2026 Greylock interns respond
Written & edited by Lily Powell, Marketing Intern
Financial literacy sets the foundation of knowing how to manage money, avoid debt, build savings, and navigate big life changes successfully. Through numerous resources, classes, and industry discussions, Greylock Federal Credit Union aims to equip their interns with the financial tools and knowledge to set them up for long-term success.
In recognition of National Intern Day on July 30, we asked our 2026 Internship cohort to share what financial wellness means to each of them, and how they are incorporating what they have learned at Greylock into their day-to-day life. The cohort includes Lily Powell in Marketing; Kevin Mears in Learning & Development; Reese Faggioni in Mortgage; Alexandra Bills in Operations; and Connor Lavinio in Finance.
What does financial wellness mean to you?
Lily: Financial wellness is an ongoing journey. It means having the financial stability to invest in my wants as well as needs to live a fulfilled life. True financial wellness provides resilience in the face of unexpected crises, setbacks, or expenses.
Kevin: Financial wellness is when one has the funds or income to provide for their needs and a plan for the future of their finances.
Reese: To me it means not having to stress about anything budget related while still being able to live comfortably.
Alexandra: Financial wellness means feeling confident and secure in how I manage my money. It's about being able to cover my needs, prepare for unexpected expenses, and make decisions that support my long-term goals without feeling overwhelmed.
Connor: It's about finding a healthy balance between saving and enjoying the present. It means being educated on how to manage money, making smart spending decisions, and building savings while still being able to spend on things that make you happy. When you find that balance, you can feel confident about your financial future without missing out on life today.
What is one way you are practicing financial wellness in your day-to-day life?
Reese: I invest in stocks and ETFs on a regular basis. I was always interested in the stock market and one day when I was 16, I decided to open a Custodial Account, which allows a person under the age of 18 to invest. I took my entire savings account and put it into ETFs which track the S&P 500 and the NASDAQ 100 indexes. This means that my investments are well diversified between the top US companies. I make sure to put a good chunk of my paycheck every two weeks into stocks just to consistently cost average into the market. Investing is not day trading; most people lose money doing that and I think it's a common misconception when people think of stocks as gambling.
Alexandra: One way I practice financial wellness in my day-to-day life is being mindful of my spending and making choices that help me stay in my budget. When I go shopping, I always make sure to look for sales. I also limit unnecessary purchases and set money aside when I can.
How can achieving financial wellness be challenging?
Lily: Financial wellness is not one size that fits all. Everyone's definition is different and there is no finish line. Financial wellness is a continuous journey with goals that evolve throughout life. There may be setbacks which can be really discouraging.
Kevin: People are often encouraged to enter debt without a plan for escaping it or are forced into debt before they have a say in the matter.
Connor: Achieving financial wellness can be tough because there are often many competing priorities. It can be difficult to balance everyday expenses, saving for future goals, and still having enough left over to enjoy life. Unexpected financial shocks and rising prices can also make it harder to stay on track. Building smart financial habits takes time, discipline, and consistency, which is why achieving financial wellness can be a challenging process.
What is one piece of advice you would give to other young adults on their financial wellness journey?
Kevin: The most profitable and useful investment you can make is in your education, and that does not have to be school. I have read dozens of self-help/investment books, watched the finance YouTubers, and paid for investment classes; none of them hold a candle to engaging with an experienced coach. Often you can find free financial literacy coaches at a local institution (like Greylock), but if you want to invest money into learning finances, a coach is your best option.
Alexandra: One piece of advice I would give is to start small and not feel like you have to have everything figured out right away. Building financial wellness doesn't happen all at once; it comes from small habits such as tracking your purchases, budgeting and setting goals for yourself.
Reese: Start investing as early as possible. Compound interest works wonders and time is your friend, even if it's $5 a day - that's less than half the cost of a Big Y sandwich.
What is one thing you will take away from your internship at Greylock?
Lily: Ask questions. There is so much information you need to know regarding which type of bank account to open, when/how to invest, how to obtain a car loan, etc. No one is expected to know all the answers, but it is important to be curious so that you can gain the information to make smart financial choices.
Kevin: Don't assume you are on your own when you are struggling. After seeing the community programs at Greylock, I understand that there are ways to help when you are lost.
Connor: I have learned the importance of prioritizing financial accuracy and staying proactive throughout challenges that may be faced. Even small errors can have impacts throughout the whole credit union, so it is critical to stay organized and have integrity in the work being done. I am also constantly shown how important communication and teamwork are, as Greylock's accountants are constantly working closely with each other and other departments to make sure financial accuracy is maintained.
Learn more about Greylock's financial coaching and education here.