Taking Control of Your Financial Wellness
Financial wellness affects every aspect of daily life. Your finances influence your ability to participate in school, maintain your health, socialize with others, enjoy leisure activities, meet daily responsibilities, and plan for the future. Developing healthy saving habits and routines can reduce financial stress and help you continue participating in the occupations that matter most to you.
How Are Your Finances Affecting Your Daily Life?
Take this short survey to discover how your financial wellness may be affecting your daily life. Reflect on different areas of your life to identify strengths, challenges, and opportunities to build healthier financial habits and routines.
YOU'RE NOT ALONE. WE'RE HERE TO HELP.
Explore the Financial Wellness Toolkit
Build healthy financial habits and routines that help you stay organized, reduce stress, and reach your financial goals.
Develop healthy habits and routines to stay on top of financial aid requirements, meet deadlines, and maintain your eligibility.
Develop healthy budgeting habits and routines that help you stay organized, track your spending, and stay on top of your finances.
The basics of credit and debt, including responsible borrowing, understanding credit, and making informed financial decisions.
Explore healthy coping strategies to reduce financial stress and improve your overall well-being.
Learn how to set healthy financial boundaries and communicate confidently about money with family and friends.
Director and Professor of Instruction for the Entering Student Experience
(ESE)
Assistant Director of Outreach and Staff Psychologist
Dr. Charlie Gibbens, Ed.D.
Site Supervisor
Dr. Karen Keptner PhD, OTR/L
Dr. Stephanie Capshaw, OTD, OTR
Dr. William Roberts, PhD, OTR
Alyssa Gutierrez, M.Ed
Director of Center for Accommodations and Support Services (CASS)
Tamara Hernandez
Director of Consultation, Advocacy, Resources and Education (CARE)
Denise Kehoe, Ed.D.
Staff Psychologist & Group Coordinator
Capstone Mentor
Capstone Coordinator
Faculty Advisor
Marieli Piñero-Melendez, PhD, L.P.
This project would not have been possible without the guidance, support, and contributions of many. Thank you to all the individuals and departments who helped shape Miner Money Matters.
With Gratitude
Director of Student Success Help Desk
Director of Financial Literacy & Wellness
Vice Provost for Advising, Academic Success, and Student Support
Director of Student Business Services
Director of Assessment and Planning
Chair-Department of Social Work
SGA Vice President of External Affairs
Assistant Vice President of Financial Aid and Scholarships
Nisna Castañeda
John Gilbreath, MSPFP
Dr. Heather Smith
Karla Y. Sierra, MBA
Elisa Espinosa Ortega, MBA, M. Ed.
Eva M. Moya, PhD., LMSW
Alyson Andreu
Jazmin Gonzalez-Harder, Ph.D
Rolph R Zehntner, MBA, FAAC
TO THE STAKEHOLDERS
DISCLAIMER
This website is intended for educational purposes and should not replace professional financial, legal, or medical advice.
External Resources Disclaimer
The external links, videos, articles, websites, and other resources included on this website were not created or developed by the author unless otherwise indicated. These resources are provided for educational and informational purposes to support students in exploring financial wellness, financial management, and related topics.
Inclusion of an external resource does not constitute an endorsement, sponsorship, or affiliation with the author, the University of Texas at El Paso, or any associated program or department. External websites and resources may have their own content, policies, and terms of use. Users are encouraged to review information from external sources and determine whether it is appropriate for their individual needs.
A Personal Thank You!
Thank you for visiting the Financial Wellness Toolkit!
This project is more than my capstone. It is my way of giving back to a community that has shaped me. Throughout my occupational therapy education, I have learned that meaningful change begins with small, consistent habits and the right support. I created this resource with the hope of providing students with practical tools to build healthy financial routines and feel more confident managing their finances.
I chose to focus on higher education because I have seen how education can transform lives, especially in our border community. I have also experienced how financial challenges can stand in the way of success. My hope is that this website becomes one tool in your journey! Not only to support your academic goals, but to help you build financial habits that will benefit you for years to come.
If this website helps even one student feel more empowered and supported, then it has fulfilled its purpose.
Remember, progress doesn't happen overnight. Every small step you take today can lead to lasting change tomorrow. Be patient with yourself, stay consistent, and keep moving forward.
Thank you for allowing me to be a small part of your journey.
With gratitude,
Diana Cadena
Doctor of Occupational Therapy Student
The University of Texas at El Paso