Financial Wellness for Women graduates 14 women. Part of United Way of Greater New Bedford’s Financial Stability impact work, Financial Wellness for Women (FWFW) is a 10-week, in-person financial literacy program.
The curriculum focuses on building a basic foundation for money management while also engaging in long-term planning and saving discussions. Program participants are paired with a volunteer coach to support them during the program and work towards the achievement of the participants stated goals.
The spring cohort was the first class with a new curriculum developed in partnership with local financial professionals, volunteers and previous program graduates. Workshops include Budget Basics, Financial Relationships & Your Money Personality, Saving & Emergency Funds, Building Credit and Advanced Credit as well as Long-Term Planning, Investing 101 and Home-Buying 101.
Graduates reported increased credit scores, higher savings balances, reduced debt, and increased confidence following their participation in the program. Elizabeth, a program graduate shared, “[t]he program was excellent! It was very educational and has made me much more comfortable working on finances.” Another graduated stated, “I am grateful to have found such a comprehensive and welcoming program to support my pursuit of deeper financial learning to achieve my goals. I have discovered many new resources to enhance my financial management, investment, savings, and planning practices, improving my overall financial wellness. Thanks to FWFW, I am excited to continue this new chapter of my financial journey.”
Financial Wellness for Women is an initiative of United Way’s Women United. Offered several times a year, FWFW creates a small intimate group learning setting with 15 participants and 15 volunteer coaches.
Our next cohort will take place in September. Participant registration has already reached capacity, but we are still looking for coaches. To learn more at https://unitedwayofgnb.org/financial-wellness-women.