Written by: Ashley McLean, Senior Program Manager of Economic Opportunity
Neighborhood Allies is proud to reflect on the impact of Money Talks, a financial empowerment program designed to support Black women across Pittsburgh. Since launching in 2022, the program has created a trusted space for women to build financial confidence, strengthen money management skills, and begin investing in their financial futures. Money Talks was created to address both immediate financial stress and long-standing, systemic barriers to building wealth.
In 2019, the Pittsburgh Gender Equity Report highlighted significant disparities for Black women locally. Compared to Black women in 85 percent of U.S. cities, Black women in Pittsburgh are less likely to be employed and more likely to live in poverty. For many, financial security can feel out of reach. However, learning in a supportive environment, with expert guidance and opportunities for action planning, can lead to greater long-term stability. Money Talks created a space where Black women could build financial confidence, skills, and community.
Over the past four years, Neighborhood Allies has supported hundreds of Black women in Pittsburgh on their saving and investing journeys. What began with 50 participants grew into a trusted community of more than 120 women each year, peaking at 130 in 2024 and maintaining strong participation in 2025.
At its core, Money Talks was designed to meet women where they were. Through group conversations and personalized coaching, participants explored budgeting, saving, credit building, and investing in a supportive, judgment-free environment. The program also created space for honest conversations about financial stress and the emotional “money scripts” that shape how people relate to money. Many participants shared that this was the first time they felt safe discussing their financial realities without fear of judgment.
This work was grounded in a curriculum, designed and facilitated by Jessica Perrone, Founder of Her Financial IQ. Her approach helped participants move from financial anxiety to confidence, and from uncertainty to a greater sense of possibility and hope in their financial futures.
Participants consistently shared how the program impacted their lives:
“Money talks taught me not to be intimidated by money! Whether it’s spending, saving or investing. It has also given me insight on ways to make better money decisions when investing.”
“Money Talks was an amazing experience. It improved my knowledge about money and has inspired me to want to continue with my financial goals.”
“I just want to give a big shoutout to the creators and facilitators of the Money Talks series. As a Black girl, things such as stocks and investing were always made to seem as if it was unattainable or only for the wealthy. This series not only changed my relationship with money but helped me to get started as an investor. This is knowledge that I can pass on to my children and use to build generational wealth.”
Money Talks held its final session in December 2025, bringing together past and present participants to reflect on their growth and set goals for the future. While the program has concluded, its impact continues through the confidence, habits, and financial skills participants carry forward. Graduates now have stronger savings practices, clearer credit strategies, and greater comfort navigating financial systems that once felt overwhelming.
Neighborhood Allies remains committed to advancing economic mobility across Pittsburgh through responsive programs and partnerships rooted in community priorities. The success of Money Talks demonstrated that when women have access to trusted guidance, community support, and practical financial tools, meaningful and lasting behavior change is possible. This insight continues through programs like Getting Good with Money, where participants build practical financial skills alongside healthier relationships with money.
