Hayley Foote

Building a campus Financial Health System at Ohio State

Hayley is a Finance student at Ohio State's Fisher College of Business (3.82 GPA) splitting time between Columbus and Brunswick, Ohio. She managed budgets as a Summer Camp Director at St. Ambrose (cutting costs 55% without sacrificing the experience), has a KeyBank internship ahead of her and a global internship in Brussels on the horizon — and her path to financial health started in a FinMango session with Bob Gillingham.

"Financial health to me means taking action and getting a little better every day. Just as physical health can take years of exercise and healthy eating to optimize, it can start with just being a little more active than you were yesterday. It can take decades of making good financial decisions to be in peak financial health, but your path can be completely accomplished by just saying no to the next thing you want to buy but don't need."

— Hayley Foote, on what financial health means to them

In their own words

Why this work matters to me

I have always been a saver, so I can't say I've experienced much financial hardship. But that's exactly why I care so much about financial health. I want others to be able to say yes to the opportunities that come into their lives, like I have been able to do because of the lessons I learned from FinMango. It was not until Bob Gillingham came in to do the financial literacy course at St. Ambrose School that I realized money could be a tool. A week later, I opened my first investment account and began my journey. Knowing I have money in the bank has given me the confidence to say yes to opportunities like pursuing a global internship in Brussels.

The biggest barrier I see

Talking about money remains a taboo, leaving few safe spaces for honest conversation. Wealth often triggers jealousy, while debt invites judgment, forcing many to hide their true financial status. Even at work, salary transparency is discouraged. To counter this, we must create communities where people can discuss their finances, goals, and struggles openly without fear of judgment.

Their Plan as Ambassador

I'd build a 'Financial Health System' on campus to turn money from a taboo into a daily skill. I want to host interactive 'Action Hours' — not boring lectures, but working sessions where students bring laptops and leave with a tangible win, like finally opening a high-yield savings account or doing a 'subscription audit.' I'd send updates through a campus GroupMe or newsletter with quick, seasonal tips on internship salary negotiations or navigating tax season, and write 'Real-Talk' articles that break down the math behind splitting rent or investing a first paycheck.

Hayley Foote

Why this work matters to me

The biggest barrier I see

Join the movement for financial health equity.

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financial health equity.