Happy Women’s History Month from all of us at Rock Valley Credit Union! As we celebrate this tremendous month honoring the trailblazing women of the past, present and future, we spoke with four women leaders from RVCU about what financial advice they’d give other women.
Rachel Sprayberry, Director of Human Resources, Split vs. Shared Accounts
Managing money as a couple doesn’t have to be a stressful topic—in fact, it can be a great opportunity to bond and create a financial plan that works for both of you! One of the first decisions you’ll face is whether to combine your finances into joint accounts, keep them separate, or go for a hybrid approach (think joint for bills and separate for personal splurges).
- Joint Accounts: Simple and transparent, best when both partners share similar financial goals and habits.
- Separate Accounts: Ideal for those who prefer financial independence and personal spending control.
- Hybrid Method: A balanced approach—shared accounts for bills while maintaining individual accounts for personal expenses.
To figure out what works best, turn money talks into a fun date night! Sit down with a glass of wine (or your favorite treat), discuss your financial habits, dream about the future, and create a plan that makes both of you feel secure.
Melissa Engelkes, Member Experience Manager, Knowing Your Credit Score
Credit scores can be influenced by many factors including payment history, credit utilization, length of credit history, inquiries and amount of credit usage. It’s important to know what a credit score means and how it can positively or negatively impact you. Knowing your credit score is an important step in being financially independent and creating good financial habits. Using the education and resources out there such as RVCU’s Savvy Money. is a great start to building a higher credit score
Shanice Newsom Hogan, Member Services Representative, Mothers and Money
Wherever you are at in your stage of life whether you’re a young mom, single mom, divorced mom, or widow, life’s unexpected changes can leave you solely responsible for your finances.
We don’t enter relationships expecting to need a backup plan—but when financial responsibility falls on us, we must adapt. Bills don’t pay themselves, and financial adjustments become necessary. Unexpected changes can be overwhelming, but fear can be a powerful motivator. Use it to build financial security:
- Create an emergency fund for home repairs and car expenses.
- Invest more into retirement than just the minimum.
- Open 529 accounts to support your children’s education.
You are the key to your future, and your children’s success starts with the financial lessons you teach them. If you don’t know where to begin, seek guidance from financial coaches (we know a few folks who can help!), lean on a trusted support system, and utilize community resources.
Never be afraid to pursue the life you deserve. Women like me have found financial strength through the wisdom of those who came before us. Now it’s your turn.
Ann Kossman, Business Development Specialist, Lack of knowledge makes you vulnerable
Many women tend to rely on their partners for financial decisions, which can leave them vulnerable during major life changes. Gaining financial knowledge and confidence is key to independence and long-term security.
- Begin by taking control—track your income, expenses, savings, and debt, create a budget, and understand your credit score.
- Seek financial education through podcasts, books, or women-focused groups. Build independence by maintaining your bank account, creating an emergency fund, and avoiding sole reliance on others for financial support. Start small with investing and take advantage of retirement plans. In relationships, have open discussions about finances, consider prenuptial agreements, and stay involved in managing money together.
- Finally, protect your future by setting goals, securing insurance, and creating a will and estate plan.
