For New Moms Financial Coach Nia, tax season is more than just paperwork—it’s a chance to connect with young moms about their financial goals. In her role, she helps participants in New Moms’ programs with budgeting, monitoring credit scores, opening checking and high-yield savings accounts, and planning for the future.
Nia meets moms at different stages of their financial journey. Some are just starting their first job and learning to manage a steady income, so she focuses on catching up on bills and setting financial goals. Others, like those working at Bright Endeavors, may be ready to open a bank account, and Nia helps them explore their options—even guiding them through the application process on the spot!
“Some participants haven’t had support with managing finances, so I try to remove the fear and inspire confidence in budgeting and reaching their goals,” Nia explains.
Helping Moms Access Free Tax Services
On Fridays, Nia takes participants to Wilbur Wright College, where nonprofit partner LadderUp offers a free tax refund clinic. There, tax professionals help moms file their taxes at no cost.
“It breaks my heart when I hear about a mom in our program who paid $200–300 to file her taxes when she could have done it for free,” Nia shares. “They’re already financially stressed, so it’s so important that we help them take advantage of these services.”
Beyond filing taxes, Nia also helps participants plan how to use their refunds wisely. Are they behind on rent or bills? Are they working toward a savings goal? This process helps them practice financial planning and prioritization.
Defining Success
For Nia, success is when a mom takes the initiative—whether by reaching out to say she’s starting a savings account or asking for advice on a financial decision.
“It tells me they’re applying what we talked about and taking steps toward a stable future,” she says.
At New Moms, we believe every young mom has the potential to build a thriving future for her family. Through financial coaching, we’re helping them lay a strong foundation—one smart decision at a time.
