Website Content Creation

Authored By Jake Engel in 2026

The following is a small sample of more than 150 pages of website content I created for Financial Center’s major website rebuild – optimized for SEO while introducing a new brand voice across the digital experience.

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Who We Are Page

We’re here for what’s next.

Every day, we get to be part of moments people remember for the rest of their lives. It's getting the email that says, "Your offer was accepted." Cutting the ribbon on the business you've spent years dreaming about opening. Or taking a deep breath because you're finally in a better place than you were a year ago.

For more than 70 years, Financial Center has helped Hoosiers from the Indianapolis area, Muncie, and Kokomo build healthier financial lives because we believe your finances should support the life you want to live. Today, nearly 60,000 members trust us to help them do just that.

Whether you'd rather sit down in a branch or manage your finances right from your phone, we're here whenever you need us. 

Become a Member

Seven decades later, people still come first.

A few things have changed since we opened our doors on the campus of Fort Benjamin Harrison in 1953. We've grown from one branch to many, welcomed new members in more communities, and watched banking change in ways our founders could’ve never imagined. But one thing remains over 70 years later: the promise we made to help people create healthier, more vibrant financial lives.

• Inspiring financial wellness has been our vision from the beginning.

• Nearly 60,000 members trust us on their financial journey.

• Our approach to financial wellness has earned national recognition 12 times.

Join Our Credit Union

The right priorities can change everything.

At first glance, banks and credit unions have a lot in common. Look a little closer, though, and you'll find the biggest differences aren't always the most obvious. Some you'll notice right away, but others are just quietly working behind-the-scenes in your favor every single day.

Ownership: We’re owned by the people who bank here: our members.

Guidance: Financial coaching is available to every member, at no cost. 

Membership: Anyone who lives in the communities near our locations can join.

Profits: As a not-for-profit, we reinvest earnings in better rates and giving back.

Oversight: Our volunteer Board of Directors guides us, never shareholders.

Our mission at Financial Center is simple: to be our members' first choice for financial services. We pursue that by caring first, listening well, learning constantly, solving problems, and acting with purpose. 

Around here, everyone's welcome.

Becoming a member is one of the easiest financial decisions you'll make. If you or an immediate family member meets one of the qualifications below, you're ready to join Financial Center.

• Lives or works in: Boone, Brown, Delaware, Hamilton, Hancock, Hendricks, Henry, Howard, Johnson, Madison, Marion, Morgan, Putnam, Shelby, or Tipton County, Indiana.

• Works for: one of our Select Employee Groups. Contact us to see if you qualify this way.

A free Starter Savings account is all it takes to become a member-owner. Everything after that is up to you.

Open a Starter Savings Account

Meet the coaches who'll be in your corner. 

Money comes with plenty of questions. And, unfortunately, life doesn’t come with a playbook with all of the answers. That's why we call our team financial coaches, not bankers. Opening an account is just the beginning. The real work is helping you navigate everything that comes next. As a member, you'll always have free, unlimited access to people who can: 

• Sit down and just chat about your financial life

• Review your budget or credit report together

• Talk through the numbers before you buy or apply

• Build a savings plan that grows with your goals

• Keep you accountable when life gets in the way

• Be a trusted sounding board when you need one

Explore Financial Coaching

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Financial Coaching Page

Everyone deserves a coach in their corner.

Some decisions are too important to make without talking them through. Others just feel better after getting a second opinion. That's why every Financial Center member has access to a team of financial coaches who are here to listen, ask questions, and help you chase after whatever’s next in life.

When you're ready, stop by a branch, schedule a conversation, or just give us a call.

Find a Location

Let's start with where you are.

Chances are, you've never had a financial coach before. In today's world, information has never been easier to find, yet financial decisions are rarely one-size-fits-all. A coach understands things an article or chatbot never could, like what you're worried about, what you're trying to accomplish, and what keeps you up at night.

These are just a few ways a coach can support you:

Your coach is a trusted sounding board.

Sometimes you just need someone who's willing to listen and help you think things through. During those times, your coach can:

• Talk through a big financial decision before you make it

• Help you compare your options

• Offer a second opinion if you're feeling unsure

• Guide you toward products and services that fit your needs

Your coach makes money make sense.

Money can get complicated. Your coach is here to simplify the jargon, answer your questions, and help you make sense of it all. They’re always willing to:

• Explain financial concepts in plain, everyday language

• Review your current budget, credit report, or loan options together

• Help you get started with Digital Banking and other self-service tools

• Share articles, workshops, podcast episodes, and other useful resources

Your coach helps you plan for what's next. 

Whether you're planning for something exciting or preparing for the unexpected, every goal starts with a plan. Together, you can partner with your coach to:

• Build a custom budget around your lifestyle

• Create a savings strategy that puts your goals first

• Develop a tangible plan to work toward boosting your credit over time

• Set measurable, attainable goals and hold you accountable

Your coach brings the right people to the table.

Some questions call for a specialist. When they do, your coach knows exactly who to bring into the conversation and connects you with experts including:

• Mortgage Loan Originators to buy, build, or refinance a home

• Investment Advisors to plan for retirement and long-term goals

• Business Banking experts to help your business grow

• Lending specialists to explore financing options

Bring your questions, your goals, or even your uncertainty, and we'll figure it out together. 

Your questions are always welcome here.

Some questions have simple answers. Others deserve a little more time. As a Financial Center member, you'll have someone who's happy to talk things through. Not sure where to start? These are just a few of the things people ask our coaches about every day:

• Can I run something by you?

• Are we on the right track financially? 

• Can we finally start planning that vacation?

• I got a raise. What's the smartest thing to do with it?

• Should we be paying off debt or growing our savings?

• Are we really ready to buy a home?

• How do we start saving for our kids?

• Is refinancing my loan really worth the time?

• Can you walk me through my credit report?

Ready to chat? Find a Location or Contact Us to connect with a coach – for free, any time.

Why Shiny Objects Are Killing Your Culture Strategy

Ghostwritten By Jake Engel | Published in 2025

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When I started leading Financial Center, I brought three words with me: better, faster, easier.

They’ve become an important framework for our organization – a way to think about everything we do. At its core, these words reflect what matters most: not what we’re telling our members, but what they’re telling themselves.

Every member defines their relationship with us by asking their own questions: Is this better than what I’ve experienced before? Does this make my life easier? Can I trust this institution to move at the speed of my life?

If we’re not helping them answer yes, they’ll look somewhere else.

Over the past three years, those simple words – better, faster, and easier – have become guiding principles. Not just for me, but for our entire organization. They’ve helped us focus on what truly matters and resist the temptation to chase distractions.

And I won’t pretend that’s easy. In financial services – like in any business – there’s always another shiny object vying for your attention. A new tool, a new trend, a new direction.

But here’s the thing: when you constantly pivot, when you abandon one plan for the next big thing, it creates something no leader wants – doubt. Doubt in leadership. Doubt in the plans we’ve shared. Doubt in the promises we’ve made.

By sticking with a clear, consistent vision, we’ve created something different at Financial Center. We’ve built a sense of security, transparency, and reliability – not just for our members, but for our employees. Through a high-level three-year strategic plan, broken up into smaller, more tangible annual goals, we’ve developed a plan and stuck with it – even when the shiny objects came along.

And, I hope that there's something to be said about the relief that gives our team when they go home at night. When our team knows that leadership is not going to rip up the playbook every time a new idea comes along, it allows them to focus on what they do best. It frees them to innovate within the framework, rather than scrambling to constantly learn a new framework that’ll soon become old news.

And we’re certainly not all the way there yet. “Better, faster, and easier” isn’t a destination. It’s not something we’ll wake up one day and say, We’ve made it! We’re done!

Instead, it’s a mindset. It’s a question that I turn to every time that I’m making a decision. Are we making things better for our members and employees? Are we working faster and smarter? Are we simplifying processes to make life easier? These are the thoughts that guide us, not just as an organization, but as people.

This framework has shaped the way we operate, but it’s also taught me a lot about leadership.

Transformation isn’t about writing a new book. It’s about writing the next chapter of the story you’re already telling. The credit union we are today isn’t the same as the one we were three years ago. But that growth didn’t come from throwing everything out and starting over. It came from refining what we already had.

And that’s the beauty of better, faster, easier. It’s not about being perfect. It’s about progress.

So, here’s my challenge to other leaders: Are you staying focused on what really matters, or are distractions pulling you away from your vision? How are you building a sense of consistency and reliability for your team? And what are your members or customers telling themselves about their relationship with you?

The answers to those questions may just write your next chapter.

When Health Meets Wealth

Authored By Jake Engel for Financial Center | Published in 2025

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Managing Your Fiscal Fitness with Financial Center

The pursuit of health often brings to mind images of running on a treadmill, your bi-annual dentist visit, or the one hour of quiet in your day at the yoga studio. Yet, there's a key component of wellness that's less visible but equally important: your financial health.

Disturbingly, in research reported by CNBC, 43% of Americans report feeling fatigued due to financial stress, 41% have trouble sleeping, and 25% acknowledge that financial stress affects their relationships.

At Financial Center, we deeply understand how closely linked your daily well-being is with your financial health. Our philosophy is holistic: we view financial management not as a routine task, but as a component in growing your overall wellness, motivation, and happiness.

That’s why we’re here with advice and education on navigating financial stress and living a healthier, more vibrant financial life in 2024.

Navigating Financial Stress

In today's fast-paced world, stress is often a constant presence, with financial worries being a significant contributor for many. The American Psychological Association's recent study highlighted that financial concerns are a major source of stress, impacting not just mental but also physical health. A staggering 72% of Americans reported feeling stressed about money at least some of the time, and nearly one-quarter said that financial worries were a constant burden.

"Financial stress goes beyond the wallet; it affects your entire being," says Dusty Simmons, Executive Vice President at Financial Center. "We're committed to addressing this by integrating financial wellness into the broader context of your life."

The consequences of financial stress are significant and far-reaching. Research shows that those experiencing high financial stress are more likely to suffer from migraines, insomnia, and more severe health issues such as heart disease and diabetes. The mental health implications are equally concerning, with links to anxiety, depression, and decreased emotional well-being.

Simmons emphasizes the importance of proactive financial management, "Addressing financial stress isn't just about making more money – it's about smarter money management. We provide the coaching and guidance to help our members gain control over their finances, reducing stress and improving their overall quality of life."

Finding Your Financial Coach

Building a relationship with a trusted ally to guide and coach you through the big and small financial decisions can be life-changing. According to a study by the National Financial Educators Council, Americans who worked directly with a financial professional saw, on average, a 25% improvement in their ability to manage finances.

At Financial Center, our employees are not just team members, but coaches. When members need advice, direction, or an extra push, they know they can give us a call or visit a branch.

Just like you regularly go to the doctor or dentist to receive guidance from a qualified professional, we recommend adding a financial professional to your rotation, too. Whether you stop by a branch location and meet with a Relationship Banker or chat virtually with a Certified Financial Wellness Councilor, we have employees with diverse backgrounds ready to assist throughout your journey.

When you chat, you’ll find that these experts can help you:

• Set Goals: Partnering to define clear, realistic goals that align with your aspirations and capacity

• Create Strategy: Developing a short or long-term plan that gives you direction on how to save, pay off debt, or work toward a future milestone

• Boost Confidence: Gaining a better understanding of complex financial concepts, terms, and products empowering you to make informed decisions

• Generate Momentum: Celebrating the big and small successes alongside you and giving you advice as new seasons of life come along

The journey to financial wellness is better with the right guidance. Jamie Davidson, VP of Financial Wellness, emphasizes the impact of this relationship, saying, "We're here to offer not just simple education, but to help members understand and achieve their full financial potential."

Celebrating Every Single Step

In the pursuit of feeling financially confident, recognizing and celebrating milestones creates momentum to keep moving forward. Whether it's achieving a savings goal, paying off a portion of your debt, or hitting a new investment milestone, every achievement deserves to be – and should be – celebrated.

The concept of "what we don't measure, we can't improve" holds particularly true in the realm of your financial life. By setting measurable goals and checking in your progress, you’ll have more clarity and confidence as you learn and grow.

"In our experience, celebrating financial milestones is key to building lasting financial habits. It's about acknowledging the hard work and decisions that got you there. Each celebration is a reminder of your progress and a motivator to keep going,” said Davidson.

Whether you celebrate your milestones yourself, with a small group of friends or family, or more publicly, this recognition can help you gain momentum going forward.

And, don’t forget sharing with our team. We’re here to celebrate the big and small wins, cheering you on through every stage of life. Whether it’s saving $100 or buying your dream home, we care and love celebrating alongside you.

Change Your Finances & Change Your Life

Taking control of your financial health can transform so many aspects of your life. Here are three key takeaways from Financial Center to support you on your journey to financial wellness. Each step is an opportunity to gain control, clarity, and confidence in your financial life:

#1: Proactively Manage Your Financial Stress

Just as you would address a health concern with a doctor, take steps to manage financial stress. Schedule a complimentary one-on-one financial coaching session or visit a location and meet with a Relationship Banker. Our experts can help you navigate daily finances and make strategic decisions, reducing stress and promoting overall well-being

#2: Stay Up-to-Date with Your Finances

It can often feel easier to ignore your finances on a day-to-day basis. Out of sight, out of mind – right? Not necessarily. We recommend you integrate quick financial check-ups into your regular routine. You could consider specific actions including:

• Setting aside specific days or times on your calendar dedicated to reviewing and managing your finances

• Using online budgeting tools or apps, such as Banzai Calculators from Financial Center, to make plans for the future

• Reviewing and increasing your contributions to retirement or HSA accounts and monitoring your beneficiaries

• Checking in on your insurance enrollments and options

• Canceling unused subscriptions or automated payments such as streaming services or apps

#3: Celebrate Your Financial Wins
Take the time to recognize and celebrate every financial milestone you achieve, regardless of its size. Consider sharing these successes with a friend or partner, or discussing them with a member of our team. By sharing, you may receive valuable feedback and encouragement, further motivating you on your path to financial success.

"While it's important to monitor your financial progress, the real power lies in combining this with a holistic approach. Setting clear goals, creating actionable plans, receiving feedback, and then celebrating progress. This full spectrum of activities is what drives real, meaningful change in financial behavior,” says Davidson.

Your financial health is a key ingredient in a happy, fulfilling life. At Financial Center, we are dedicated to helping you cultivate a healthier, more vibrant financial future. Through personalized direction and celebration, we're here to assist you in whatever’s next.

The Forgotten Housing Solution

Authored By Jake Engel | Published in May 2025 for Home Repairs for Good

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There’s a housing crisis in America.

Everyone knows it. The headlines talk about rising rent, home prices soaring through the roof, and a supply problem that feels impossible to fix. But what fewer people talk about is the millions of homes we’re losing simply because they aren’t being repaired.

Right now, across the country, houses are being abandoned. Not because people want to leave, but because they have no choice. The Joint Center for Housing Studies recently reported that 6.7 million households are living in homes that don’t meet basic safety standards. That means no heat in the winter. Electrical systems that haven’t been updated in decades. Leaking roofs, caving-in floors, and even mold creeping through the walls.

And for many, these are the homes that have been passed to them through generations. The places they were raised or the place they raised their family. Or both. And for an even greater population, these are the only homes they can afford.

And when they become unlivable? People lose their homes, their stability, and the neighborhoods they’ve spent their entire life creating.

At a state and federal level, leaders have spent years talking about how to solve the affordable housing crisis. More construction. More rental assistance. More first-time homebuyer programs. And sure, all of those things matter. But what happens to all the people who’ve spent their lives living in a home that’s now falling apart around them and they have no resources to stop it?

They lose the house. It becomes another boarded-up property. A breeding ground for developers to come in, tear it down, and replace it with an unaffordable home. And the cycle continues.

WOSU Public Media called this out in a recent article: “Millions of people across the U.S. live in places that are falling into disrepair, even becoming uninhabitable, making a massive shortage of affordable housing worse. They are disproportionately lower-income and Black or Hispanic, and many are seniors on fixed incomes. But a patchwork of repair programs – federal, state, local and nonprofit – are largely underfunded, with years-long waitlists. It's a crisis that threatens people's health and lives, yet can be invisible from the outside.”

We talk about affordability, but a home is only affordable if it’s livable.

And the worst part? It’s not just individual families that suffer. Housing deterioration leads to declining neighborhoods. A single house in disrepair can drag down the value of an entire block. When homes become unlivable, local governments struggle to keep up, and what started as a simple repair issue turns into a community-wide crisis.

While policymakers debate and funding falls short, organizations like ours are doing real, tangible work that keeps Indianapolis-based homeowners safe in the places they know and love.

Last year alone, Home Repairs for Good completed 837 repairs, directly helping 419 homeowners. This work was completed by over 600 volunteers, our in-house team, trainees in our Workforce Development Program, and contractors who all came together to take actionable steps to save deteriorating homes from despair.

The average cost of the repairs we completed? $1,500 per home. That’s it.

Think about that. A home can be saved for a fraction of what it would cost to build a new one.

That’s why I’m convinced that the conversation about housing needs to shift. In most news outlets, city hall meetings, and government hearings it’s all about supply, supply, supply. What happened to preservation?

Every house we let continue to decline is another person pushed into crisis – often, a person barely having enough money to buy the very basic necessities, let alone complete major repairs.

At Home Repairs for Good, we already know a big part of the solution and have the processes and structure to activate fixing it.

And I’ll be the first to admit that our work isn’t always flashy. It doesn’t make the news in the same way a big-name developer gets coverage for building a shiny new “affordable” development. But it’s simple, strategic, and – frankly – it works.

If we want to fix the affordable housing problems for older adults and those with disabilities in Indianapolis, the starting point is incredibly clear. Begin with the homes people already live in.

And if that matters to you? Then join our mission and help us do it.