February 24, 2026 @ 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm EST
Big financial results don’t come from big overhauls; they come from small, consistent decisions made well. In this conversation, we’ll explore simple but powerful changes that can meaningfully improve savings, demonstrate why investing even a little today can pay off over time, and reframe debt as a tool that, when used intentionally, can support growth rather than hold you back.
Participants will leave with practical strategies, clear mental models, and renewed confidence in their financial decision-making. Whether you’re early in your career or refining your approach, this session is designed to make finance approachable, practical, and yes – fun.
Learning Outcomes
- Identify small, high-impact financial changes that can meaningfully improve savings and long-term financial stability without requiring major lifestyle shifts.
- Understand the power of early and consistent investing, including how compounding works and why starting with modest amounts can lead to significant outcomes over time.
- Reframe debt as a strategic financial tool, learning when it can support growth and opportunity – and when it becomes a risk.
ACUI Core Competencies
- Fiscal Management
- Planning
Registration Details
- Campus Pass for Premium or Full Tier Member Campus: $199
- Campus Pass for Digital Tier Member Campus: $249
- Nonmember: $249
After the initial registration from an individual at a campus, others associated with the campus will be able to register at the $0 complimentary rate. Each person who wants access to event or resources following event should register individually. Members must be associated with the correct campus account to receive the $0 rate, where applicable; please contact acui@acui.org with questions or issues.
Premium and Full Tier members may use a Thought Leadership Voucher toward this event. Please contact acui@acui.org with questions or issues.
About the Presenter
Kit Walling is the director of financial planning and analysis at LifeLoop and a finance leader with over a decade of experience in financial planning, budgeting, mergers/aquisitions, and process improvement across high-growth startups, private equity–backed organizations, small businesses, and family enterprises. As a strategic partner to executive teams and boards, Kit has overseen enterprise-wide budgeting and forecasting, redesigned and automated core financial reporting, supported acquisitions and post-merger integration, and improved financial processes to increase clarity, speed, and decision-making effectiveness.
In addition to industry leadership, Kit is an adjunct faculty member at Portland State University, teaching corporate finance and investments, and holds the FPAC (Financial Planning & Analysis Certified Professional) credential. Known for a practical and engaging approach, Kit’s mission is to make finance fun—helping leaders simplify complex systems, strengthen financial discipline, and build scalable processes that support long-term performance.
About Thought Leadership
Thought leadership events bring in experts from outside of higher education to share information on industry best practices, trends, or research that assists college union and student activities professionals to do their work on campus.