More Than Money: Why Financial Wellness is Mental Wellness

Written by Sue Ward-Diorio, CrossState Foundation Executive Director

As a parent of twenty-somethings, I’ve watched my kids take their first real steps into the world of personal finance. They’re thoughtful about their money—they understand the importance of saving, they’ve opened retirement accounts, and they even have budgets (which isn’t surprising, considering their mom is a strong advocate for financial education!). 

But even with all that effort, they still have questions. And when they come to me for advice, it’s usually after they’ve already searched online or spoken to their friends. That’s a common trend among Millennials and Gen Z: they do their homework first, then come to someone they trust for validation or clarity. 

And I get it—financial topics can feel overwhelming. In fact, NerdWallet reports that 92% of Gen Zers and 82% of Millennials find financial topics intimidating. They want advice that’s clear, practical, and easy to access. That’s why they’re turning to YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn, and other digital platforms—they’re looking for trusted resources in the spaces where they already spend time. 

What many people don’t realize is that financial stress is a leading cause of anxiety, particularly for young adults. It’s more than just about dollars and cents—budgeting, saving, and debt management are essential tools for reducing stress and protecting mental health. 

Credit unions have always prioritized youth outreach—but we need to go further. It shouldn’t stop after high school. We must continue supporting young people as they move into college and the workforce, guiding them along the way as their financial lives grow more complex. 

Of course, this is a golden opportunity to connect with new members. But it’s also a critical moment to deepen relationships with your existing ones. Show them that you’re not just a reliable financial institution, but one that understands their world, speaks their language, and is ready to meet them where they are—digitally and personally. 

It’s a lot to take in. You’re being told to engage on social media, explore new platforms, and keep up with constant content demands. It can feel overwhelming! 

But here’s a simple first step: follow CrossState’s social media accounts. We share regular, timely content that you can like and repost to your own audiences. Just assigning one staff member to monitor and share our posts can start building visibility and engagement with younger members.