Financial wellness in focus
What’s ahead
Celebrating Mother’s Day
Measuring our impact
Financial stress & mental health
Hey students! Are you starting a summer job?
Celebrating Mother’s Day
This Mother’s Day, we’re recognizing not just the love and labor mothers give — but the financial challenges they shoulder as well.
You may have heard about the motherhood pay gap: in 2024, full-time working mothers earned 35% less than fathers, according to Bankrate. But what’s less widely known is how gaps in the foundations of financial wellness extend far beyond income.
Mothers — especially single mothers — have lower rates of asset ownership across nearly every category compared to fathers, men without children, and women without children, according to a factsheet released earlier this year from the Employee Benefit Research Institute. That means fewer retirement accounts, fewer investments, and fewer opportunities to build long-term financial security.
At Stackwell, we believe financial wellness shouldn’t be another burden mothers are expected to manage on their own. Supporting mothers is a challenge we’re proud to meet through thoughtful product design and programming built with real life in mind.
This month, and every month, we’re committed to help mothers build lasting financial foundations.
“As a single mom raising two teens, I’ve learned that that financial wellness is about more than just managing money — it’s about building confidence, setting an example, and creating a future where we thrive,” says Dr. Larysa Naldony, Stackwell’s Head of Learning and Research. “Stackwell makes that journey possible, even in the busiest seasons of life.”
Her words reflect a truth we hear often from the community we serve: mothers aren’t just budgeting — they’re leading, sacrificing, and investing in the future every day. At Stackwell, we’re proud to offer tools that support that work, in ways that fit real life.
Measuring our impact
Earlier this week, the Financial Health Network released a report that looks at the impact of our Small Business Investing Program (SBIP) — and the findings are powerful.
Running a business takes vision — and often a lot of personal sacrifice. For many entrepreneurs, that means putting their own financial wellness on hold.
At Stackwell, we believe that no one should have to choose between their own financial stability and that of their business.
That’s why we partnered with the Michigan Black Business Alliance to launch the Small Business Investing Program (SBIP) last year, designed to give small business owners in Detroit the resources, tools, and support they need to invest in their futures.
The FHN report, “Building Personal Wealth: Empowering Black Small Business Owners Through Investing,” highlights what we’ve seen firsthand — when given the right support, small business owners take action. Participants in the program increased their knowledge and confidence around investing, and many began shifting their financial outlook from short-term survival to long-term growth.
We’re proud to share these results as part of our ongoing commitment to creating pathways to financial wellness — and to demonstrating what’s possible when we invest in the people at the heart of our communities.
Financial stress & mental health
This Mental Health Awareness Month, let’s name the thing so many people are carrying alone: financial stress.
We’ve always known understood that it’s more than a budgeting issue — it’s a wellness issue. The weight of debt, unstable income, and rising cost of living can seriously impact mental health. A 2024 report by TIAA backs up what many people already feel: financial insecurity is closely linked to anxiety, depression, burnout, and strain in our relationships.
We believe it’s time to take financial self-care seriously.
That starts with giving yourself grace. Everyone’s financial journey looks different — and that’s okay. When you stop judging yourself, it’s easier to find those first small, intentional moves that can help put you in control. Like any wellness journey, financial wellness is built on the sum of small changes that become healthy habits.
So yes, we’re a fintech platform. But really, we’re in the business of financial self-care.
Hey students! Are you starting a summer job?
Whether it’s your first job or just this summer’s gig, starting a new role is a big deal. You’re building skills, earning your own money — and you want to make the most of it. Here are a few tips to help you hit the ground running.
Make a simple budget. It’s easier than you think to spend more than you make. That’s why it’s important to figure out how much of your paycheck needs to go toward your living expenses first — so you don’t accidentally miss a bill or rack up credit card debt you can’t pay off.
Start your emergency fund. Even if you can only save a little, it adds up. Aim to build a small buffer — $100, $250, then $500 — so unexpected expenses don’t throw you off track.
Ask questions. New to taxes? Not sure what that “withholding” line means on your W-2? Don’t be afraid to ask your employer for help decoding your pay stub.
Show up ready to learn. Every job teaches you something — about responsibility, teamwork, communication, or even what you don’t want to do long-term. Be open-minded (and take notes).
Celebrate your wins. Got through a tough shift? Saved your first $100? These are achievements worth recognizing. Building confidence is just as important as building your resume.
No matter where you're working this summer, it’s a chance to invest in yourself — financially, professionally, and personally. Starting strong sets the tone, and small choices now can lead to big gains down the line. You’ve got this.