An interview with Jade Ramirez-Barraza, Economics major, University of Utah

In a quiet corner of campus, the Financial Wellness Center offers more than just spreadsheets and savings tips, it offers students a chance to take control of their financial futures. I sat down with Jade Ramirez-Barraza, a Peer Wellbeing Ambassador and student staff member at the center, to learn more about her role and the passion that drives her work.

Her job is simple in concept but powerful in impact: she meets one-on-one with students to talk about money. Whether it’s budgeting, tracking financial goals, applying for scholarships, or understanding the basics of investing, she’s there to answer questions and offer guidance. For more complex or escalated concerns, she works closely with the center’s full-time credit and financial counselors.

Her journey into financial education began with a personal interest. Financial literacy had always been a hobby, and her motivation to learn led her to take a tax class. As part of that course, she volunteered during tax season to help community members file their returns. Through those interactions, listening to concerns, answering questions, and helping people navigate their finances, she discovered a deep passion for financial education, especially for those who hadn’t had access to it before.

One of the most important lessons she’s learned, and now teaches, is that financial optimization should never come at the expense of personal values. In her first major project at the center, she helped develop the curriculum for a course on intentional spending. The core message was clear: your budget should reflect who you are. Financial wellness isn’t about cutting out every non-essential expense; it’s about aligning your spending with what matters most to you. If travel is important, build savings into your budget for that trip. If your morning coffee brings joy, make space for it. Budgets aren’t one-size-fits-all; they’re personal tools for living intentionally.

She also emphasized the range of free services available to students through the Financial Wellness Center:

• Free tax help for both U.S. citizens and international students
• One-on-one financial counseling for any financial questions or concerns
• Credit counseling, including free access to Credit.com, which provides a comprehensive credit report across 26 bureaus. This tool helps students understand their credit health, anticipate how lenders might view their mortgage or loan applications, and receive tailored advice on improving their credit profile
• Workshops and classes on topics like budgeting, intentional spending, and personal finance
• A financial library with books on money management and financial literacy

When asked what habit she hopes students carry with them beyond graduation, she pointed to ownership, taking initiative to educate yourself about financial literacy. Whether it’s reading books, listening to podcasts, or simply staying curious, building your financial knowledge is a lifelong investment in your overall wellness.