Grab Your Finances by the Horns
The Money Spot helps Virginia Commonwealth University students increase their financial knowledge, skills and confidence to take control of their finances right now and into the future. Our Peer Money Coaches offer free, expert advice and understand the challenges of VCU students-- because they’re students too. Make an appointment today to start achieving your financial goals!
Our Services
Appointments
The Money Spot Peer Coaches are available to help answer your questions and provide guidance on your unique financial situation. Free, confidential 1:1 appointments are available to all VCU students. These personalized appointments can cover a range of financial topics, including cash flow plans, creating savings goals, affording college, improving your credit score and paying down debt. Whether you’re creating your first budget or on your way to becoming the next Warren Buffett (or whoever the kids are into these days), our Peer Coaches are here to help.
Workshops
The Money Spot offers monthly workshops and webinars on topics relevant to VCU students. We’re also happy to offer virtual or in-person presentations specifically for your class, event or group meeting, tailored to your group’s interests and needs. Our workshops are presented by our trained Peer Coaches and designed to teach real-world financial skills in a fun and interactive way.
Financial resources for VCU students
The tools below can help as you plan for your financial future.
- Financial Success Center: The parent office of The Money Spot!
- Student Financial Services: VCU's guides for financial aid, scholarships, and billing
- Financial Fitness Academy: Online modules about hundreds of personal finance topics
- Tuition and Fee Calculator: Figure out how much you'll pay for college
- Do the Math: A VCU resource to ensure you're getting the most from your tuition dollars
- Mint & You Need a Budget: FREE online cash flow tracking apps
VCU Savings Account
Open a savings account and earn up to $50!*
The Financial Success Center and Virginia Credit Union want to help you establish your savings. When you open a savings account with the link below, we’ll waive the $5 membership and jump start your savings with a $25 deposit!* Plus, if you complete one of the healthy financial behavior activities before December 15, 2023, Virginia Credit Union will deposit an additional $25 to your savings account for a total of $50!
Healthy financial behaviors to complete and earn $25! (Must complete one or the other)
- Meet with a peer for a financial coaching session.
- Complete two online modules through VCU Cash Course (Click "Register for a free account" under Students and select Virginia Commonwealth University)
*Offer valid 9/1/2023 through 12/1/2023. Available only to current VCU students. In order to qualify for the $25 deposit, you must 1) be 18 years of age or older, and 2) open a new savings account with Virginia Credit Union by 11:59 pm on 12/15/2023. $0 is the minimum balance required to open the account. In order to qualify for the second $25 bonus, you must also have completed one (1) of the following by 11:59pm on 12/15/2023: attend a financial coaching appointment, or complete two online modules through VCU Cash Course. Offer may be withdrawn without notice. All accounts are subject to approval. $25 Deposit and Bonus Payment: Bonuses are not considered part of the opening deposit and will be reported to the IRS for tax purposes. You are responsible for any applicable taxes. We reserve the right to amend or cancel any part of this offer. Your account must be open and in good standing when the bonus is paid. Bonus will be deposited to account by 3/1/2024.
Meet the Money Spot Coaches
Ryan LeVault
Lead Money Coach
My name is Ryan LeVault, and I am a psychology major and music minor. As the son of a banker and a CPA, being money-smart has always been an important notion to me. A fun fact about me is that I have been playing the drums for over a decade.
Yousif Abdullah
Money Coach
Bio coming soon
.png)
Sahara Edwards
Money Coach
Bio coming soon
Shivang Jain
Money Coach
I am a freshman at Virginia Commonwealth University and an honors student who is studying biology with a minor in chemistry and general business. I wanted to be a Money Coach because I know, firsthand, the importance that personal finance can play in an individual’s life, and I believe that everyone should have access to this knowledge. Other than being a Money Coach, I enjoy rock climbing, playing the piano, and ping pong in my free time. I am excited to meet with my fellow students to show them the importance of personal finance!
Caylem Li
Money Coach
My name is Caylem Li, I am a first-year student majoring in Finance. I enjoy working out and traveling as well as learning new things. I joined The Money Spot to help advise and guide fellow students on their financial journey as well as surround myself with other great coaches.
Maria Nguyen
Money Coach
My name is Maria, and I am a sophomore studying nursing but am switching to finance in the fall. I am very excited to begin my journey here as a money coach, and cannot wait to help other students increase their financial literacy and set themselves up for financial success after graduating. Outside of school, I enjoy lifting, going on walks, and reading. I also love trying new foods and checking out different restaurants, so I am always open to food recommendations! I look forward to working with everyone!
Donovan White
Money Coach
Bio coming soon!
