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BOSTON – A statement from Women’s Money Matters on the Massachusetts FY2023 Budget:

“We are grateful to the Massachusetts Legislature for its continued commitment to improving the financial lives of women in Massachusetts living on low incomes. Thanks to the funding Women’s Money Matters received in the Fiscal Year 2023 budget, we are able to offer our programming directly to women across the state.

“We are thankful to State Representative Dr. Tami Gouveia and Senator Jamie Eldridge for leading these efforts and to Conference Chairs Rep. Aaron Michlewitz, Sen. Michael Rodrigues, Rep. Ann Margaret Ferrante, Sen. Cindy Friedman, Rep. Todd Smola, and Sen. Patrick O’Connor for their support. We are excited to continue serving women wherever the need is greatest statewide.”

BOSTON – Women’s Money Matters is honored to be recognized with a Project Innovation grant from NBC. The organization issued the below statement on being named as one of four Boston organizations that have made a positive impact in Massachusetts through an innovative solution:

“Women’s Money Matters is grateful for the support and recognition of our innovative and holistic approach to financial health for women living on low-incomes. Our model for financial wellness is one of the most successful strategies for disrupting poverty because of the unique combination of small peer support groups, a comprehensive series of financial wellness workshops tailored to the needs of women, and most importantly, the one-to-one coaching relationship.”

Women interested in joining a program can learn more here. Women looking to volunteer and serve as coaches and support women in their financial journey can sign up here.

Women’s Money Matters had a great virtual Cooking for a Cause fundraiser event. We really appreciate the supporters and board members who attended this cooking course given by Chef Kim Lambrechts a 25 year veteran in the hospitality and dining industries with a large repertoire of global culinary styles.

Special thank you to board member Kate McCabe for organizing this fundraiser for Women’s Money Matters. Thank you to all of our supporters who hosted in their homes for this virtual event and all those who attended! This was an excellent opportunity to share Women’s Money Matters mission and impact with with your friends and family in a delicious and fun event, and of course to raise funds for Women’s Money Matters to empower more women financially.

The Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v.  Wade and end federal protections for access to abortion affects every aspect of women’s equality including financial equality, especially since women living on low-incomes will bear the brunt of this ruling. Women’s Money Matters is committed to creating a future where all women are financially empowered, allowing women to choose the timing, size, and circumstances of their families. This decision is a threat to a woman’s right to determine their family’s future, their own medical care, and their financial stability and security.

We cannot overlook the direct impact this will have on communities already suffering from a lack of government support for childcare, healthcare housing and food security: women living on low incomes, mothers, and minorities. Women who live on low incomes do not have paid time off or means to travel to another state for these procedures. 

Women’s Money Matters will continue to help all women living on low incomes who seek financial assistance. While Massachusetts is currently a state with legal access to abortions, millions of women who can no longer choose to terminate a pregnancy are at risk and lack the means to get the care they deserve. We look forward to advocating for the rights of women and ensuring that all women have the opportunity to succeed without limitations.

Women’s Money Matters Announces Expanded Access to Customized Financial Wellness Workshops and Personalized Coaching for Women Living on Low Incomes

The organization is announcing robust strategic priorities aimed at advocating for women to address financial inequalities and providing direct support to bridge financial gaps.

BOSTON – Women’s Money Matters, which has operated as Budget Buddies, is announcing a significant expansion to its work supporting women living on low incomes on their financial wellness journey. Increasing access to virtual and in-person financial wellness workshops and personalized one-to-one coaching will allow the organization to elevate the voices of the women who take part in these programs and ensure that all who need access to financial wellness programs, peer support and one-to-one coaching will have access to it. The organization will also increase its advocacy work to empower women to build more resilient futures with financial security.

“Our mission is to empower women and to build up the women who participate in our programs and support their efforts to build their financial wellness, confidence and financial security,” said Danielle Piskadlo, Executive Director for Women’s Money Matters. “By expanding our strategic goals, brand identity and programming to fully encompass and represent what we do for women, we can focus on awareness-raising and advocacy efforts elevating the voices of our clients.” 

Formed in 2010 as Budget Buddies, Women’s Money Matters assists women on their financial wellness journey, providing robust programming, one-on-one mentoring, and access to financial resources. The organization works with women, all living on low incomes and from underrepresented communities. 

Women’s Money Matters operates financial wellness programs tailored to meet women where they’re at in their financial journey. The programs are guided by volunteer presenters and coaches, and workshops cover budgeting strategies, managing credit, keeping money safe, saving for larger expenses, and protecting against fraud. Each volunteer coach works solely with one participant every week to support her unique life goals and any money-management challenges. 

Women’s Money Matters is also excited to provide direct financial relief to participants to help cover unexpected emergency expenses, like a broken car part or rental support. Recently Women’s Money Matters has partnered with organizations to provide this relief and to bridge gaps in budgets that can cause women to fall into debt.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the organization was able to expand into virtual programming, reaching participants directly and working with new partners. This allowed for the opportunity to assess the strategic brand and mission of the organization, and to push forward with advocacy efforts aimed at addressing why women need to utilize these programs. 

“When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, the impact on women was severe and we quickly made adjustments to reach women directly when they needed us most and provide them with some direct financial relief,” Piskadlo explained. “We also recognize the importance of building financial resilience for women, which means addressing the financial inequalities that women face.”

Through Women’s Money Matters mentorship and resources, participants have the opportunity to improve their financial health to create a more secure future for themselves, their families and their communities. 

“We don’t just build budgets, we build community. We build confidence. We empower women to build more resilient futures with financial security,” Piskadlo said.