Creating A World Where All Women & Girls Are Financially Empowered
WHO WE ARE
Women's Money Matters builds the financial wellness, confidence, and security of women and girls living on low-incomes through a unique program that combines instructional workshops and personal, one-to-one coaching.
GET INVOLVED
OUR IMPACT
229
2,121
2,095
WHY WOMEN & GIRLS?
Women earn 82 cents for every dollar men earn in the US and the gap is larger for women of color.
The financial literacy gap between men and women in the US is about 59% wider than the rest of the world.
33% single mother households in Massachusetts live in poverty
IN THEIR WORDS
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER
We hear about the benefit cliff a lot in our financial wellness programs at Women`s Money Matters - when families start to earn just enough to lose benefits, but not enough to be financially stable, a step forward becomes a major setback. Last week, we celebrated a collective step forward with the launch of the Benefit Cliff Pilot, Bridge to Prosperity.
ㅤ
The Bridge to Prosperity is a first-of-its-kind pilot that not only provides direct cash payments to individuals experiencing the benefit cliff, but also the career pathways and financial coaching needed to ensure lasting economic mobility. The research gathered from this 3-year pilot will inform policy change at the state and national levels.
ㅤ
The full network of support was in attendance, from funders to community support partners to legislators, State Representative Patricia Duffy, and Senator James Eldridge. The event centered on voices of lived experience through our panel of WMM program graduates who are now part of the first cohort of pilot participants in Boston. Our deepest appreciation to Deonne, Nyesha, Vivana, and Liza for bravely sharing their stories and the impact of both the benefit cliff and the pilot on their daily lives.
ㅤ
We are grateful to @JPMorganChase for their $500K gift to Women’s Money Matters, as part of a coalition of partners with @SpringfieldWorks - Working Cities Challenge, to advance this pilot in support of low-income families in Massachusetts as they navigate the “benefits cliff” and transition to long-term economic mobility, while producing actionable insights to inform sustainable policy change.
ㅤ
A huge thank you to @bostonfdn for so generously hosting this event and for your support of this pilot. Thank you to Leigh Gaspar who joined us to share a few words about the importance of centering equity in Boston, and to Anne Kandilis, Laura Sylvester, Noella Moshi, and Kristen Joyce for all the vision and hard work that has gone into the launch of this pilot. From JPMC, Richa Goyal joined us as part of their commitment to financial health for all consumers. Thank you for your support, Elon Beasley, Richard Sheward, and Jessica Ridge. (Continued in comments)
Our in-person Life Launch financial wellness program with our partner Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Massachusetts has graduated! The coaches for this program came from the team at the Fidelity Investments headquarters in downtown Boston, and are also serving as Big Sisters for the girls. Wells Fargo is a collaborative funder for this program as part of their volunteer initiative facilitated by a WMM Advisory Group member, Jana McCarthy.
The coaches and participants moved through budgeting exercises and real-world savings plans, and the girls experienced the excitement of financial empowerment. Jalyn Ramos, the WMM program lead for this partnership and WMM Senior Development Coordinator, reflected on a recent session: "This program really got the girls excited. The shyest girls were speaking and calling out answers to questions. One participant set a goal to save up for a phone through her job, and she did it! Not only did this inspire others, she set her next goal and is on the way to a whole new approach to managing her financial future."
We are grateful for powerful partnerships with organizations like Big Brothers Big Sisters, combined with volunteer teams from institutions like Fidelity Investments and Wells Fargo. Together, we are building a better future for girls and women living on low incomes and making a lasting impact by building lifelong financial skills. Look at those smiles!
@fidelityinvestments
@wellsfargo
@emassbigs
Women`s Money Matters is delighted to welcome three outstanding professionals to our Advisory Group! Our Advisory Group brings together diverse experts who provide hands-on strategic guidance for our high-priority initiatives, helping us fulfill our mission of empowering women and girls to improve their financial health. Please join us in welcoming:
ㅤ
Melissa O`Berg: Senior Director at Brightcove, championing workplace gender equity and financial literacy.
ㅤ
Chaya Keshavamurthy: JPMorganChase professional with a passion for helping women on their financial journeys.
ㅤ
Jessica Scola: Financial Advisor at Sound View Financial Advisors with a lifelong commitment to financial education.
ㅤ
These accomplished leaders will strengthen our ability to create more secure futures for women, their families, and communities. We`re grateful for their commitment to our cause!
ㅤ
Learn more here: https://vist.ly/3n4retq
ㅤ
#FinancialEmpowerment #WomenLeaders #FinancialLiteracy
What an incredible week of celebration at Women`s Money Matters. Here`s a quick summary of highlights - and stay tuned for all of the details!
⭐ Our Benefits Cliff Pilot Celebration brought together partners, funders, and participants with positive energy and a collaborative spirit. The room was filled with authentic stories of financial empowerment and the excitement of real change as The Bridge To Prosperity pilot moves into the next phase.
⭐ The full WMM team gathered for our annual staff retreat to reflect on a year of remarkable growth in program participants and volunteers while charting our course toward the future with new initiatives. As a remote team, this in-person opportunity to reflect, celebrate, and look ahead was so appreciated!
⭐ Danielle Piskadlo, WMM Executive Director, presented at the sold-out Western Mass Conference for Women on a panel titled Financially Empowered Women: Fierce and Financially Free.
⭐ We marked new beginnings as we welcome fresh perspectives to our Board of Directors and Advisory Group, and expanded our team with a talented new Advancement Team Member.
⭐ We celebrated the graduation of several program cohorts - each woman representing the profound impact of financial knowledge and confidence in action, keeping us centered on our core work.
AND . . . we received exciting funding news that will fuel our mission forward! Stay tuned for the full announcement 🎉
Follow along in the coming days as we share detailed highlights from each of these milestones. The momentum for women`s financial empowerment is strong and growing — we’re so grateful for the community of support for our work!
#WomensFinancialEmpowerment #EconomicJustice #FinancialLiteracy #WomenSupportingWomen
We recently got a $200 donation from a WMM graduate. A single mom of two young children who, a few years ago, was scrounging up change to pay for diapers.
Through her time working with a coach 1:1 in a WMM financial wellness program, she was able to find steady employment and is now in a much better place financially. Although money remains tight, she told me she donated to “pay it forward” because she knows the need is deep right now.
Nearly 70% of WMM participants are mothers and that includes many single moms and also teen moms, all working hard to build more financially secure futures for themselves and their children. When a mother gains confidence in managing her money, the benefits ripple outward — shaping the well-being and opportunities of the next generation.
Together, we can support the women who give so much — and help ensure their children thrive too.
The time is now to honor the women who support, lead, and uplift those around them — the mothers who inspire us every day.
Thank you for being part of this powerful movement. Happy Mother’s Day to all the amazing moms, mother figures, and those who hold them close.
True or False: It’s okay if your budget changes each month.
ㅤ
True — and in fact, it should. Life isn’t the same every month, so your budget shouldn’t be either. From birthdays and school supplies to unexpected bills or side gig income, your financial picture shifts constantly. Give yourself permission to adjust.
ㅤ
A flexible budget isn’t a failure; it’s a strategy. Building in room to adapt helps you stay in control instead of feeling like you’re falling behind. Consistency matters, but rigidity can be what breaks your momentum.
ㅤ
Think of budgeting as a living plan, not a fixed rulebook. If you treat it like a guilt trip, it won’t last. Instead, let it evolve with you, and it’ll keep working for you.
ㅤ
Work with Women’s Money Matters to build a budget, manage debt, increase your savings, and watch your credit score rise! Our skill-based programs empower women and girls to improve their financial health to create a more secure future for their families and communities.
ㅤ
Our Unique Online and In-Person Programs Offer:
ㅤ
One-on-one financial mentoring
Small peer group communities
Continuous program start dates
Graduates become eligible for direct support grants, car awards, and more!
ㅤ
Ready to transform your financial future? Complete the interest form on our website to join our next program or become a volunteer!
•
•
•
#financialliteracy #budgeting #budgetflexibility
JPMorganChase is a major funder for Bridge To Prosperity Benefits Cliff Pilot! JPMorganChase announced $14.5 million in philanthropic commitments to support the financial health of low-to moderate-income individuals by advancing innovations in public and workplace benefits. Included is a generous $500,000 grant to Women’s Money Matters to support the Bridge to Prosperity Cliff Effect Pilot, a multi-year initiative developed in collaboration with Springfield WORKS. This pilot is designed to address the pervasive Cliff effect that keeps many families trapped in poverty and prevents economic mobility and prosperity.
With this transformative funding, the Bridge to Prosperity Pilot will empower families receiving public benefits to navigate financial transitions, overcome systemic barriers, and build sustainable independence. This funding demonstrates JPMorganChase`s confidence in WMM organizational integrity and strong collaborative partnerships with Springfield WORKS and the organizations participating in the pilot.
Financial health is the foundation on which strong communities are built, enabling people to manage their financial lives, weather financial shocks, and ultimately build wealth. Through its business and philanthropic efforts, JPMorganChase is helping individuals at every stage of their financial journey. This investment from JPMorganChase is a catalyst for deep, measurable impact in the lives of women and families across Massachusetts. Together, we are advancing a future where financial health is not a privilege, but a possibility for all.
Please take a moment to read more about the pilot and the grant in the press releases from JPMorganChase and Women’s Money Matters on the News page of our website.
@jpmorganchase @springfieldworks
Celebrating Our Incredible Volunteers: The Heart of Women`s Money Matters
We recently gathered online to honor the individuals who make our mission possible. Our Volunteer Appreciation event on April 30th was filled with awards, laughter, and heartfelt thank-yous.
The numbers this year are impressive:
• 14,600 volunteer hours contributed this year (a 20% increase!)
• 274 new volunteers joined our cause (up 42%)
• 2,097 total volunteers to date
• Representing over 30 states and 5 countries worldwide!
Each voluneer coach and presenter plays a vital role in supporting women and girls` financial empowerment through authenitc connection and caring. Whether you`ve been with us for years or just joined recently, your dedication creates lasting impact in countless lives.
From all of us at Women`s Money Matters, THANK YOU for your passion and commitment!
Volunteer Community Appreciation Night is this Wednesday, April 30th!
ㅤ
Volunteers are the heart of the Women’s Money Matters programs. Our participants know that our coaches and presenters are showing up to support them because they genuinely care -- authentic, consistent connections over the duration of the program make the difference. Our volunteer coaches and presenters are the reason so many women and girls feel empowered to create a more secure future
ㅤ
In honor of WMM Volunteers, we are hosting a night of laughter and celebration. Join us online April 30th from 6:30 to 8:30PM EST. With awards, laughter, and thank-you`s, this is an opportunity to come together and recognize the work our amazing volunteers do to support women and girls` financial empowerment.
ㅤ
Thank you WMM Volunteers!
ㅤ
#volunteerappreicaiton #financialempowerment #vounteersleadtheway
ㅤ
To learn more and register for this event, visit the link to our website below.
ㅤ
Are you ready to learn more about the programs at Women`s Money Matters? Info Sessions are a great way to get to know us.
Open to interested participants, volunteers, and program partners, learn about our unique model that offers small peer groups AND a one-on-one mentor for the three-month sessions.
We have four program start dates coming up in May in our Financial Futures program. Work with us to:
⭐ Increase your credit score
⭐ Manage debt
⭐ Create a savings plan
⭐ Build the confidence and skills to improve your financial wellness
You get real-world skills and a new community of support in WMM programs!
Join our Info Session on Monday, April 28th at 6:30 by signing up in the link below.
Considering becoming a Volunteer Coach? These info sessions are a great introduction -- we`d love to see you there!
#finanacialwellness #finacialliteracy #womenehlpingwomen
https://womensmoneymatters.org/upcoming-programs/upcoming-info-sessions/
In times of uncertainty, financial literacy isn’t just important—it’s essential.
ㅤ
Join us for a powerful midday roundtable to explore the critical role financial wellness can play during periods of change. As we face sweeping policy shifts, the ripple effects are being felt across every community—and especially by those already facing economic instability.
ㅤ
The full WMM community is invited to attend: coaches and volunteers, participants, partner organizations, supporters, and donors. Let’s come together to listen, learn, and lead—with resilience and resolve.
ㅤ
Visit our website to learn more and register.
ㅤ
https://vist.ly/3m2ek4g
When it is time for a car award at Second Chance Cars, Dan Holin likes to gather the “community of goodness” in his office and pause to reflect on a happy moment.
ㅤ
As our local partner organization, Second Chance Cars, has recently awarded two WMM graduates cars, each with their own pause and happy moment, along with a set of keys to new reliable wheels.
ㅤ
One of the criteria for car eligibility is the need for transportation for employment, and both of the WMM graduates had recently secured new jobs with significant commutes - yet a car provides so much more than transportation.
ㅤ
Read more about the car award events at @secondchancecars on our website and also see the video of one WMM graduate as they take the keys to a new road ahead!
#financailliteracy #finanacialliteracyforwomen # #newtomecar
ㅤ
Women’s Money Matters empowers women and girls to improve their financial health to create a more secure future for their families and communities.
ㅤ
Our Unique Programs Offer:
ㅤ
⭐ One-on-one financial mentoring, workshops, and small peer group communities
⭐ Continuous program start dates - join anytime
⭐ Graduates become eligible for direct support grants, car awards, and more!
ㅤ
Ready to transform your financial future? Complete our interest form on our website to join our next program or become a volunteer!
ㅤ
