Natasha bean | president and founder

Natasha Bean is the President and Founder of The Financial Bean- an LLC teaching young adults the importance of financial literacy in the higher education realm. With 20 years experience in higher education, Natasha has worked as an Assistant Director of Financial Aid, Counselor, Trainer and Presenter.  Her work includes direct student services support, determining student aid eligibility for various funding resources, and leading professional development and training of new financial aid professionals.

As a graduate of Manhattan College in New York with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration & Management and New York University’s Higher Education & Student Affairs Master’s program, Natasha has worked diligently to provide financial education resources to students and families who are considering higher education, as well as assisting families expand their knowledge of personal finance.  She works with Student Success and Access programs providing innovative programming to engage students and help them take charge of their finances. She has presented at national conferences, facilitated trainings of paraprofessionals on issues of socioeconomic class within residence halls and addressing the student debt crisis via financial education.

Natasha mentors first-generation college students in their educational and personal pursuits as well as students within the Higher Education & Student Affairs Masters program.  She has received numerous honors and awards including:

• NYU’s Give-A-Violet Award (2020) which is recognizes administrators with specific values at an exceptional level such as Integrity, Respect, and a Commitment to Diversity

• Recognition for NYU Enrollment Management Certificate of Appreciation in 2017

• The Phillip Vera Cruz/ Pete Velasco Mentorship award from NYU Center for Multicultural Education and Programs in 2015

“My commitment to financial education is deeply rooted in understanding behavior and choice. There is a need for greater education within our communities, and I believe with increased knowledge and resources, families can have improved dialogue about financial expectations before college - further structuring their students for prosperous financial futures.”