Financial Beginnings Nebraska

Financial Beginnings Nebraska is a non-profit organization founded in 2020 to help individuals to take control of their financial futures. Our powerful, volunteer-driven model has been developed and tested in close collaboration with professionals in finance and education. This unique partnership encourages professional volunteer instructors to engage community members directly, using personal and professional life experiences to inform and educate. Since 2020, over 1200 Nebraskans took substantive steps towards full financial literacy since we launched our programs. Developing this knowledge will increase the likelihood and availability of life-opportunities like home ownership, higher education, and a secure retirement. This knowledge helps families navigate systemic obstacles that were often constructed intentionally to exclude their communities and deny them equal access to financial opportunities. It will help to interrupt generational cycles and grow local economies. 1) We teach individuals how to proactively improve their financial health. 2) We support un- and underbanked individuals in accessing and participating in financial services. 3) We create new, lasting networks and communities wherein the need for financial education is recognized, and all sectors work collaboratively towards increased financial literacy. 4) We are dedicated to serving minoritized and marginalized communities by offering financial knowledge through accessible educational programming. This work is part of a larger effort needed to close the existing racial wealth gap and improve quality of life for populations most in need. There is still much to be done--individually, collectively, and collaboratively--to address ongoing racial inequities and disparities.