.

Here's what couples can expect at a financial wellness review with United Federal Credit Union

A safe space for honest money conversations

Are couples hesitant to have conversations about money? “Yes, one thousand percent,” says United Branch Manager Tina Vaught. “It’s conversations that they are afraid to have, or afraid to admit what their case may be.” According to a 2024 Fidelity study, nearly 1 in 4 couples say money is their greatest relationship challenge – but we’re here to change that. United offers free financial wellness reviews for Members and recommend they do one annually. Choosing to do them as a couple gives you and your partner a dedicated setting to talk about money—without the stress or distractions of everyday life. It’s an opportunity to align goals, address concerns, and build confidence in your financial future together.

Your review takes place in a private office behind closed doors – no judgment, no pressure, just support. During the review, a United Member Service Advisor or Branch Manager will walk you through your loans, accounts, and discuss financial goals. If we look at your credit, it’s only a soft pull – so it won’t impact your credit score. Members aren’t required to bring anything to the review but knowing what loans you have, and their interest rates helps.

Optional, but helpful to bring with you: 

• Loan interest rates
• Credit card balances and rates
• Bank statements or information from other financial institutions

Expert guidance without pressure

Talking about money can be extremely uncomfortable and for some couples, this can lead to arguments. According to the same Fidelity study, 45% of couples say they argue about money at least occasionally. We want Members to know that United is here to help facilitate these tough conversations. “They don’t have to be intimidated by any of this - that’s why we’re here,” Vaught said. “We can help them along at any point in their journey, whether they’re just starting out or getting ready to retire.”

When you sit down for a financial wellness review, a United Branch Manager or Member Service Advisor will guide you through the conversation and cover all the bases. “We’re the experts, they don’t have to be,” Vaught reassures.

Get personalized help

When is the last time that you had personalized financial guidance from an expert? Our Members have the opportunity to meet in person with someone who cares about their financial wellbeing and has the means to help. At every United branch there are Member Service Advisors equipped to help Members review their finances and give free guidance. A MSA will make personalized recommendations that help Members grow their savings, get better deals on loans, and build credit.

Making a financial plan for kids

According to a Fidelity study, 54% of Gen Z say they’re worried about being financially secure enough to have children and be able to support them. Vaught says, “That does not have to be the case whatsoever. My first question would be, tell me more, why do you say that? It’s good to find out what’s holding them back. We can get them around that, we can help couples budget.”

For couples that have kids, or are planning on expanding their family, a financial wellness review can design strategies like building an emergency fund, budgeting for childcare, and saving for their kids’ education. Our experts help guide parents to set their kids up for success and put their worries at ease.

Preparing to buy a home

Want to buy a home? A financial wellness review helps couples prepare to get approved for a mortgage loan. An expert will review their debt-to-income ratio and credit scores to make sure everything is on track. “If we’re talking about buying a house, we can start small with building their credit and getting them in touch with a mortgage advisor if they want to go that route.”

Proactive problem-solving

A financial wellness review can help couples lay everything out on the table and avoid surprises and miscommunications about money in the future. Vaught says that couples that have financial wellness reviews together are less likely to have arguments about finances as they get the clarity and confidence they need. “They can walk away with the knowledge that they have an expert in their corner, and they don’t have to fight about money. They’re on the right track and they can continue to move forward.”

Schedule a free financial wellness review

Align on a shared vision

When it comes to money, it’s easy to get distracted by the small stuff, like overpaying for coffee. But what’s most important for couples is getting aligned on your shared vision for your future together. A financial wellness review will help you and your partner plan big picture goals like buying a home, sending kids to college, and planning for retirement. Making a financial plan together is empowering and helps couples see that they can achieve things they may have thought were out of reach. “People just tend to get by, and there’s so much more than just getting by,” Vaught said.

Know the numbers

Before a financial wellness review, you and your partner may not know important numbers like your credit score and the interest rates that you’re paying on loans. This provides an opportunity to learn those numbers, get clear on where you stand, and identify the steps to get you to where you want to be.

A United expert can help identify ways to save and grow money, like investing savings in a money market or share certificate and refinancing a loan to get a better rate. Vaught said, “It’s amazing, it’s like the light bulb goes off when they see how much we can actually help them. I’ve had Members come in here crying, hugging our Member Service Advisor because they just bought their first house.”

Decrease stress and anxiety about money

A financial wellness review helps couples create a proactive plan on how they’ll manage their money, and that’s half the battle! Having a plan in place can reduce stress and build confidence in how you manage your finances together. Transparency builds trust and having shared goals can strengthen intimacy, contributing to a healthy relationship. Creating a plan also prevents couples from encountering financial blind spots that can lead to anxiety or resentment.

Vaught says, after a financial wellness review, couples will “be confident in how to move forward together with their financial success. They don’t have those worries about money.”

Plan for retirement

No one wants to worry about whether they’ll be able to retire, but many Americans do. A financial wellness review can guide couples and recommend steps they can take to achieve the lifestyle they want in retirement.

What U need to know

For couples, a financial wellness review is a proactive step that keeps your finances aligned through every stage of life for you and your partner. From combining finances to buying a home, starting a family, and preparing for retirement, these reviews help you stay on the same page with your partner, reduce stress, and work towards big goals. 

Think of it as a regular check-up for your financial health and an inspiring step towards improving credit, saving money, reducing stress, and getting clarity. Schedule a financial wellness review with your partner today and start building the confidence and clarity you both deserve.

Schedule a free financial wellness review at your local United branch

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is a Financial Wellness Review (FWR)?
A: A judgement-free conversation with a United expert to understand your full financial picture and make a plan—covering credit, savings, debt, and goals tailored to your life stage.

Q: How long does it take?
 A: Reviews are scheduled for an hour, but many can be completed in as little as 15–20 minutes depending on your needs.

Q: Do we need an appointment?
A: Appointments are recommended, but walk-ins may be available when a Member Service Advisor is free. You can schedule online at UnitedFCU.com.

Q: Is there a cost?
 A: No—FWRs are free for Members.

Q: Will the review affect our credit score?
 A: No. If a credit check is needed, United uses a soft pull that does not impact your score.

Q: What should we bring?
 A: Helpful (but not required): recent account balances, interest rates and terms for loans/credit cards, and any banking/investment information from other institutions. Many Members discover they don’t know their exact rates—bringing them speeds up guidance.

Q: Is an FWR only for couples?
 A: Couples get unique value—shared goals, clarity, and reduced stress—but FWRs benefit any Member at any life stage.

Q: What can we expect during the review?
 A: Your advisor will assess your current accounts and credit, identify money‑saving opportunities, and offer personalized recommendations—from joint checking or savings to strategies for building credit or planning big milestones.

Q: Will we be pressured to open products?
 A: No. The tone is supportive and pressure free—you’ll get expert guidance and options aligned to your goals, with time to decide.

Q: How private is the conversation?
A: Reviews happen in private offices behind closed doors. United emphasizes a judgment-free environment and confidentiality.

Q: How often should couples schedule an FWR?
 A: Annually, and whenever you hit major life events: buying a home, welcoming a child, job changes, or planning for retirement.

Q: What will we walk away with?
A: Clear steps to improve credit, save and grow money, lower stress, and a shared plan for short and long-term—plus confidence that you have a trusted expert in your corner.