Most people will make thousands of money decisions over a lifetime — about budgeting,
borrowing, saving and investing — yet few ever take a class on how to make them well.
This fall, Seton Hall University is changing that with a new undergraduate course
built to give students the knowledge and confidence to navigate their financial futures.

Beginning this fall, Financial Literacy (BFIN 2000, CRN 34991) will offer practical
financial skills grounded in the principles of behavioral finance. The three-credit
course meets in person on Mondays and Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. and is
open to all undergraduates, no matter their area of interest or program. 

“Financial decisions affect nearly every aspect of our lives, yet many students receive
little formal education on topics such as budgeting, saving, investing or managing
debt,” said Jennifer Itzkowitz, Ph.D., professor of finance in the Stillman School of Business. “The goal is to give students the tools they need to make informed decisions and
build healthy financial habits that will serve them throughout their lives.”

What sets the course apart is its grounding in behavioral finance — the field that
examines how psychology shapes the choices people make with money. Students will explore
why sound financial decisions can be so hard to make and learn strategies to overcome
the common mental traps that get in the way.

Over the semester, students will work through budgeting, saving, credit management,
debt reduction, investing, retirement planning and tax strategies, using real-world
applications and interactive exercises that connect each concept to their own lives.
By the end, they will have built a personalized financial plan and set achievable
financial goals.

“Whether students pursue careers in business, healthcare, education, the arts or public
service, they will face important financial decisions,” Itzkowitz said. “Understanding
how to manage money effectively can have a real impact on long-term well-being and
quality of life.”

The new course reflects the Stillman School of Business’s mission to turn theory into
practice and Seton Hall’s broader commitment to preparing students for success in
every part of their lives.

Students interested in enrolling can register through PirateNet or contact their academic
advisor. For more information about the course, contact Jennifer Itzkowitz at [email protected].

Categories:
Business, Education

Key Equipment Finance, a division of KeyBank, appointed Meghan Foley senior equipment finance officer on its bank channel team in Chicago.

In this role, Foley will support growth initiatives, strengthen client relationships and expand the delivery of equipment finance solutions across Chicago and the surrounding markets.

Foley brings more than 25 years of experience in equipment finance and commercial banking. She has a proven track record of originating, structuring and closing complex transactions across industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, food processing, distribution and business services.

Most recently, Foley served as director of equipment finance at BMO Commercial Bank, where she partnered with commercial banking teams and financial sponsors to deliver customized financing solutions. She previously spent nearly a decade with Key Equipment Finance, where she earned recognition as a top performer, including Pinnacle Club and Golden Key awards.

“Meghan brings a unique combination of deep industry expertise, long-standing client relationships, and a strong understanding of our platform,” Kathy Havlik, senior vice president, regional sales director, Central and East at Key Equipment Finance, said. “Her return to Key strengthens our ability to deliver tailored equipment finance solutions and accelerate growth across the Chicago market.”

Foley holds a bachelor of business administration in accounting from the University of Notre Dame.

Are you financially stressed? A new study by Coinfully.com, which analyzed Google searches tied to money worries, found Florida and Georgia rank among the top states where people are searching for help.

The study tracked more than 150 financial-stress-related terms people look up online—phrases like “debt help,” “cheap car insurance,” “rent help,” “cash advance,” and “how to get out of debt.” The states with the highest search activity included Louisiana, Texas, Florida, Georgia, and Alabama.

Florida ranked third, averaging 424,507 searches per month, which comes out to about 1,877 searches per 100,000 residents. Georgia ranked fourth with 201,088 average monthly searches, or about 1,823 searches per 100,000 residents.

To see how those findings resonate locally, we spoke with people in our area. One parent told us they have searched for financial help “because I have been very broke.”

A college student said keeping up with rent is a constant struggle with only a part-time, minimum-wage job. Another person said they’ve changed spending habits—like choosing the lowest-priced items whenever possible—just to stay ahead.

For people feeling that financial pressure, local organizations may be able to help. Catholic Charities says it assists with essentials like food, rent support, and even help for people behind on their JEA bill.

The group said requests have increased significantly, including from people who have never needed assistance before. And while housing costs were a major driver a year or two ago, they say the need has broadened—more people are struggling with groceries, gas, and other everyday expenses.

Hear more of what Regional Director Eileen Seuter says Catholic Charities can provide for people needing emergency help.

Top Local Resources in Jacksonville

• Downtown Emergency Services (DESC): Located downtown in the First Presbyterian Church basement, this organization offers direct emergency financial assistance, case management, and a food pantry.
• City of Jacksonville Emergency Financial Assistance: The city’s Parks, Recreation and Community Services department offers the Emergency Financial Assistance Program. You can call their social services line for help with rent, utilities, and other urgent needs.
• JEA Hardship Programs: If you are behind on your electric or water bill, JEA can connect you with local Community Resources to assist with utilities, food, and housing.
• Catholic Charities Bureau: Offers free assistance to people in need, regardless of faith, including help with unpaid rent and utility bills. You can reach out via Catholic Charities Instagram page.

County & State-Wide Programs

• 211 United Way: Calling 2-1-1 or visiting the United Way 211 site connects you to a local specialist who has real-time data on bill-paying resources in Duval County.

Mental Health Support

Financial stress takes a heavy toll on mental well-being. NAMI Jacksonville provides free support groups, education, and outreach programs to help individuals and families. You can reach out to them via their local helpline at (904) 323-4723 or by dialing 9-8-8 for immediate crisis care.

For a broader, searchable directory of other localized charities and government programs, you can filter by zip code on FindHelp.org.

If you are located in or moving your focus to Southeast Georgia, extensive regional networks offer free financial counseling, emergency bill assistance, and crisis relief.

Region-Wide Crisis Resolution

• Georgia 211 Helpline: Dial 211 from any phone to reach the United Ways of Georgia 211 Service. Specialists connect callers in the Coastal Empire and Southern regions to local food, housing, and utility funds.

Local Community Action Agencies

These organizations handle the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), emergency rental assistance, and financial literacy programs. Reach the agency managing your specific county:

• Coastal Georgia Area Community Action Authority: Serves Glynn, Camden, McIntosh, and surrounding coastal counties. Contact the main office in Brunswick at (912) 264-3281 or explore services through the Coastal Georgia Area CAA Portal.

• Action Pact: Serves inland Southeast Georgia counties (including Ware, Pierce, and Brantley). Reach the Waycross headquarters at (912) 285-6083 or look up local clinic sites on Action Pact Online.

State and Utility Support Programs