Concordia Nebraska Annual Fund and Donor Programs Manager Kindra Olson creates Money Talks program for students

Encouraging others to be good stewards of the financial gifts God has given to them is something that Concordia University, Nebraska Annual Fund and Donor Programs Manager Kindra Olson is passionate about. She also knows what it’s like to be a young person struggling with budgeting, debt and consuming financial concerns. 

“I did not have my ducks in a row financially when I graduated college. I was living in Denver, and I remember telling my brother that I couldn’t afford something,” she explained. “He pointed out that I was a grown adult with a real job and should’ve been able to. That was when I realized I needed to make some changes.” 

Olson then discovered Dave Ramsey’s popular Total Money Makeover program. After revamping her own budget and finances, she also completed Certified Financial Coach Master Training through Ramsey Solutions. 

“I got myself together, got serious about paying off debt, living within my means and giving back,” she said. “These are topics I’m passionate about: God’s plan for a good life, personal financial literacy, mental health and giving. This program hits on all four passions of mine. I’ve made the mistakes, learned the hard way and turned it around.” 

In her role as Concordia Nebraska’s annual fund manager, she sometimes encounters young potential donors who are interested in supporting the university or other causes but aren’t sure how to make that happen financially.  

“On the flip side, I also see people who have budgeted well - these are average normal people who are teachers and pastors - and they are giving back at such a high level,” she said. “The reason they are able to do that is because they have made wise financial decisions. That lit a fire in me to set our students up for that kind of success.” 

As a result, Olson created and recently launched Money Talks, a free program that offers Concordia Nebraska students resource-filled blog articles and in-person or virtual financial coaching to help students build financial confidence that is grounded in faith and real-world wisdom.  

“I want to lessen their financial stress so that they can focus their minds on what Paul encourages them to focus on. This is one more way that Concordia can truly know, support and equip our students, forming well-rounded Christian adults.”

Money Talks is made possible in part by the university’s Academic Excellence and Innovation Fund. The Academic Excellence and Innovation Fund was developed as part of Concordia’s SALT and LIGHT strategic plan to encourage and celebrate faculty and student scholarship, with a particular focus on how different disciplines intersect with the Christian faith.  

“Financial stress is one of the most common sources of anxiety, especially for college students. When individuals lack financial knowledge or feel overwhelmed by money matters, it can consume their thoughts and distract them from the peace and clarity that God desires for them,” she said. “A faith-based financial wellness program helps lift that burden by equipping students with practical tools and biblical wisdom for managing their finances. As they grow in stewardship and confidence, their minds are freed to focus on what is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely and commendable—the very things Paul encourages believers to dwell on in Philippians 4:8. By aligning financial habits with God’s truth, students are not only managing money—they're nurturing a mindset of peace, purpose and praise.” 

Olson pointed out that not only does the program support students, it also supports Concordia’s mission and vision by teaching financial literacy grounded in God’s Word and Lutheran theology, equipping students to manage money faithfully and wisely. It empowers them to be Salt and Light in their homes, churches and communities by modeling biblical stewardship, generosity and financial integrity—reflecting Christ through responsible and purposeful living.  

“Financial stewardship is part of forming well-rounded Christian adults who can thrive in their homes,” she said. “I’m showing them how to eat an elephant one bite at a time. Whether they are worried about how to pay their tuition bill or pay for an engagement ring for their girlfriend, we are going to talk about how to be responsible with what God has given us today and tomorrow and the next day. We are not going to jump ahead to 30 years from now. We start by talking about things like creating a budget, spending habits and tithing habits. As they grow in stewardship and confidence, they can focus on what is good, lovely and beautiful. I want to lessen their financial stress so that they can focus their minds on what Paul encourages them to focus on. This is one more way that Concordia can truly know, support and equip our students, forming well-rounded Christian adults.” 

Kindra Olson is a member of the Concordia University, Nebraska advancement team. The team plays a vital role in fostering strong relationships between the university and its supporters. This dedicated group works to engage alumni, friends and donors in meaningful ways, helping to secure the resources that support Concordia's mission of preparing students for lives of learning, service and leadership in the church and world.