Students at Western Nevada College took an important step toward financial confidence Tuesday morning during the Financial Literacy for Student Success Workshop, hosted by the ROADS Program in The Link.

Designed to equip students with practical, real-world money management skills, the workshop focused on helping attendees take control of their finances, build sustainable budgets and develop habits that support long-term success.

The session was led by Brook Sweeting, Senior Market Development Manager with United Federal Credit Union, and Paul Rodriguez, Branch Manager, who shared insights students can carry with them into the workforce and beyond. Throughout the workshop, engaged students and staff asked thoughtful questions about banking, credit and financial planning.

Presenters explained the role of credit unions and how they differ from traditional banks, while also emphasizing how small financial decisions can make a big impact over time. For example, saving just $5 a day could grow to nearly $800,000 over 50 years. Other everyday strategies discussed included packing lunch instead of eating out, sharing family subscription services, avoiding delivery fees and paying bills on time to prevent interest penalties.

Students also spent time building their own working budgets using the 50/30/20 Rule — allocating 50 percent of income to needs, 30 percent to wants and 20 percent to savings.

Additional guidance included:

• Creating monthly debt-reduction plans
• Reviewing income and expenses regularly
• Understanding how missed payments impact credit scores
• Keeping long-standing credit accounts open
• Using credit cards responsibly
• Paying balances on time and in full
• Setting up automatic payments

Workshop leaders also discussed ways to establish credit, such as opening a credit card and responsibly managing it, take out a loan and create a utility account. They encouraged students who needed to repair their credit to pay their card bill son time and in full, as well as set up automatic payments.

By the end of the session, students left with actionable tools and a clearer understanding of how smart financial habits today can support stability and opportunity in the future.