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HR Financial Wellbeing Toolkit

Employee resources for every stage of life.
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November 17, 2025
A group of HR professionals with laptops and notebooks discuss financial wellbeing at a communal desk.

Supporting financial wellbeing is one of the most impactful ways to help employees feel secure, focused and confident. To make that easier, we’ve created this shareable toolkit you can adapt for your own communication channels.

Encourage employees to explore the sections below, or copy and paste pieces into newsletters or internal messaging campaigns. From budgeting and saving to debt management and generational planning, each section provides several actionable steps employees can take to take control of their financial health.

Five Building Blocks of Financial Wellbeing

Think of financial wellbeing as a house — it needs a strong foundation to stand the test of time. No matter your age or career stage, these five building blocks provide the stability you need. Budget with clarity and know where your money goes each month.

  1. Manage Debt Wisely: Pay down high-interest balances and avoid unnecessary borrowing.
  2. Build an Emergency Fund: Aim for at least $500 to start, with a long-term goal of three to six months of expenses.
  3. Save and Invest with Purpose: Use short-term goals (like vacations) and long-term accounts (like a 401(k) or an IRA).
  4. Protect Your Future: Health, disability and life insurance provide stability when life changes.
  5. Plan for Retirement Early: Even small contributions add up; take advantage of employer matches.
The takeaway: These five steps apply to everyone. Start with the one that feels most doable today.

Financial Priorities Across Generations

While the building blocks stay the same, the way you put them into practice changes depending on your stage of life. Each generation faces unique challenges and opportunities, from learning the basics to preserving retirement income.

  • Gen Z (Born 1997 – 2012): Focus on financial literacy, building credit and saving early.
  • Millennials (Born 1981 – 1996): Tackle student loans, start retirement contributions and build emergency savings.
  • Gen X (Born 1965 – 1980): Balance family responsibilities with retirement catch-up and debt reduction.
  • Baby Boomers (Born 1946 – 1964): Plan sustainable retirement income, manage healthcare costs and finalize estate plans.
  • Traditionalists (1945 and earlier): Prioritize stability, healthcare and legacy planning.
The takeaway: Do the top three priorities for your generation resonate with you? If so, let those priorities help guide your financial next steps.

Debt and Credit Score Blueprint

Debt can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to control your financial life. With the right approach, you can reduce balances, improve your credit score and relieve stress along the way.

  • Know Your Numbers: Track debts and monitor your credit score using free tools.
  • Pick a Payoff Strategy: Snowball (smallest debt first) or avalanche (highest interest first).
  • Make On-Time Payments: Your payment history is the biggest factor in your credit score.
  • Keep Accounts Open: Older accounts boost your credit history.
  • Build Habits: Pay more than the minimum when you can and avoid opening too many new accounts.
  • Leverage Trusted Support: If you’re rebuilding, consider becoming an authorized user on a trusted card.
The takeaway: Think of your credit health like physical health: regular check-ups and consistent care pay off.

Budgeting and Saving Made Simple

Budgeting isn’t about deprivation — it’s about clarity and choice. By understanding your spending and making small adjustments, you can free up money for what matters most and prepare for the unexpected.

Seven Budgeting Tips That Work

  1. Track your spending for 30 days.
  2. Try the 50/30/20 framework as a starting point.
  3. Automate savings to “pay yourself first.”
  4. Cut hidden expenses like unused subscriptions.
  5. Set short-term goals that feel achievable.
  6. Leave room for joy — plan for fun along the way.
  7. Start an emergency fund with a small cushion, maybe $500 to $1,000. Build over time toward three to six months of expenses. Even $10 a week adds up to more than $500 a year.
The takeaway: Small, steady savings create big peace of mind over time.

Resources and Next Steps

Financial wellbeing is a journey no one has to take alone. Share these resources or direct employees to internal programs that can help:

  • Employer Programs: Many companies offer financial wellness resources or one-on-one support.
  • Trusted Tools: Apps like CreditWise, Credit Karma and budgeting platforms can help employees track progress.
  • Advisors: A financial professional can tailor advice to individual goals.
  • Learning Opportunities: Webinars, workshops and peer groups build confidence and engagement.
The takeaway: Don’t let employees go it alone. Instead, highlight the tools already available within your organization.
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For HR Teams: How to Use This Toolkit

Financial wellbeing initiatives work best when they’re consistent and conversational. Here are a few ideas to get started:

  • Feature one section per month in your employee newsletter.
  • Host a quarterly financial wellbeing challenge, like “Track your spending for 30 days.”
  • Pair topics with webinars from your benefits partners or internal programs.
  • Encourage managers to share snippets in team meetings or chat channels.

Even small reminders, like a quote, a link or a budgeting tip, can normalize financial wellbeing conversations at work.

Want a customized approach for your team’s needs? Connect with our experts and learn how we can help with talent management, financial education, HR strategy and more.

Better solutions are closer than you think.

Reach out today to start a conversation about how we can work together to move you forward.

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