Understanding Money Dysmorphia in Today’s Economic Reality

By Eaddy SuttonIn The News

Understanding Money Dysmorphia in Today’s Economic Reality

Women’s Money Matters was recently quoted in The B-Side’s September 16th article about money dysmorphia. Here, we expand on that coverage with additional insights from our community.

The Reality Behind Financial Self-Doubt

Money dysmorphia is an increasingly common experience among young adults. The recent article in The B-Side highlighted a striking reality: “You have enough money to pay the bills and then some. So why does it feel like it’s not enough? Welcome to the world of money dysmorphia — that perpetual financial dread you feel … even when you’re doing just fine.”

The numbers are telling: “A recent Credit Karma study found that 43% of Gen Zers and 41% of millennials say they experience money dysmorphia. Same goes for 66% of B-Side readers we polled.”

The B-Side article identified key factors driving this phenomenon: “Young people’s reference points for financial success are sky-high. But for most people, that success is steadily becoming less attainable. Why? Social media is making it easier than ever to compare our lives and finances to more people (read: wealthier people), while traditional benchmarks of success like homeownership inch further and further away.”

As Women’s Money Matters Director of Volunteer Partnerships, Ariana Contreras, noted “that dysmorphia can feel even worse for BIPOC and low-income folks. Ultimately, our financial footing ‘boils down to generational wealth, and access to family resources and support.’ When you’re not starting out on an equal playing field, money dysmorphia can feel even more extreme.”

When Success Feels Insufficient: A Personal Story

We brought this topic to our online community platform, Connect, and this experience definitely resonates.

“As a member of the Women’s Money Matters community, I’ve been doing the work to get my finances in order. But I still experience money dysmorphia, especially when I’m on social media..It’s not that I haven’t worked hard or made progress. It’s that social media constantly reminds me of the gap between what I thought my education would unlock and the reality I’m living.That disconnect between effort and outcome is where my money dysmorphia shows up the most.

That’s why I value spaces like Women’s Money Matters. They understand that financial insecurity isn’t always about numbers. It’s about context, access, and healing from systems that weren’t built for us. For me, WMM is a space where I can rebuild my financial confidence without shame and that platform they created helps to empower me when I’m working on my financial goals.”

The Psychological Toll and Its Financial Consequences

The B-Side article explained how “bad feelings often = bad financial decisions. That’s for all sorts of psychological reasons.” The piece cited BU Marketing professor Carey Morewedge’s research on how “spending can create the illusion of reclaiming control over your identity (a.k.a. compensatory consumption), or act as a way to metaphorically throw your hands up in the face of a bleak financial future (a.k.a the ‘what the hell effect’).”

The article’s warning was clear: “This kind of spending rarely makes you feel better, and often leads to more spending.”

The B-Side’s recommended solution was to “realign your choices with your values, not your rich friend’s.” Financial therapist Rachel C. Sykes suggested that “money dysmorphia often boils down to the assumption that what’s on your rich friend’s IG will make you happy… So take a hard look at what YOU want for yourself, and let your decisions flow from there.”

As our community continues to grow and support one another, we’re creating spaces where financial confidence can be rebuilt—not despite our different starting points, but because of our shared commitment to supporting each other’s journeys.

Our Programs: Building Financial Wellness Beyond the Numbers

At Women’s Money Matters, we understand that overcoming sensations like money dysmorphia involves more than traditional financial literacy. Our 8-week programs are designed to achieve true financial wellness, and this includes the feeling of empowerment. This transformation happens through practical skill building, personalized one-on-one coaching, and the peer group support that creates safe spaces for healing and growth. Join us as a Participant or Volunteer in an upcoming program!

To learn more about our financial wellness programs for women and girls, connect directly with our Program Team through text or email: 617-297-7376 or programs@womensmoneymatters.org

September 24, 2025

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Exciting Funding News and Expansion into Springfield

By Allegra MendonsaIn The News

We are thrilled to share that Women’s Money Matters has received an $82,500 grant from the MassMutual Foundation to bring our financial wellness programs to Springfield, MA—one of the areas of greatest need in the state. With this support, we will extend our proven model of financial literacy workshops, personalized coaching, and community-based support to more women striving to build brighter, more secure futures for themselves and their families.

As part of this expansion, we are also investing $7,500 to join Union Capital, a powerful community network – and fellow MassMutual Foundation grantee – that strengthens local connections by engaging families in programs, sharing resources, and supporting collective action. Through this membership, we’ll be able to meet women where they are—attending Network Nights, connecting with families directly, and building authentic, community-rooted pathways to impact.

Why Springfield? The need is urgent:

● Springfield’s poverty rate (25.26%) is more than double the Massachusetts average (11.5%) and well above the national average.

● Nearly 1 in 3 women in Springfield (29.1%) lives in poverty, compared to just 9.9% in Quincy. By expanding into Springfield, Women’s Money Matters aims to close these gaps and provide women with the financial knowledge, tools, and confidence to thrive.

A Growing Partnership with The MassMutual Foundation.

This grant builds on a deep and growing partnership with the MassMutual Foundation, championed by Sarah Hedges, a valued WMM Board member and MassMutual team member. Together, we have:

● Collaborated with NeighborShare to provide direct financial relief in Springfield and Boston. NeighborShare is also a MassMutual Foundation grantee.

● Advanced the Bridge to Prosperity benefit cliff pilot, supported by the MassMutual Foundation, to address the benefit cliffs that many women in our financial wellness programs experience as a roadblock to economic mobility.

We’re excited to continue to engage the MassMutual Foundation and MassMutual employees in meaningful volunteer opportunities that bring even more hands-on support to the women in Springfield living on low-incomes. We are deeply grateful to the MassMutual Foundation for its generous investment and continued commitment to advancing financial security for women and families across Massachusetts. Together, we are building stronger, more resilient communities.

September 22, 2025

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Powerful Voices at the State House: WMM Graduates and Staff Testify for Financial Education

By Allegra MendonsaIn The News

“I want my children to walk into classrooms where financial literacy is taught with excitement and real-life application. Children are full of imagination. If we give them the tools to understand money early, they won’t just dream. They’ll build.”

These powerful words from Women’s Money Matters Graduate Neyesha captured the heart of our testimony on Sept 16th at the Massachusetts State House, where advocates gathered to support bills ensuring all Massachusetts students receive comprehensive financial education.

Advocacy in Action

Advocacy work is an important part of our mission at Women’s Money Matters, which is why yesterday, Ariel Garfinkel, our Program Manager, was joined by two of our Program Graduates as they testified in support of Bill H46/H636/S421, an Act requiring financial education in schools. They were among dozens of advocates who shared compelling testimony about why financial literacy education matters for our youth.

Why Financial Education Matters

Financial education is more than a life skill—it’s an equity issue. As providers of financial wellness programs for women and girls living on low incomes, we see the impact of financial literacy every day. By making these skills part of a comprehensive requirement, the benefits to individuals, families and entire communities will be vast.

Graduate Jazzmine eloquently expressed this reality in her testimony: “Learning about money is important because it affects almost every part of life — survival, independence, security, and most importantly, breaking cycles.”

By teaching young people how to build credit, save, and invest, we can help them avoid high-interest debt, strengthen financial stability, and open pathways to economic mobility. For youth living on lower incomes, these lessons are especially critical to breaking cycles of intergenerational poverty and building more secure futures.

A Question of Commitment

As Ariel shared in her testimony to lawmakers, the need for financial education is undeniable: “Personal finance impacts every single one of us. Financial education is prevention. It is therefore not a question of whether financial education is necessary – it is a question of whether we are committed to ensuring financial security for the people of Massachusetts.”

Standing Together

We are proud to stand alongside others advocating for this important step toward ensuring all Massachusetts students have access to the tools they need to succeed. We’re especially grateful to our partners in this advocacy work: The Financial Education Network and the Midas Collective. Together, we’re building a coalition committed to financial equity and education access.

Your Voice Matters

The testimony phase may be complete, but there is still time for your voice to be heard. Support these critical bills by writing to your state legislators and urging them to champion financial education in our schools.

Take Action: Write to your legislators here

Financial education isn’t just about teaching students to balance a checkbook—it’s about giving them the tools to dream big and build the futures they envision. As Neyesha so beautifully put it, when we give children the tools to understand money early, they won’t just dream. They’ll build.

September 22, 2025

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The Launch of Bridge to Prosperity: Benefits Cliff Pilot

By Eaddy SuttonIn The News, Advocacy

April 30th, 2025: We are thrilled to announce the official press release about Bridge To Prosperity: Benefits Cliff Pilot. See the full text below and keep an eye out for additional coverage by local media outlets. We are grateful for the support from JPMorganChase and Springfield WORKS, and we look forward to sharing the stories of direct impact as the cohort of local participants grows. For more information, see our full webpage about this pilot, including additional resources.

Women’s Money Matters Advancing Pilot Program to Empower Massachusetts Families and Build their Financial Equity and Success: Multi-year pilot program receiving support from JPMorganChase to address cliff effect challenges facing many low-income families

Women’s Money Matters is today advancing a multi-year pilot program in collaboration with Springfield WORKS to address the pervasive cliff effect that traps many families in cycles of poverty and prevents them from building generational wealth.
With a $500,000 philanthropic grant from JPMorganChase, the Bridge to Prosperity Cliff Effect Pilot will empower families receiving public assistance benefits to overcome financial challenges and achieve sustainable independence. This program will test the impact of supplemental financial support, combined with financial and career coaching to help families navigate the transition from public benefits assistance to sustained economic mobility and prosperity.

The Bridge to Prosperity Cliff Effect Pilot is a state-wide project that seeks to work with up to 100 low-income working families who are receiving public assistance and live in greater Boston, Worcester and Springfield. In addition to supporting participants and their families on the road to economic financial stability, the pilot also aims to demonstrate how public and private investments can help households successfully transition from public assistance to permanent employment that meets their financial needs across the US.

The “Cliff Effect” refers to a barriers in our public benefits system that inadvertently disincentivizes work. Eligibility for family supports like food, health care, housing and childcare assistance are based on income. The Cliff Effect happens when families’ income increases enough that they lose eligibility for these benefits, but not enough to yet afford housing, health care, and childcare on their own. The result is that an increase in wages often leads to a decline in standard of living – working harder, but bringing less income home.

Research from the pilot will be used to:
● Demonstrate the impact of transitional support to help families bridge the economic mobility gap created by the benefits cliff while pursuing employment pathways to a living wage
● Reinforce workforce development efforts and combating worker shortages
● Demonstrate the case and providing data for systemic policy change to create pathways for greater financial security and generational wealth building.

Danielle Piskadlo, Executive Director of Women’s Money Matters, says, “We are deeply grateful to JPMorganChase for their incredible support. This grant will significantly bolster our efforts to support working families and ensure that the system is working to improve their economic wellbeing and remove barriers that prevent them from accessing opportunities to improve financial well-being.”

Anne Kandilis, Director of Springfield WORKS, Western Mass Economic Development Council, commented “Springfield WORKS is thrilled to partner with Women’s Money Matters to advance this critical Pilot. Health care, hospitality, education, front line, and part-time workers are disproportionately affected, as are women and people of color who work in these jobs. Our ability to meet current labor needs and grow our economy depends on creating the right economic incentives and making sure the pathways to career opportunities are open and accessible to all.”

“A good job, with the promise of growth and upward mobility, is important to helping people build a strong financial foundation and improve their financial health. However, for too many families, the risk of losing essential benefits that help manage daily needs discourages them from taking opportunities to invest in their future,” said Mercedeh Mortazavi, Head of Financial Health, JPMorganChase Global Philanthropy. “We’re thrilled to support Women’s Money Matters in this work to help more Massachusetts families improve their financial health, while building an evidence base for a model that can empower more Americans to pursue greater economic opportunity.”

Public benefits are a necessary lifeline for families living on lower incomes. This is especially true for those living at or below the federal 200% poverty level, which is defined as an annual income of at least $46,800 for a family of four. However, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland, “the benefits cliff can affect people with incomes up to about $60,000 a year” meaning it affects individuals beyond what is considered poverty. Any attempt at improving their financial circumstances could mean forfeiting the support they need to meet their basic living requirements, forcing families to make a choice between daily survival or building wealth.

Nationally, 38 million people live at or below the federal 200% poverty line, meaning that the benefits cliffs prevent over 12% of the U.S. population from taking steps to pursue economic mobility. In Massachusetts, over 700,000 individuals live at or below the poverty line and face benefits cliff issues.

Women’s Money Matters witnesses the consequences of the Cliff Effects every day. Through our financial wellness programs, women feel empowered to continue their journey and increase their income for themselves and their families, until they are face-to-face with the benefits cliff.

Change takes time and this multi-year pilot project will demonstrate how employment, coaching, and financial support will impact participants’ economic and family well-being. If successful, this pilot will serve as a model for change and demonstrate innovative ways of rethinking America’s safety net programs to more effectively support entry into meaningful work and career advancement to economic mobility.

For more information

About Women’s Money Matters:
Women’s Money Matters, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to empower women and girls living on low incomes with the tools to transform their financial futures. WMM programs provide essential money management skills and a strong support network, enabling participants to create secure, stable lives for their families and communities. WMM serves women and girls aged 8 through retirement who are living on low incomes, many in transitional housing. Core programs provide one-to-one coaching, and peer cohorts for social support and belonging. Topics include building and repairing credit, creating a spending and savings plan that works, and keeping your money safe. Volunteers are core to our work. There are a range of remote and in person opportunities. All you need is the desire to help another women or girl make the most of the money she has. WMM has reached thousands of women across Massachusetts and continues to grow programming to meet the demand for programming. For more information contact Women’s Money Matters at (617) 297-7376; Danielle Piskadlo dpiskadlo@womensmoneymatters.org

About Springfield WORKS: https://springfieldworks.net/
Springfield WORKS, an economic development initiative with the Western Mass Economic Development
Council, is dedicated to removing systemic and racial barriers to economic mobility and well-being.
Through targeted collaboration with community partners, employers, policymakers, educators, and
residents, our work is influencing the way employers source talent and career seekers gain access to
economic opportunities by providing solutions, networks, tools, and resources that remove barriers to
prosperity. For more information contact Anne Kandilis at a.kandilis@springfieldworks.net.

About JPMorganChase
JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE: JPM) is a leading financial services firm based in the United States of America (“U.S.”), with operations worldwide. JPMorganChase had $4.4 trillion in assets and $351 billion in stockholders’ equity as of March 31, 2025. The Firm is a leader in investment banking, financial services for consumers and small businesses, commercial banking, financial transaction processing and asset management. Under the J.P. Morgan and Chase brands, the Firm serves millions of customers predominantly in the U.S., and many of the world’s most prominent corporate, institutional and government clients globally. Information about JPMorgan Chase & Co. is available at www.jpmorganchase.com
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June 30, 2025

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Recycled Rides: A New Partnership with WMM and a New Car for Jazzmine

By Eaddy SuttonPrograms & Partnerships, In The News

Thanks to a new partnership between Women’s Money Matters and National Auto Body Council (NABC) Recycled Rides, WMM graduate Jazzmine recently received a car donated through GEICO. This network of support and collaboration helped her achieve one of her biggest personal goals: reliable transportation for herself and her daughter.

“I tried to sit down and write a whole professional script… but what I realized is that it’s best to speak from the heart. All I’ve ever wanted was a good car for my daughter and I to drive—to get to work, do laundry, and go grocery shopping.

Women’s Money Matters changed my life completely.”

When Jazzmine first found Women’s Money Matters through a Google search for “women’s financial help,” she was hoping for guidance. What she found was something much more powerful: a community.

“The first thing I saw on the website was ‘Empowering Women.’ The more I read, the more I realized I could be part of something supportive. I signed up, even though I felt embarrassed. As a single mother, I didn’t want to admit that I needed help understanding things like a credit report or how to manage money better.”

But Jazzmine showed up anyway and opened the door to a new chapter.

“At our first meeting, I realized I wasn’t the only one who wanted a better understanding of finances. The more we talked, the more I felt seen and supported.”

With the support of her WMM 1:1 volunteer coach, Jazzmine set financial goals, learned new skills, and built confidence in herself. One of her biggest goals? Reliable transportation for herself and her daughter — a simple need with a life-changing impact.

“My coach became a great friend, helped me create goals, and saw me through until the end. She stayed in contact with me, even after I graduated. I want to thank both of you for fighting for me, for helping me get the resources I needed to make this happen.”

That goal recently became reality. WMM program graduates are eligible for extended opportunities, such as car donations through our partnerships.

We recently partnered with NABC Recycled Rides — a national program that donates restored vehicles to individuals and families in need — and Jazzmine received the keys to a car of her own.

The car was generously donated by GEICO — the largest vehicle donor to NABC Recycled Rides®, with over 1,000 vehicles contributed to the program to date. It was expertly restored by Danilchuk Auto Body, a family-owned business that has served the Boston area for nearly 40 years and consistently steps up to support local communities. The vehicle was presented with the support of NABC Recycled Rides®, Enterprise Holdings, Mayor Patrick M. Keefe Jr., the City of Revere, Mayor Michelle Wu’s Office, and other local advocates.

Since its founding in 2007, the NABC Recycled Rides® program has donated more than 3,500 vehicles valued at over $51 million to individuals and families across the country — helping ensure that reliable transportation is not a barrier to stability.

We’re so proud of Jazzmine — not just for achieving this milestone, but for everything she’s done to build a more secure future for her family. Her story is a powerful reminder that when women have the support, knowledge, and tools they need, they create lasting change — not just for themselves, but for their children and communities too.

“You answered every question I had, helped me fill out paperwork, and helped my dream come true. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

Jazzmine behind the wheel of her new car.

Hannah Mikol, WMM Volunteer Coordinator, Jazzmine, and Bernadette Wheeler, WMM Chief Program Officer.

To learn more about our financial wellness programs for women and girls, connect directly with our Program Team through text or email: 617-297-7376 or programs@womensmoneymatters.org

June 24, 2025

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Event Review: The Launch of Bridge to Prosperity

By Eaddy SuttonIn The News, Advocacy

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. On May 14th, we celebrated a collective step forward with the launch of the Benefit Cliff Pilot, Bridge to Prosperity.

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.

The full network of support was in attendance, from funders to community support partners to legislators, State Representative Patricia Duffy, and Senator Jamie 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.

We are grateful to JPMorganChase for their $500K gift to Women’s Money Matters, as part of a coalition of partners with Springfield WORKS/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.

A huge thank you to The Boston Foundation for so generously hosting this event and for your support of this pilot. This important work is possible through a partnership with the support of MassMutual Foundation, UpTogether, and Boston Medical Center (BMC). We were joined by the wonderful Thea James, MD, MPH, MBA, as our keynote, reminding us of the intersection between financial stability and personal and community-wide health.

Finally, we encourage you to listen to two WMM Graduates and pilot participants, Nyesha and Liza, in recent interviews on WBUR and NBC Boston Stations, links in the comments below. Their stories are the heart of our mission at Women’s Money Matters, and we are so grateful for the diverse and committed network of support!

For more information

About Women’s Money Matters:
Women’s Money Matters, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to empower women and girls living on low incomes with the tools to transform their financial futures. WMM programs provide essential money management skills and a strong support network, enabling participants to create secure, stable lives for their families and communities. WMM serves women and girls aged 8 through retirement who are living on low incomes, many in transitional housing. Core programs provide one-to-one coaching, and peer cohorts for social support and belonging. Topics include building and repairing credit, creating a spending and savings plan that works, and keeping your money safe. Volunteers are core to our work. There are a range of remote and in person opportunities. All you need is the desire to help another women or girl make the most of the money she has. WMM has reached thousands of women across Massachusetts and continues to grow programming to meet the demand for programming. For more information contact Women’s Money Matters at (617) 297-7376; Danielle Piskadlo dpiskadlo@womensmoneymatters.org

About Springfield WORKS: https://springfieldworks.net/
Springfield WORKS, an economic development initiative with the Western Mass Economic Development
Council, is dedicated to removing systemic and racial barriers to economic mobility and well-being.
Through targeted collaboration with community partners, employers, policymakers, educators, and
residents, our work is influencing the way employers source talent and career seekers gain access to
economic opportunities by providing solutions, networks, tools, and resources that remove barriers to
prosperity. For more information contact Anne Kandilis at a.kandilis@springfieldworks.net.

About JPMorganChase
JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE: JPM) is a leading financial services firm based in the United States of America (“U.S.”), with operations worldwide. JPMorganChase had $4.4 trillion in assets and $351 billion in stockholders’ equity as of March 31, 2025. The Firm is a leader in investment banking, financial services for consumers and small businesses, commercial banking, financial transaction processing and asset management. Under the J.P. Morgan and Chase brands, the Firm serves millions of customers predominantly in the U.S., and many of the world’s most prominent corporate, institutional and government clients globally. Information about JPMorgan Chase & Co. is available at www.jpmorganchase.com
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June 10, 2025

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Welcoming Carolyn M. Wood to Women’s Money Matters Board of Directors

By Eaddy SuttonIn The News

Women’s Money Matters, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to “empower women and girls to improve their financial health to create a more secure future for their families and communities” is announcing Carolyn Wood as a new member to our Board of Directors.

With over 30 years of expertise in fundraising and development, Carolyn brings invaluable experience in major giving, capital campaigns, donor engagement, and nonprofit governance.

Currently serving as Major Gifts Officer at Dana Hall School for their $75M capital campaign, Carolyn continues her volunteer leadership as Co-Chair of the Development Committee at the Women’s Foundation of Boston and committee member at Rosie’s Place.

Danielle Piskadlo, Executive Director, says “Our work in development is ready for the next level and we are so excited about the expertise Carolyn brings. She is passionate about helping non-profit organizations fulfill their missions and her approach to development planning and implementation aligns perfectly with the work of Women’s Money Matters. Welcome, Carolyn!”

Please join us in welcoming Carolyn to the team – her strategic expertise and passion for empowering nonprofits will be instrumental as we continue advancing financial empowerment for women.

About Women’s Money Matters

Women’s Money Matters, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to empower women and girls living on low incomes with the tools to transform their financial futures. WMM programs provide essential money management skills and a strong support network, enabling participants to create secure, stable lives for their families and communities. WMM serves women and girls over the age of 8 who are living on low incomes, many in transitional housing.

Core programs provide one-to-one coaching, and peer cohorts for social support and belonging. Topics include building and repairing credit, creating a spending and savings plan that works, and keeping your money safe. WMM has reached thousands of women across Massachusetts and continues to grow programming to meet the demand for information and support around financial wellness. For more information contact Women’s Money Matters at (617) 297-7376; info@womensmoneymatters.org. . https://womensmoneymatters.org/

June 3, 2025

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Women’s Money Matters Awarded 3-year $477,000 grant from The Women’s Foundation of Boston

By Eaddy SuttonIn The News

Women’s Money Matters Awarded 3-year $477,000 grant from The Women’s Foundation of Boston!

We are honored to announce that WMM received a 3-year $477,000 grant from The Women’s Foundation of Boston!

WMM and the Women’s Foundation of Boston share a mission to empower women and girls with financial skills to support a more secure future. This grant will support the implementation of a new digital initiative that will bring access to high-level financial tools to the populations who need it most. We’re just getting started and look forward to sharing more – stay tuned as we head toward a public launch in the months ahead.

Investing in women and girls has long-term positive economic returns across generations and throughout communities. And yet, of all philanthropic giving in Massachusetts, only 1.3% is dedicated specifically to programs supporting women and girls. This is lower than the national average of 1.9%, and it is falling (see infographic). These statistics tell a story we’re working to change.

The Women’s Foundation of Boston is leading the way with a focused strategy that supports women and families, and we couldn’t be more grateful to have them as a partner in this work. On behalf of the thousands of women and family members who are transforming their financial futures through our skill-based programs, coaching, and community, thank you to The Women’s Foundation of Boston!

About Women’s Money Matters:

Women’s Money Matters builds the financial wellness, confidence, and security of women living on low incomes through a unique program that combines instructional workshops and personal, one-to-one coaching. For more information about Women’s Money Matters and its programs, please visit https://womensmoneymatters.org/

June 2, 2025

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Women’s Money Matters Awarded $10,000 Spruce Fund Grant From Metrowest Women’s Fund

By Eaddy SuttonIn The News

Women’s Money Matters Awarded $10,000 Spruce Fund Grant From Metrowest Women’s Fund

We are pleased to announce that Women’s Money Matters has been awarded a $10,000 grant from the Metrowest Women’s Fund Spruce Fund. The Spruce Fund is an Impact Grant focused on girls and their safety from violence. This funding supports the commitment to addressing the safety and financial empowerment of girls in the WMM community.

This grant will support Life Launch programming for young girls who have experienced violence. Financial abuse often accompanies domestic violence, and The Spruce Fund funding provides an opportunity for WMM to expand financial wellness programs with a focus on girls who have experienced violence in the Metrowest area. The Life Launch program is designed to empower girls, the next generation of women, by informing them about financial risks as they approach pivotal milestones such as opening their first credit card, managing bills, and navigating the costs of post-secondary education and student loans.

Financial instability can leave women trapped in harmful situations. Life Launch equips girls with the knowledge and skills essential for long-term financial independence. By building these foundations, the program can help prevent situations where financial insecurity could leave them vulnerable to dangerous or abusive circumstances. DV survivors represent one of the most vulnerable demographics, and Life Launch offers them a safe space where they can connect with peers who have faced similar experiences, all working toward improving their financial futures.

We look forward to sharing updates about our Spruce Fund-supported initiatives throughout 2025. Thank you to the Metrowest Women’s Fund for this vital support and for recognizing that investment in girls’ safety and empowerment benefits our entire community.

About Women’s Money Matters:

Women’s Money Matters builds the financial wellness, confidence, and security of women living on low incomes through a unique program that combines instructional workshops and personal, one-to-one coaching. For more information about Women’s Money Matters and its programs, please visit https://womensmoneymatters.org/

June 2, 2025

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NBC 10 Boston and Telemundo: A new pilot program aims to help women experiencing the benefits cliff effect

By Eaddy SuttonIn The News, Advocacy

Thank you to NBC 10 Boston for providing this excellent coverage of the Benefit Cliff dynamic and the Bridge To Prosperity pilot. An excerpt is below, as well as links to the full video interviews in both English and Spanish.

Making too much money for public assistance, not enough to make ends meet

Article Excerpt:

“As soon as I got a job, those benefits started getting cut,” Liza Montalban [WMM program graduate] said. “And unfortunately, the way the system works, a lot of the times they count your gross income and not your net pay. So what I was making on paper was a lot more than what I was bringing home. So I really was relying on those benefits, and when those benefits started getting decreased or completely cut, I found myself in another difficult situation again, even though I was working.”

This experience is known as the benefits cliff effect. Eligibility for public benefits like food, healthcare, housing and childcare assistance are based on income. The cliff effect happens when families’ income increases enough that they lose eligibility for these benefits, but can’t yet afford these needs on their own.

In Massachusetts, over 700,000 individuals live at or below the poverty line and face benefits cliff issues, according to Women’s Money Matters. Their research shows housing assistance can drop off once a recipient makes $20 an hour; food assistance can drop off once a recipient makes $22 an hour.

Montalban was invited to participate in a pilot program called Bridge to Prosperity that aims to bridge the gap between benefits and wages, with monthly cash payments that make up for the value of lost benefits, ranging from $300 to $700, over two or three years, depending on the group.

“This program has been life-changing for me,” she said. “It doesn’t sound like much, but it immediately supplemented the food stamps. We lost all of it.”

Participants are also paired with financial and career coaches to help them navigate the transition from public benefits assistance as they climb the economic ladder.

“We look at what are her goals from a professional perspective as well as financial perspective and we work together on a plan that allows her to take steps and action hopefully to meet her goals,” said Raffaella Molteni, Montalban’s coach.

Thank you to Liza for sharing your story. Watch the video in the links blow to see the full interview!

Link to NBC 10 Boston Interview

Link to Telemundo Interview

Women’s Money Matters empowers women and girls to improve their financial health to create a more secure future for their families and communities.

Ready to make a difference? Volunteer Coaches and Presenters make our mission happen. Our unique online and in-person programs offer one-on-one financial mentoring, workshops, and small peer group communities.

Complete the Volunteer interest form on our website to join the next orientation, and help us spread the word to women and girls about our financial empowerment programs.

May 19, 2025

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In The News