As financial stress rises for college students, Dupaco brings real-world money skills to student-athletes

DUBUQUE, Iowa—As financial pressures intensify for college students nationwide, Dupaco Credit Union continues its commitment to delivering financial education—most recently through a budgeting, savings and credit workshop delivered to a Dubuque-area college football team.

Data from the National College Attainment Network (NCAN) shows today’s students are facing severe financial strain. According to NCAN’s 2025 Student Financial Wellness Survey:

• 56% of students say they would have trouble coming up with $500 in cash or credit for an unexpected expense.

• 68% reported running out of money at least once in 2024.

• 71% experienced financial challenges while enrolled.

• Nearly half (48%) said these financial hardships directly interfered with their ability to concentrate on schoolwork.

“For student‑athletes, these pressures are often amplified,” said Pete Spinoso, community outreach and education supervisor at Dupaco. “They juggle demanding schedules and many don’t have time to build money skills on their own. Our goal is to give them simple, actionable insights and tools they can use immediately—so they’re prepared for financial challenges both in college and beyond.”

Spinoso, who led the recent in-person session, said it was time well spent. “When we’re able to meet students where they are, whether that’s in the classroom or with their teammates, we help build that confidence that will serve them well after graduation.”

During the workshop, Spinoso provided guidance on creating a budget, saving for unexpected expenses, managing credit and navigating real‑world money decisions.

This session is part of Dupaco’s broader financial wellness efforts across the region. In 2025, Dupaco partnered with over 1,000 employers—including area colleges and universities—throughout Iowa, Wisconsin and Illinois to deliver financial wellness programs at no cost.

Last year, the team provided 1,124 on-site visits and 253 presentations on topics like budgeting, debt reduction and credit improvement, helping thousands of individuals gain confidence and control over their finances.

For more information about Dupaco’s Community Outreach & Education program, visit: www.dupaco.com/business/employee-wellness.

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ABOUT DUPACO COMMUNITY CREDIT UNION
Dupaco Community Credit Union is a not-for-profit, member-owned financial cooperative headquartered in Dubuque, Iowa. It is dedicated to the financial well-being of its members, and specializes in personalized financial counseling, money advice and education. It offers savings, loans, investments, insurance and wealth management products for individuals and businesses. Dupaco serves residents in 118 counties throughout Iowa, northwest Illinois and southwest Wisconsin. Founded in 1948 by ten Dubuque Packing Company employees, membership has grown to more than 180,000 with assets exceeding $3.6 billion. It has over 600 employees and 22 branch office locations. Learn more at www.dupaco.com.