Financial Planning Month Spotlight: UCU Enhances Free Financial Counseling Services with Trauma-Informed Training
Ree Anna Bridges, CCUFC earns new Financial Trauma-Informed Specialist (FTIS)TM Designation.
ORONO, Maine (October 14, 2026) - One-size-fits-all financial tips often overlook an individual’s unique relationship with money and past financial trauma, making financial recovery and well-being more than just knowing how to save, budget, and manage debt. As Financial Planning Month gets underway, University Credit Union (UCU) is introducing advanced trauma-informed financial counseling training to its network of Certified Credit Union Financial Counselors (CCUFC), available to members and the community at no cost and by appointment virtually and at UCU locations statewide.
Ree Anna Bridges, CCUFC and UCU Community Engagement Manager in Machias, is the first UCU counselor to earn the Financial Trauma-Informed Specialist (FTIS)TM designation from America’s Credit Unions. This specialized training integrates financial psychology research, trauma-informed care principles, and behavior-change coaching strategies to help UCU members feel comfortable seeking support and achieve sustainable financial wellness.
Earning the FTIS designation sets a professional apart as a trusted resource for member-centered financial counseling, showcasing their ability to approach sensitive financial situations with empathy, emotional awareness, and practical coaching techniques that build trust and promote sustainable financial recovery, according to America’s Credit Unions.
“We know financial well-being is about more than the mechanics of managing money,” said Ree Anna Bridges. “Two people can receive the same guidance and have very different experiences putting it into practice. With this training, we can better understand those differences so we can meet our members where they are, earn their trust, and provide guidance that reflects their unique circumstances.”
UCU’s team of eleven Certified Credit Union Financial Counselors provide free financial counseling sessions focused on budgeting, credit score improvement, debt management, long-term financial goal setting and tips to improve financial well-being. To schedule an appointment online with a UCU Certified Credit Union Financial Counselor, visit www.ucumaine.com/ccufc/.
As a multi-year Best Places to Work in Maine honoree, UCU is proud to recognize the accomplishments of its dedicated employees and encourages interested candidates to visit ucumaine.com for information on career opportunities.
About University Credit Union
Established in 1967, UCU is an innovative, full-service financial institution dedicated to promoting financial well-being for the individuals and communities it serves. UCU is one of the largest credit unions in Maine, serving members across the state of Maine with locations in Orono, Bangor, Farmington, Gorham, Portland, Presque Isle, Machias, Augusta and Saco. As a not-for-profit financial cooperative, UCU returns its profits back to members in the form of lower loan rates, higher deposit yields, lower fees, and more solutions and services. For more information visit ucumaine.com.
