This year for my birthday, I'm raising funds for the Money Health Collective. This project has been on my heart for some time now, and this year I decided to leave my other pursuits to allow MHC to be my sole focus, as I serve as its first "full-time volunteer" and founder.

At MHC, we believe financial wellbeing is the foundation for dignity, agency, and belonging. Our goal is to help people move from financial stress to hope and action, with facilitated peer-to-peer conversations and resources, all at no cost to participants. In light of the social and economic insecurity sweeping much of the world, my hope is that MHC can serve as a reprieve and a source of support for anyone who seeks it. 

Because of how our community is structured, our operations are intentionally very lean. I do not take income from MHC, and this birthday fundraiser would support almost half a year of our operating needs.

Your contribution would mean so much to me, and it will also directly support many people around the world. So far, our conversations have supported individuals in more than 22 countries. Participants report a 25% increase in financial confidence after one session, and a 30% increase in comfort talking openly about money.

Here are a few reflections people have shared:

• “There is alignment in coming together and sharing our vulnerabilities… it just takes longer than one would hope.”
• “I felt so isolated with my money situation. But there are others like me. And I hope we will be ok.”
• “I commit to embracing the decisions in my life, with money as a friend, not as a condition.”
• “There are more shared experiences with money than I realized, and so much to learn about living a financially and holistically healthy life.”
• “I commit to balancing basic needs for security with going for dreams.”
• “Becoming aware of our relationship with money is the first step.”
• “I commit to acknowledging my growth around money.”

If you would like to learn more, here are two short videos that offer a window into the work:

• An interview by the World Economic Forum

• An overview video with the Mira Fellowship, recorded when the MHC idea was first taking shape

The Money Health Collective is fiscally sponsored by Social Good Fund, a 501(c)(3). If you are in the United States, your gift is tax-deductible. We are also listed on Benevity if your employer offers matching gifts.

Sending you warmth and much gratitude this holiday season. Thank you for considering a contribution, and I hope you and your loved ones are taking care!