When her car’s transmission failed, Ninfa faced a $2,400 repair she could not afford. That moment pushed her to take control of her finances and enroll in the Money Match financial literacy program.
Before joining the program, saving consistently felt out of reach. Unexpected expenses often created stress and uncertainty.
“Before the program, I wasn’t saving anything, and I kept running into expenses I couldn’t cover,” Ninfa said. “When my car’s transmission broke down, the repair was $2,400, and I didn’t have the money. I had to rely on my sister to help me pay for it.”
As a result, Ninfa realized she needed a plan.
“I didn’t have a plan in place for emergencies,” she said. “It was frustrating knowing I wasn’t prepared.”
Through the Money Match financial literacy program, participants save up to $200 each month. The program matches those savings over six months, helping residents build up to $1,200. In addition, monthly classes focus on budgeting, credit, and debt management. These lessons give participants practical tools to track expenses and plan for future financial needs.
The Money Match financial literacy program is part of Hope through Housing’s Pathways to Economic Empowerment initiative, supporting economic mobility and long-term stability for residents. Programs like this play a critical role in helping individuals build emergency savings and reduce financial stress.
Key benefits of financial literacy programs include:
- Building consistent savings habits
- Strengthening budgeting and financial planning skills
- Increasing understanding of credit and debt
- Improving readiness for unexpected expenses
For Ninfa, the shift came down to everyday decisions.
“One of the biggest things I learned was to ask, ‘Do I need this, or do I just want it?’” she said. “Now it’s something my daughter and I say all the time.