Personal finance often centers around goals like buying a home or starting a business. However, financial wellness is grounded in everyday habits and choices. It’s a continual practice that strengthens with personalized guidance, practical support, and reliable resources.
In Montana, Desert Mountain Region Community Director Dennis Hum assists residents in integrating financial wellness into daily routines, teaching key money management skills such as budgeting, saving, credit building, and scam prevention.
Incorporating Financial Wellness into Daily Life
Begin with small steps towards financial wellness. This might involve a quick weekly financial check-in, automating savings, inquiring about credit, or attending workshops to identify scams before they occur.
Through partnerships and free workshops, Community Managers foster healthy financial habits like budgeting and credit improvement, benefiting both customers and non-customers in the community.
An interview with Dennis Hum sheds light on the impact of these efforts and future opportunities.
What led you to manage Community Managers in the Rocky Mountain states? What’s been the impact?
Financial knowledge is a powerful tool that influences choices and reduces stress. Many were not taught basic financial skills, leading to struggle when unexpected expenses occur. As the Director of Chase Community Managers, the team connects Montanans with financial resources, hosting workshops to enhance money management skills for home buying, business growth, or financial confidence.
The work in Montana is rewarding, building towards a brighter financial future. Engaging with individuals working towards their dreams, even in tough times, is fulfilling. Workshop attendees gain confidence, avoid scams, or start saving for the first time, collaboratively strengthening the market.
What do you recommend for strengthening financial wellness in Montana?
With inflation and rising costs, having a manageable plan is crucial. Focus on consistent habits like weekly savings, building an emergency fund, and prioritizing essentials to manage today’s expenses while saving for the future.
- Create a simple budget: A budget helps safeguard essentials and future plans, turning saving into a habitual practice.
- Consider savings a bill: Weekly savings, even minimal, should be automated if possible, as consistency outweighs amount.
- Build an emergency fund in stages: Start with a buffer for unexpected expenses, then aim for a few months’ essentials savings. Regular small contributions can alleviate stress and provide flexibility.
- Perform weekly reviews: Dedicate 10 minutes weekly to compare spending versus plans, adjusting as necessary without self-reproach. The objective is perseverance.
Financial wellness isn’t about perfection—it’s about creating a system that manages life’s challenges.
What is Chase doing to enhance financial wellness?
JPMorganChase’s American Dream Initiative expands financial education by doubling Community Centers and increasing Community Managers, aiming to reach 5 million people.
This multi-year initiative broadens economic opportunities, offering financing, advice, and tools for small business growth, affordable housing, and financial planning. It supports accessing quality healthcare and strengthening local institutions.
Explore financial tools at chase.com/financialgoals and learn more about the American Dream Initiative at www.jpmorganchase.com/America.
For informational purposes only: Opinions in this article may not suit everyone and aren’t specific advice. Sources are reliable, but JPMorgan Chase & Co. doesn’t guarantee accuracy. No legal, tax, or financial advice is intended. Evaluate needs before decisions and consult professionals. Past performance doesn’t guarantee future results. Third-party products and services aren’t endorsed by JPMorgan Chase & Co.
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© 2026 JPMorgan Chase & Co.
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