Financial Literacy Program for Women Coming to New Bedford

Beginning this month, the United Way of Greater New Bedford will launch a major campaign on the SouthCoast taking steps to improve the financial future of women in our region.

Paula Montgomery, Women United Director at the United Way, joined Townsquare Sunday to help get the word out about Financial Futures, a 12-week online program that will begin on Tuesday, October 10.

"There are small pockets of financial literacy happening, but nothing on a comprehensive level," she said. "So the United Way has decided we are going to lean into this idea of economic mobility."

Montgomery said programs like this are critical for many women who are unsure about issues like credit, bank accounts, checking and more.

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The United Way is working with an organization from Boston, Women's Money Matters, to launch the program in New Bedford.

The United Way is currently recruiting both participants and female coaches who will accompany their "students" during the three-month program. If you are interested in improving your financial literacy or serving as a coach, you can sign up at unitedwayofgnb.org.

"Coaches need no special skills," Montgomery said. "All they need is the desire to help another woman."

Montgomery said the United Way is currently hoping to recruit eight coaches for the October program.

A second financial literacy program will start on March 5, and those evening workshops will be held in-person in downtown New Bedford, with childcare and dinner provided.

"It's our goal to reduce any obstacles so women can participate," Montgomery said.

She added that financial literacy workshops for Spanish-speaking women are planned for 2024.

Townsquare Sunday is a weekly community affairs program that airs Sundays at 6 a.m. on WBSM.

The program highlights individuals and organizations seeking to make the SouthCoast a better place to live.

If you would like your organization featured on Townsquare Sunday, please email the host at jim.phillips@townsquaremedia.com.

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