Sara Lorenzen
Financial Literacy Advocate
Personal Notes
Hi there! I’m so glad you’ve found your way to this page. My passion for financial education started early, after watching my single mom work so hard to make ends meet. Like a lot of people, I didn’t grow up learning how to manage money, and I made plenty of mistakes myself along the way. I know how overwhelming and stressful it can feel when you’re trying to figure it out on your own. That’s what led me to this work. I want to help others feel more confident and less stressed when it comes to money. Financial well-being isn’t about being perfect. It’s about having the knowledge, tools, and support to make choices that work for your life. My hope is to make everyone I work with feel more in control of your finances, even when taking that scary first step figuring out how to navigate this journey. You’ve got this, and I’m are here to support you.
Bio
My passion for financial education comes from lived experience. I grew up watching my single mom work incredibly hard to make ends meet, and like so many others, I didn’t grow up learning how to manage money. I made plenty of financial mistakes early on, and I know how overwhelming it can feel to try to navigate finances without the right knowledge or support. That’s what inspired me to dedicate my career to financial education.
Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to work in both the private and nonprofit sectors in roles focused on public relations, communications, customer service, and educational outreach. I eventually found my true calling in financial well-being, helping individuals and organizations build the confidence and skills they need to make informed financial decisions.
Before my current role as Assistant Director of Financial Well-Being at the University of North Carolina–Chapel Hill, I worked with the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education and the Oklahoma College Assistance Program. There, I supported statewide initiatives like Oklahoma Money Matters and Ready Set Repay, providing financial literacy education and student loan repayment support to students and communities across the state.
My work has always been rooted in the belief that financial well-being is about more than numbers. It’s about empowering people, strengthening communities, and addressing larger issues like poverty, food insecurity, and domestic violence. I’m grateful for the opportunity to share what I’ve learned and to continue helping others navigate their financial journeys with confidence and clarity.
Sara Lorenzen is an NFEC Certified Financial Education Instructor℠ (CFEI®).
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