Launched in 2023, the FinMango Ambassador Program selects ~10 young adults per year to help strengthen a global understanding of what financial health means across communities.

To date, the program has welcomed 40+ ambassadors chosen from over 400+ applicants, representing 15+ countries.

Ambassadors have submitted stories ranging from personal reflections on money management to lessons learned while serving families at food pantries. And we’re getting more and more submissions each day!

FinMango hopes this new feature makes it easier than ever for young adults to establish themselves as thought leaders in the space and help further community conversations about the future of financial health.

👉 Meet the 2026 Cohort

👉 Read Ambassador Notes

This semester’s students researched the American housing crisis with specific case studies in New York City (NY), Los Angeles (CA), Portland (OR), McKinney (TX), and McCall (ID).

Housing is defined as ”unaffordable” when rent and utilities exceed 30% of monthly income, known as being cost-burdened. Housing affordability also goes far beyond housing: It affects health, education, and the economy. UVA SEED’s research focused on both the current crisis as well as understanding the long-term impacts on households across urban, suburban, and rural areas.

A huge thank you to Claudia Dean, Shreeya Suresh, Christopher Wang, and Tyler George for their exceptional work throughout the semester.

Here’s a snapshot of their key findings:

• 53% of Americans spend more than half of their household income on housing

• Suburban home prices have increased by 40% since 2020

• Rural residents need to earn an annual income of ~$75K to afford a median-priced home — a 105% increase compared to pre-pandemic numbers

• 49% of American renters are cost-burdened

• Young adults are the largest renter demographic, actively searching for solutions to the housing crisis

• The key drivers of the housing crisis include: dramatic population increases, supply limitations (construction and zoning laws), and rent increases outpacing wages

• 18% of Americans are experiencing homelessness

The FinMango team is grateful for the students’ hard work this semester. FinMango has already expanded its resources related to housing affordability, which are publicly accessible:

• Mango Stories: Understand the Housing Crisis

• Housing Calculator

• Rent vs. Buy Calculator

• Financial Health Barometer

Finally, a huge thank you to all of the guests who joined FinMango for the students’ virtual presentation at the end of the semester. We had a diverse group of professionals across industries, which made for a thoughtful and insightful discussion. We’re grateful to all for taking the time to offer valuable feedback to the students and support their professional development.

If you’re a professional who’s interested in joining a future UVA SEED x FinMango presentation or connecting with students through virtual networking opportunities, please reach out to the FinMango team at hello@finmango.org.

About SEED Consulting: SEED Consulting is a social impact consulting group comprised of 50+ students at the University of Virginia. In affiliation with the McIntire School of Commerce and Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy, their goal is to support the training and professional development of members and facilitate the efforts of budding social entrepreneurs at the University of Virginia. Since 2006, they have provided dozens of clients, for-profit and non-profit, with management consulting and strategic advisory services. Learn more.

This was Barrier Breakers 2026. Year three. And it was the biggest one yet.

What Is Barrier Breakers?

Quick version: high school students pick a financial barrier (transportation, housing, healthcare, financial literacy, or whatever they want), research why it exists, build a solution, and present it to a panel of finance professionals, professors, and community leaders. Winners take home cash, scholarships to Kent State, and grants that go directly back to their schools.

It’s powered by FinMango in collaboration with Kent State University. And it’s built on a belief I keep coming back to: financial health isn’t about knowing more. It’s about facing fewer walls.

Barrier Breakers isn’t about teaching students to navigate a broken system. It’s about asking them to break the barriers down.

The Numbers

Let’s talk about what these students took home.

Demo Day Winners (Oral Presentations):

• 1st Place: Jonah Kuhar & Jake Pasiak $4,000 team cash · $2,500 KSU scholarship · $1,000 school grant

• 2nd Place: Caleb Vales $2,500 team cash · $1,500 KSU scholarship · $650 school grant

• 3rd Place: John Nguyen & Ryan Howard $1,250 team cash · $1,000 KSU scholarship · $500 school grant

• 4th Place: Colin Scott, Brady Lane & Tyler Jamison $750 team cash · $750 KSU scholarship · $350 school grant

• 5th Place: Gianna Kos & Sofia Mendez $500 team cash · $500 KSU scholarship · $250 school grant

That’s $18,000 across Demo Day. Cash split among team members, scholarships for students who attend KSU with an ACCBE major or minor, and grants sent straight back to their high schools.

We also gave out over $3,000 to Poster Presentation winners and Financial Literacy Knowledge Track winners.

Grand total: $21,000+ to high school students in a single day.

Why This Matters

Here’s the thing. The barriers to financial health in this country aren’t just about what you know. They’re systemic. And these students understand that better than most policymakers I’ve talked to.

They’re not building budgeting apps. They’re asking why the system works this way and what it would take to change it. Policy proposals, community tools, app prototypes, financial literacy campaigns. Real ideas with real teeth.

That’s what gets me fired up about this event every year. We’re not asking students to learn about financial barriers. We’re asking them to tear them down.

I need to take a minute here because Barrier Breakers doesn’t happen without a lot of people showing up and giving their time.

Our sponsors:

Valmark Financial Group came in as our Platinum Sponsor with a $25,000 commitment. That’s the backbone of this whole event. 1st Day School Supplies (shoutout to Michael Meadows) and Bob “Gilly” Gillingham each came in at the Silver level with $2,500 commitments. These aren’t just checks. These are people who believe high schoolers deserve a seat at the table.

Our volunteer judges:

Demo Day wouldn’t work without professionals who take these students seriously. Huge thank you to Peyton Zachrich, Cass Lacey, Mia Fawls, Drew Mallott, Steven Dennis, Ashley Wasielewski, Ryan Bayonnet (CFP, MSF), Davonta Milbry, Bradley Smith, Nick Widmer, Anthony Dalayanis, Frank Slemc, and Carly King. These folks gave up their Friday to listen, push back, and engage with every single team. That matters more than people realize.

Kent State and the Ambassador Crawford College of Business:

Big shoutout to Kent State University and the Ambassador Crawford College of Business for being our collaboration partner on this. Katie Levels, Diane Sommers, Al Lloyd, and Emmanuel Dechenaux made this event possible on the ground. Hosting 220+ students, coordinating logistics, making sure everything runs smooth. We couldn’t do this without them.

What’s Next

Barrier Breakers 2026 is in the books. Three years running and growing every time.

We’re also exploring the possibility of a virtual summer competition. A lot of the teams did such amazing work on their projects and we want to give them another opportunity to get recognition and support. That one’s dependent on funding, but stay tuned.

And honestly? We’re starting to think about what it looks like to bring this model to other regions across the country. More on that down the road.

Applications for Barrier Breakers 2027 will open in the fall. If you’re a teacher looking to get your students involved, a professional who wants to volunteer as a judge, or a company that wants to sponsor the next generation of problem-solvers, reach out. Email competition@finmango.org or sign up at finmango.org/barrier-breakers to get notified.

These students aren’t waiting for permission to solve hard problems. Neither should we.

The Squeeze

• Student Loans: Borrowers are crushed under $1.8 trillion in total debt.

• Auto Loans: We now owe $1.66 trillion on our cars.

• Credit Cards: Balances have swelled to $1.23 trillion. This isn’t luxury spending; for many, it’s the only way to cover the gap between wages and the cost of living.

• The “Squeeze”: Perhaps most damning, 63% of workers cannot cover a $500 unexpected expense.

• Happiness: U.S. youth now rank 62nd globally in happiness.

Introducing the FinMango Barometer

Economic data suffers from a critical flaw: Latency. By the time official reports on poverty or inflation hit the headlines, the data is months old. We are navigating a hurricane using a weather report from last Tuesday.

That’s why we built the FinMango Financial Health Barometer. Powered by the Google Health Trends API, it transforms anonymized search data into a live monitor of the nation’s financial wellbeing, updating daily at midnight New York time.

We don’t wait for survey results. We look at what people are actively searching for in their moments of greatest need.

How It Works: The Hybrid Model

We track four key indicators of systemic stress:

• Financial Anxiety: Searches for debt relief and bankruptcy.

• Food Insecurity: Real-time spikes in searches for food pantries and SNAP.

• Housing Stress: Indicators of eviction concerns and rent help.

• Affordability: The aggregate struggle to keep up with the cost of living.

To ensure accuracy, we use a Hybrid Calibration Model. We anchor our data in structural “truth” from the Census Bureau, HUD, and BLS as base layers and then layer real-time search volume on top. This allows us to detect potential acute shocks weeks before official statistics catch up.

The Bottom Line

Financial health is dynamic. Our tools should be too.

We built this because policymakers, nonprofits, and researchers need to identify “hot spots” of stress before they become headlines. We need to see where the cracks are forming in real-time.

👉 Launch the Barometer

👉 Read the Technical Whitepaper on GitHub

This semester’s students researched food insecurity across America with specific case studies in Chicago, Atlanta, Kansas City, Twin Falls, and Wolfe County.

Food insecurity looks different for everyone. It can look like skipping meals to pay rent, choosing cheaper food with fewer nutrients, traveling far to access fresh produce, or living with constant uncertainty about whether the next grocery run will fit into the budget. UVA SEED’s research helped put numbers to these lived experiences, revealing how widespread and structurally driven food insecurity is across households in the United States.

A huge thank you to Jaiden Khemani, Alex Jennings, Henna Fernandez, Mae Bledsoe, and Matt Tam for their exceptional work throughout the semester.

Here are some of their key findings:

• 47M+ Americans are food insecure

• 19M+ Americans live in food deserts

• Around 500k Chicago residents struggle with food insecurity, and 75% of SNAP recipients earn at or below the poverty line

• In Atlanta, only 38% of SNAP retailers in majority-black neighborhoods carry fresh produce, compared to 75% in majority non-black neighborhoods

• Kansas City largely relies on nonprofits to combat rising food insecurity

• In Twin Falls, food insecurity is driven by structural barriers like transportation constraints, not food supply shortages

• In Wolfe County, a lack of access to nutritious food directly contributes to higher

  rates of diet-related illnesses

The FinMango team was very impressed with the students’ work this semester. FinMango has already expanded its resources related to food security, which are publicly accessible:

• Mango Stories: Food Insecurity

• Food Assistance Calculator

• Food Desert Analyzer

Finally, a huge thank you to all of the professionals who joined FinMango for the students’ virtual presentation at the end of the semester! We’re grateful for your generosity and willingness to offer valuable feedback to the students.

If you’re a professional who’s interested in joining a future UVA SEED x FinMango presentation or connecting with students through virtual networking opportunities, please reach out to the FinMango team at hello@finmango.org.

About SEED Consulting: SEED Consulting is a social impact consulting group comprised of 50+ students at the University of Virginia. In affiliation with the McIntire School of Commerce and Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy, their goal is to support the training and professional development of members and facilitate the efforts of budding social entrepreneurs at the University of Virginia. Since 2006, they have provided dozens of clients, for-profit and non-profit, with management consulting and strategic advisory services. Learn more.

FinMango has spent years teaching financial literacy to over 75,000 students. But here’s what I’ve learned: financial education only works when you’re already financially healthy enough to use it.

The Affordability Crisis Facing Young Americans

Today’s young Americans face a perfect storm of systemic barriers that financial education alone can’t fix. They’re entering adulthood with:

• Student loan debt averaging $38,375 per borrower, with 59% saying it delays major financial decisions (Bankrate, 2024)

• Half of all U.S. renters are now cost-burdened, with a record 12.1 million spending over 50% of income on housing (Harvard JCHS, 2024). One in three young adults (32.5%) now live with parents because they can’t afford rent.

• Medical debt that causes 66.5% of bankruptcies – Americans owe at least $220 billion (KFF, 2024)

• Emergency expense vulnerability where 63% of workers can’t pay a $500 unexpected bill (CNBC, 2023)

• Predatory sports betting targeting financially desperate young adults – half of men 18-49 now have accounts, losing $700-$3,284 annually, driving 25-30% increases in bankruptcies in states with online betting

Tell me: what good does teaching compound interest do for someone paying 7% on student loans, trapped under 24% credit card APR, spending half their income on housing? No amount of budgeting education fixes an unexpected medical bill.

The Individual Choice Paradox – And Two Truths We Must Hold

Here’s where this gets complicated. Yes, within this broken system, people still make terrible financial decisions. The average new car transaction price hit $50,080 in 2025, even as auto loan delinquencies soared (CNBC, 2025). Some buyers choose $60,000 trucks when $15,000 sedans would work.

But teaching someone about depreciation won’t fix the underlying desperation. When someone making $40,000 finances an unaffordable vehicle, they’re not just bad at math – they’re buying a temporary escape from feeling crushed by the system. That new truck is identity, dignity, and a brief break from feeling poor.

The research backs this up: 72% of people with mental health problems report their finances got worse, and those with problem debt are 3x more likely to have suicidal thoughts (Money and Mental Health, 2024). When you’re stressed about making rent, your brain literally can’t process long-term financial planning.

The real revolution requires acknowledging both realities without flinching:

1. The system is fundamentally broken and needs structural reform. No individual choices can overcome medical bankruptcies, predatory lending, or wage stagnation.

2. Within that broken system, people can still make better or worse choices. A used car instead of new. Community college before university. Roommates over solo apartments.

Here’s the critical insight: Individual financial education only becomes effective AFTER we’ve addressed the systemic barriers that make good choices nearly impossible.

When Financial Education Actually Works

FinMango has taught financial literacy to over 75,000 students since 2017. I’ve seen it transform lives – when the timing is right. High school students who haven’t yet taken on debt succeed in our programs regardless of income level – students from suburbs and inner-city schools alike – because we’re catching them BEFORE they make major financial decisions. Before the student loans. Before the credit card debt.

Financial education works best as prevention, not cure. A 16-year-old can learn about compound interest and actually use it. A 35-year-old already underwater in debt? The knowledge can actually make things worse, adding shame to stress. I’ve seen adults leave workshops more paralyzed than when they arrived, now armed with the precise calculations of their hopelessness.

A Global Perspective

FinMango’s global research confirms a consistent pattern: financial education fails when basic systemic needs aren’t met. Whether it’s 1.5 billion unbanked people lacking infrastructure, families facing currency instability, or communities recovering from climate disasters – the lesson is universal.

The UN recently shifted some focus from “financial inclusion” to “financial health,” recognizing that access isn’t enough without underlying stability (UNSGSA, 2024). You need the systemic foundation before financial education becomes meaningful.

Why Countries with Safety Nets Are Happier

Finland, Denmark, Iceland, and Sweden dominate the World Happiness Report yearly. The US dropped to 24th in 2025, with young Americans under 30 ranking 62nd globally (World Happiness Report). These countries spend 25-30% of GDP on public social programs versus our 20% – but when you add America’s private spending, we actually spend MORE overall with worse outcomes (OECD, 2024).

Here’s what they figured out: when people know illness won’t bankrupt them, that losing a job won’t mean homelessness – they actually live. They start businesses (Denmark has higher entrepreneurship rates than the US). Financial literacy can work when you’re not constantly in survival mode.

The Real Solution

We need to flip our approach:

First: Create systemic conditions for financial health

• Healthcare that doesn’t bankrupt families

• Living wages that actually cover basic needs – real wages have barely budged since 1978 while housing, healthcare, and education costs have exploded

• Affordable housing and transportation

• Banking and credit systems that serve rather than exploit

Then: Provide targeted financial education

• Teach people how to navigate the system, not just personal finance

• Address financial trauma before spreadsheets

• Focus on community support, not just individual choices

Bottom Line

Financial health isn’t about knowing the right answers – it’s about having the systemic conditions that make those answers applicable. Until we fix the structural barriers, we’re just teaching people to swim in a riptide.

We wouldn’t expect someone with a broken leg to run a marathon, no matter how much we taught them about proper form. Why do we expect people drowning in systemic financial barriers to implement strategies designed for those with stable foundations?

The path forward needs us to be honest: Yes, the system is rigged. Yes, you still have to play. No, education alone won’t save you. But together – through fixing the system AND making smarter choices – we can build something better.

It’s time to build the foundation first, then teach people how to build on it.

Take Action

Want to understand the affordability crisis facing young Americans? Explore the data yourself:

• FinMango Financial Health Barometer – Track real-time financial health indicators across communities

• FinMango Affordability Lab (BETA) – Interactive tools to explore affordability challenges in your area

What’s your experience? Have you seen financial education work – or fail – in your community? Share your story in the comments.

Each year, FinMango selects a cohort of ambassadors to amplify the voices of young adults and to share perspectives about what financial health looks like across global communities.

Today’s guest writer is ambassador Varsha Tulsani from India. Varsha is a passionate leader and social impact advocate with a background in business administration, financial management, and sustainability. With experience in community engagement, mentorship, and project leadership through organizations like Empower Her and the Robin Hood Army, she strives to create meaningful change by empowering individuals — especially women — through education, financial literacy, and environmental initiatives.

From Impulse Trades to Financial Confidence: My Journey in Digital Finance

I’ve been fascinated by money for as long as I can remember, watching my parents debate expenses, plan groceries, and save for festivals. But curiosity alone couldn’t prepare me for my first digital trade: impulsive, anxious, and full of surprises. That early mistake taught me lessons that shaped how I approach money today.

Those early observations at home were my first lessons in financial awareness. In India, schools rarely teach practical money skills, and my experience wasn’t unique. While parents often model budgeting through everyday activities-like grocery shopping or festival planning, managing money independently, digitally, and strategically is a different challenge. Globally, young adults face similar gaps, navigating financial health largely through trial, error, and personal reflection.

Eager to test my curiosity, I dived into intraday trading. Confident I could “read charts,” I impulsively entered my first trade. Within minutes, anxiety hit like a wave. I exited too early and lost ₹5,000 ($56.74), a significant amount for me at the time. Ironically, the trade ended up profitable, but my inexperience and emotions cost me the gain. That moment was humbling. I realized that confidence alone is never enough; knowledge, patience, and emotional discipline are essential when handling money.

From that misstep, I began approaching digital finance strategically. I started tracking expenses, categorizing spending, and reflecting on patterns using apps and online tools. Suddenly, I could see how small, recurring costs like subscriptions or daily coffee quietly drained my savings. By setting alerts and planning, I gained control and awareness I had never experienced before.

Over time, I transitioned from impulsive trades to long-term, goal-oriented investing. Today, I focus on building an emergency fund, planning for personal growth, and setting milestones for the future. This shift didn’t happen overnight; it required learning, patience, and applying lessons from both failures and successes. I also made it a habit to read blogs, watch tutorials, and discuss ideas with peers, which helped me make informed, thoughtful decisions rather than impulsive ones.

One of the most powerful lessons I’ve learned is about mindset. Digital finance can feel impersonal, numbers on a screen instead of cash in hand, but it also provides empowerment. Each mistake became a learning opportunity, each successful investment a confidence booster. Money is no longer a source of stress; it has become a tool for growth.

Here are some practical takeaways that I hope resonate with anyone, at any stage of life:

1. Start small and experiment safely — mistakes are opportunities to learn.

2. Track and reflect — awareness of your spending and decisions helps control your financial path.

3. Learn continuously — financial health evolves; stay curious and adapt.

4. Treat mistakes as lessons — impulsive decisions happen to everyone, but reflection is key.

5. Think long-term — strategic planning benefits everyone, at any stage of life.

Being part of the FinMango community has reinforced the notion that financial health is both universal and personal. While digital tools make opportunities more accessible, young adults in India and around the world still face gaps in formal financial education. By embracing strategic planning, self-reflection, and continuous learning, we can achieve not just financial literacy but independence, confidence, and control, lessons I continue to practice every day.

Learn more about FinMango’s ambassador program.

Each year, FinMango selects a cohort of ambassadors to amplify the voices of young adults and to share perspectives about what financial health looks like across global communities.

Today’s guest writer is ambassador Bradley Smith from the United States. Bradley is a recent Kent State graduate in finance with a minor in international business. An aspiring entrepreneur driven by a passion for business and financial literacy, Bradley is dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the world.

Managing Money Across Countries and International Banking Challenges

I had never left home and suddenly, I was moving across the world alone.

In August 2023, I boarded a flight from Ohio to Florence, Italy. I hadn’t traveled much growing up, so I had no idea what to expect. It was my first time truly stepping into the unknown: no safety net, no familiar faces, and no real plan for what was ahead. Everything felt foreign. The language, the food, the daily rhythm of life… and especially the way people handled money.

One of my first challenges was figuring out which credit cards actually worked. Sounds simple, but only one of mine didn’t rack up ridiculous fees with every transaction. Back home, we never think twice about this. Tap your card and move on. But in Italy, every swipe felt like a gamble. Would it work? How much extra was I paying?

The tipping point came on a short weekend trip when I needed cash. I stopped at an ATM, withdrew a couple hundred euros, and thought nothing of it… until I checked my bank account later. Nearly $20 gone! Just for the privilege of accessing my own money. Conversion rates, foreign transaction fees, ATM charges…all of it piles on.

I wasn’t buying anything. I was just trying to use what I already had. And that’s when it hit me: managing money across borders is clunky, expensive, and unnecessarily complicated.

That ATM fee was eye-opening. I realized how dependent we all are on banks, how easily access to our own money can be interrupted, and how expensive it is to transfer cash simply because we cross a border.

Before that moment, I believed in Bitcoin and cryptocurrency in theory but I was still skeptical like many others. That day changed it. It made the case for crypto real.

With Bitcoin, there’s no bank to “approve” your transaction, no middleman stacking fees, no arbitrary limits because you’re in another country. You can send or receive value 24/7, anywhere in the world, in minutes. The blockchain doesn’t close for weekends or holidays, and it doesn’t care about your location.

Instead of paying $20 in hidden fees just to take out my own cash, I could send Bitcoin to a friend, a business, or even myself instantly, often for pennies. The value is borderless. One Bitcoin in Ohio is the same as one Bitcoin in Florence.

Of course, crypto has its challenges. Prices fluctuate. You have to secure your wallet. You still need to know how to convert it when needed. But the core idea…” money without borders” suddenly made perfect sense to me. I didn’t have to imagine the problem anymore. I’d lived it.

Who would have thought that living in such an ancient city, surrounded by centuries of history, would lead me to rethink the future of money?

Italy’s Financial Landscape and Entrepreneurial Funding Limitations

When I lived in Italy, my classes were incredibly small. My largest had only six students. Some people would hate that, but I absolutely loved it. One of my favorites was an International Business course taught by a local professor from Florence. The class was just me, her, and one other student. Creating an environment where conversations would go far beyond the textbook.

A few weeks into the semester, during one of our afternoon discussions, my professor shared something that shocked me. She told me several of her students, all young, talented, and full of ideas — may have to leave Italy to start their tech businesses in the U.S.

Not because they wanted to leave home. Not because they thought America was “better.” But because they had no choice.

“They couldn’t get funding here,” she said, almost with a sigh. “The system doesn’t support that kind of ambition.”

I had never truly considered how different countries’ financial systems can shape and limit the course of someone’s life. In the U.S., the idea of launching a business, raising capital, and chasing a dream is practically baked into our culture.

There’s an entire ecosystem that celebrates risk-takers and funds bold ideas. Just look at Silicon Valley: venture capitalists, angel investors, incubators, and accelerators are all designed to find and fuel the next big thing. Even if that means losing millions along the way to find the next “Unicorn Company.”

But in Italy, that same entrepreneurial spark could hit a wall before it even catches fire. Great ideas often stay ideas, not because of lack of talent or passion, but because the funding pathways simply aren’t there. The market for capital is smaller, the appetite for risk is lower, and bureaucracy can slow things to a crawl.

It made me ask questions I’d never asked before: Why does access to capital vary so drastically from country to country? How much opportunity is really a product of skill and how much is determined by the system you’re born into? What would it feel like to live in a place where ambition is encouraged at every turn versus one where it’s subconsciously discouraged by the lack of support?

That conversation stayed with me. It reminded me that ambition isn’t just a personal trait, it’s also a reflection of the environment you’re in. Some systems build runways for takeoff. Others put up roadblocks. And sometimes, where you start matters just as much as where you’re trying to go. Recognizing that doesn’t diminish hard work; it simply makes you aware of the hidden forces shaping every opportunity.

The cultural shift from “living to work” to “working to live”

America taught me how to work. Europe taught me how to live.

As my time abroad went on during my junior year of college, I kept noticing something: money wasn’t just something people earned or spent, it shaped the way they lived.

In the U.S., I grew up surrounded by a “live to work” mindset. Hustle culture is everywhere. Productivity is glorified. Financial success often defines personal worth. Why? Because we see it in movies, on social media, and in the stories we’re told about success. We’re taught that time is money, and if you’re not moving forward, you’re falling behind. That urgency becomes a way of life.

But in Italy, I saw something entirely different. People still worked hard, but they prioritized long lunches, evening walks, and time with loved ones. They worked to live. Conversations lingered over espresso, stores closed in the afternoon, and no one seemed to feel guilty about taking a break. Money still mattered, but it wasn’t the scoreboard for happiness

Even one of my professors would often joke with us, saying, “You Americans work way too hard.” At first, I laughed it off. Only later did his words start to make sense. He wasn’t criticizing ambition, he was pointing out that when work consumes life, you lose the very things you’re working for in the first place.

That shift in perspective stuck with me. I’ve always been ambitious and goal-driven, often equating progress with work and money. But living in a place where life moved slower and where joy was found in the everyday made me realize how deeply money is woven into the identity of a culture. I started to see that wealth isn’t just measured in a bank account, but also in the time you spend and the relationships you nurture.

And here’s the thing: I don’t think one mindset is entirely right or wrong. The drive and ambition of a “live to work” culture can create incredible innovation and opportunity. The balance and intentionality of a “work to live” culture can protect health, happiness, and relationships. There are seasons in life where one may need to take priority over the other, but too much of either is often detrimental. Life, in many ways, is one big balancing act.

I’m grateful to have experienced both. Seeing the contrast firsthand has given me a perspective I can carry forward, one that has helped me further improve my relationship with money. Financial health isn’t just about having more. Sometimes, it’s about having enough… and knowing how to use it to live meaningfully.

Learn more about FinMango’s ambassador program.

It's time for an update, and we've got some exciting news to share about our ongoing efforts to solve complex problems endangering the financial health of young adults.

📚 Education Impact: Reaching 6,500+ Students

This year, we've made significant strides:

• Taught over 6,500 high school students across Northeast Ohio

• Hosted our annual FinMango Day in collaboration with Kent State University

FinMango Day Highlights:

• Students from across Northeast Ohio competed for $10,000+ in total prizes. The enthusiasm for FinMango was truly inspiring!

Special thanks to our sponsors and supporters:

• Bob (Gilly) Gillingham, Bob Kiles, and Kent State University for sponsoring the event

• Albert Lloyd, Kathryn Levels, Kelly Beck Leacoma, Steven Dennis, Emmanuel Dechenaux, Lily Palisin, Luke Pickering, and the KSU ambassadors for their invaluable help

• Dylan Frank for capturing the event through photography

🌟 Welcome Our 2025 Financial Health Ambassadors!

We're thrilled to introduce 12 exceptional individuals who have joined our Ambassador Program. These amazing humans are breaking barriers and strengthening our global understanding of financial health for young adults across diverse communities.

Meet our new ambassadors:

• Aaliyah Kissick 🇺🇸

• Jose Ismael Batista 🇵🇦

• Damilola Mike-Adeogun 🇳🇬

• Bradley Smith 🇺🇸

• Mansi More 🇮🇳

• Valentina Villa 🇲🇽🇫🇷

• Danny Jang 🇺🇸

• Ananya Mallick 🇲🇾

• Alex Keller 🇺🇸

• Priyanka Anantha 🇮🇳

• Varsha Tulsani 🇮🇳

• Anvitha Marlapati 🇺🇸

Learn more about their inspiring stories at finmango.org/ambassadors

🔬 Advancing Financial Health Research

We're proud to announce several groundbreaking research initiatives that explore the intersection of finance, technology, and social impact:

Current Research Projects:

• Predictive Signals: Do Mental Health-Related Google Searches Reflect Eviction Trends in Real Estate? - Dr. Eren Cifi (Austin Peay State University), Anthony Ramos (FinMango), and Scott Glasgow (FinMango)

• Sustainable Investment Search Behavior as a Predictor of Market Activity: Historical Trends and Threshold Analysis - In partnership with Dr. Madhavi Venkatesan from Northeastern University

• Comparative Analysis of Financial Literacy Search Patterns Between States With and Without Mandated Financial Education Requirements - with Dr. John Longo from Rutgers University and Danny Jang from Financial Futures

Preliminary Idea: DisasterDesk

FinMango partnered with the University of Virginia's SEED Consulting group to research community recovery from natural disasters, including Hurricane Helene and the LA wildfires. This collaboration has led to recommendations for DisasterDesk, a customizable tool designed to compile relevant resources and provide personalized financial advice for disaster-affected communities. We’re currently seeking community suggestions and looking for strategic partners.

Looking Ahead

As we continue to grow, our commitment to advancing financial health remains stronger than ever. Through research, community engagement, and education, we're building a more financially healthy future for all.

Thank you for being part of the FinMango journey. Together, we're making financial health accessible to everyone.

Stay radical,

- Scott, Sarah, Soham

With the recent Palisades fire devastating communities across California, this semester’s SEED research focused on analyzing how communities recover from natural disasters and proposing a customizable tool to make resources more accessible.

A huge thank you to Isabelle Mitchell, Celia Cheng, Sam Solliday, Xavier Ramos, and Phillip Pawlica for their exceptional work throughout the semester.

Here are some of their key findings:

• Hurricane Helene’s impact was greatest in rural areas and required rural-specific aid. Over 9,000 homes were damaged, but only 3% of homes affected had any flood insurance. There were also $3.1 billion dollars in crop losses and agricultural recovery costs statewide.

• Hurricanes and floods (Appalachia region) had varying search queries including FEMA, Road Closures, Red Cross, Property Insurance, and Flood Insurance.

• The LA wildfires’ impact was almost entirely in urban areas and was largely infrastructural. 50.6% of single-family homes were destroyed, leading to severe housing shortages. 36.3% of commercial buildings were destroyed, and 55.1% of

  utility structures were destroyed.

• Among wildfires, recurring search queries in LA included Air quality, FEMA, Red Cross, Salvation Army, and Water Quality.

• SEED recommended the creation of DisasterDesk, a tool that compiles relevant resources for users according to their indicated needs. Features include multiple language options, user feedback channels, community question forums, and personalized financial advising.

The students went above and beyond in their final proposal, and FinMango is excited to see how we can use their recommendations to expand our research and resources within the topic of disaster relief.

About SEED Consulting: SEED Consulting is a social impact consulting group comprised of 50+ students at the University of Virginia. In affiliation with the McIntire School of Commerce and Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy, their goal is to support the training and professional development of members and facilitate the efforts of budding social entrepreneurs at the University of Virginia. Since 2006, they have provided dozens of clients, for-profit and non-profit, with management consulting and strategic advisory services. Learn more.

Academic Research

Researching interesting topics (powered by FinTrends):

• Working with Austin Peay State University (Eren Cifi, PhD) to study how mental health connects to eviction risks (paper just got accepted by ARES!)

• Partnering with Iowa State University (Chen Zhang, PhD) to look at how regulations affect home-sharing markets

• Collaborating with Northeastern University (Madhavi Venkatesan, PhD) to analyze sustainable investing trends through search patterns and historical data

Preliminary Research (white papers)

• Teaming up with Rutgers University (John Longo, PhD, CFA and Danny Jang) to compare how financial education searches differ between states with and without educational requirements

• Working with the University of Virginia (SEED) to examine the immediate and long-term financial impacts of natural disasters on communities through case studies and recovery patterns, comparing events like the Los Angeles wildfires to historical disasters while studying intervention effectiveness and financial recovery trajectories.

New Tools & Calculators

• Sports Betting Reality Simulator (sneak peak)

• "What's Money?" calculator

• Family Financial Planning Calculator (built with Modern Husbands)

• Startup business planning helper (built with Collider)

• Paycheck calculator - to compare take-home pay and living costs across the US.

Local Impact

Our in-person work in Northeast Ohio keeps growing - we're reaching 150-300 students daily, with over 11,000 positive reviews. Watch out for our second annual Kent State / FinMango Day coming in April! Want to sponsor? Reach out.

Looking Ahead, We’re:

• Seeking partners who share our mission to fund more research

• Getting ready to publish additional academic papers

• Building new tools to help people manage their money better

Special shout-outs to:

• Anthony Ramos for his incredible data engineering work that made our FinTrends academic research possible

• Bob Gillingham, who's been an absolute rockstar teaching thousands of students across Northeast Ohio - you're making a real difference in these kids' lives!

We're still laser-focused on making money matters simpler and fairer for everyone. If you're interested in supporting this work, we'd love to chat.

Thanks for being part of this journey toward better financial health for all!

Best,

Scott, Sarah, & Soham

The state of healthcare in Panama

Panama faces significant challenges in its healthcare system. Many healthcare facilities are under-resourced, leading to inadequate medical supplies, limited access to advanced medical technologies, and prolonged waiting times for patients. We have many inefficiencies, and the healthcare infrastructure often struggles to meet the needs of the population. This situation impacts the quality of life and hinders sustainable development.

Sustainable finance: a catalyst for health improvement

Sustainable finance is a fundamental tool in addressing these healthcare challenges. By channeling financial resources into health initiatives, we can create a robust system that not only treats illnesses but also fosters environments where people can thrive. This approach aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), which emphasizes the importance of ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all ages.

Health is a cornerstone of sustainable development. Without a healthy population, achieving other SDGs becomes more challenging. Sustainable finance can support the development of health infrastructure, fund preventive health programs, and promote innovation in medical technologies. These initiatives can lead to reduced healthcare costs and enhanced economic productivity.

My vision as FinMango's first panamanian Ambassador

As an environmental biologist embarking on a new journey in the finance sector, I have witnessed the power of combining financial strategies with environmental and social goals. One of the key initiatives is to promote the integration of health finance into sustainable development agendas in Panama. By leveraging FinMango’s resources and network, we can create financial solutions that drive meaningful change in Panama's healthcare system.

A call to action

The journey towards sustainable development is challenging but also full of opportunities. I invite everyone to join this mission. Whether by supporting sustainable finance initiatives, advocating for better health policies, or educating the next generation, we all have a role to play in creating a healthier and more sustainable future.

A vision for the future

Sustainable finance is not just about investing in green projects; it is about investing in people and their well-being. By integrating health into the framework of sustainable finance, we can address the root causes of health inequities and create a foundation for long-term development.

Panama stands at a crossroads, with the potential to become a leader in sustainable development. By embracing sustainable finance and focusing closely on health, we can pave the way for a brighter, healthier, and more equitable future. Let’s seize this opportunity and work together to create a Panama where everyone can thrive.

- Nathalie Ríos Durán

2024 FinMango Ambassador

Learn more about Nathalie: https://www.finmango.org/2024-ambassadors/nathalie-rios

It's time for an update, and we've got some exciting news to share about our ongoing efforts to improve financial health worldwide.

Research

• FinTrends

  • Google granted us access to the Trends API, equipping us to use raw search data to analyze financial trends, housing affordability, mental health, and related issues beyond standard web app insights.

  • Currently collaborating with researchers from Austin Peay State University, Iowa State University, and Northeastern University.

  

Preliminary Research (via University of Virginia)

• Examining changes in search volumes for both Airbnb and traditional housing terms before and after the implementation of short-term rental regulations in specific cities.

New Products / Tools

• Family Financial Planning Calculator

  • Partnered with Modern Husbands to create a tool for dual-income couples to evaluate financial impacts of having a child.

Early Access Tools (Subscribers Only, Still in Development)

These tools are intended to help recent grads and young adults make smarter financial decisions.

• Paycheck Calculator (United States)

• Paycheck Calculator (Australia)

• University ROI calculator (in development, feedback requested)

Ongoing Programs

• Our high school investment education program continues to thrive, transforming students' financial futures with each class. The results are compelling: we're approaching 10,000 reviews, with an impressive 98% of participants rating us excellently. This overwhelming positive feedback demonstrates the program's significant impact on young minds.

• Our first annual FinMango Day with Kent State University was a success. We awarded over $8,000 in prizes and aim to expand the event's reach and rewards for March 2025. Stay tuned for details on this growing opportunity.

Call to Action

• Follow us on social media for daily insights and updates:

  • Twitter/X: @finmango

  • Instagram: @finmango

  • LinkedIn: @finmango

• Support our mission: Your donation helps us expand our research and develop more free tools. [Donate Now]

• Share your thoughts: Have an idea for improving financial health in your community? Drop us a suggestion or some feedback here.

• Spread the word: Know someone passionate about financial equity? Forward them this email and help grow our community!

Closing Note

At FinMango, we recognize that many young people are grappling with financial stress due to the rising costs of housing, food, and daily expenses, often feeling trapped in a cycle of spending without saving. We're committed to addressing these real-world challenges and invite you to share your personal financial struggles through this survey, helping us shape our research and inform decision makers. 

Let's keep collaborating on a better future for all!

- Scott, Sarah, Soham

Building on this success, please join us in welcoming the 2024 cohort to the Mango community 🎉

🇧🇷 Mariana Nunes Santos Gomes from Bahia, Brazil 

🇵🇦 Nathalie Ríos from Chitré, Panama

🇹🇿 Sylvester Renatus Kikoti from Dar es salaam, Tanzania

🇪🇹 Meaza Haregewoin Fiseha from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

🇨🇴 María Manuela Córdoba Aguirre from Neiva, Colombia

🇲🇽 Beverly Jazmine Delgado Corrales from Monterrey, Mexico

🇲🇽 Lizbeth Sinaí Rodríguez Rodríguez from Sayula, Mexico

🇮🇳 Phanindra Nagapuri from Hyderabad, India

🇳🇦 Hilya Magano Indongo from Windhoek, Namibia

🇰🇪 Shanice Akoth from Nairobi, Kenya

We are honored to share their stories and insights, which are published on the FinMango website.

Each ambassador explains what financial health means to them personally, what motivates them to be financially healthy, and what one of their current financial goals is.

"Financial health, to me, extends beyond mere monetary stability; it embodies a sustainable approach to managing resources that ensures long-term well-being and resilience. It involves not only maintaining a balanced budget and saving for the future but also making environmentally conscious financial decisions that promote sustainability and contribute positively to both personal and planetary prosperity” says Nathalie Ríos. 

Mariana Nunes Santos Gomes adds, “for me, being financially healthy means being in balance with money, physical well-being, and emotional control.”

Be sure to follow FinMango on Instagram, LinkedIn, and X to see the latest updates from our amazing ambassadors!

On May 16th, we teamed up with Kent State University to celebrate the achievements of top students from over 20 Northeast Ohio high schools using FinMango programs. This exciting end-of-year event recognized the following outstanding students as winners:

• 1st Place: Brianna Johnson from Stow-Munroe Falls High School ($2500 in cash and scholarship)!

• 2nd Place: Samuel Denys from Westlake High School ($1500 in cash and scholarship)!

• 3rd Place: Cullen Rooney from Normandy High School, ($750 in cash and scholarship)!

But that's not all! Their schools also received generous cash grants, further celebrating their achievements and to further promote financial education in schools.

The event brought together a vibrant mix of students, teachers, and parents from a diverse range of schools, including Polaris Career Center, Stow-Munroe Falls, Brooklyn, Chagrin Falls, Olmsted Falls, Lakewood, Highland, Normandy, Berea-Midpark, West Geauga, Valley Forge, and Westlake!

Shout-out to our event sponsors, Kent State University, Evolve Egress & Exteriors (formerly Glass Block Headquarters), Hyland Financial Planning, and Bob Gillingham for their generous support. A special thanks to all the teachers and parents in the FinMango community. Your partnership is invaluable. Lastly, special thanks to Dylan Frank for taking the event photos.

Since 2017, we've been transforming the financial landscape, using education and open data to make financial health accessible to everyone.  We're tackling this challenge with passion and the support of incredible partners.  With work used and recognized by organizations like the WHO, World Bank, IMF, Google, and Harvard, FinMango's global initiatives have already impacted millions across 100+ countries, and we're just getting started!

What’s going on? 

• Project Trend: We're excited to be working on a new project that utilizes a unique data source to tackle a complex challenge. We're exploring innovative ways to analyze this data and develop a powerful engine for informed decision-making. Although the specifics are still under wraps, this project holds immense promise, and we can't wait to share more in the future!

• Local contest (Ohio): Collaborating with Kent State University to host a finance day on May 16th. Students from ~22 local high schools will be participating. 

  • Cash prizes will be given to the top three students (amounts still to be decided). Sponsors: Glass Block Headquarters and Bob Gillingham. Interested in supporting? Contact us.

  • Scholarships are being offered to attend KSU: $1,500 (1st place), $1,000 (2nd place), $500 (3rd place).

  • Cash grants will be awarded to the students' high schools: $1,500 (1st place), $1,000 (2nd place), $500 (3rd place).

• Working with SEED at the University of Virginia to analyze major climate and financial health issues impacting migration trends to Colombia. 

• Applications for the 2024 Ambassador program are live. The deadline to apply is May 3rd. Learn more here.

Asks: 

• Become a sponsor: Support the high school contest with a sponsorship starting at $250. Contact us for details.

• Make a donation: All donations to FinMango through May 3rd will directly fund cash prizes for the contest winners. Donate online.

• If you live in Northeast Ohio and interested in volunteering at the high school contest on May 16th. Contact us.

New Mangos:

• Anthony Ramos: Software engineer that loves to build and find new approaches to interesting problems. He majored in math at USC, and found his way into programming before earning a Master’s in Computer Science at USC. Tony lives in San Francisco and is a very proud uncle to 3 nieces and a nephew.

• Anjal Parikh: Software developer with a passion for coding, but his off-hours are filled with reading about geopolitics, economics, and their interconnectedness.

Let's keep building a future where financial health is a reality for everyone!

- Scott, Sarah, Soham

Before we dive into their work, we want to extend our sincere thanks to Walter Blessing, Dawson Chitwood, Esme Merrill, and Srimaan Suribhotla for their dedication to this project and thoughtful research. We’d also like to give a special shoutout to Elizabeth Gersch, who served as an invaluable mentor to the students.

The SEED team focused on researching the legal frameworks and social protections for migrant workers in a selection of major destination countries and assessing how these regulations impact the working conditions, safety, and overall well-being of migrant laborers.

This research was done in support of FinMango’s Climate Migration Trend Scanner Project.

Here are some of their key findings:

• In South America, the massive quantity of migrant workers leads to rampant wage discrimination and an underpayment of migrants that can work. This has helped several large industries like oil and gas, but created a massive crisis.

• In North America, much of the immigration policy in the United States is highly malleable and highly partisan with most immigration coming from Central and South America. In Canada, immigration is mainly coming from Europe and South Asia with a generally positive view of immigrants as crucial to the labor market.

• Europe faces a high volume refugee crisis, creating migrants with little to no verifiable work background. There is racial and national tensions and a strong belief in "us first systems" with a dependence on cheap immigrant labor.

• In the Middle East, migrant workers are subjected to labor laws that do not adequately protect them (lack of protection against employer abuse, passport confiscation, etc.).

• A measurement for independence and stability is the benchmark for generational improvement.

For those interested in learning more, you can delve into the team’s final deliverable, accessible through this link.

We'd like to extend our deepest thanks once again to the SEED team and Elizabeth Gersch for their impactful work this semester. We are excited to see how their research will help inform projects like the Climate Migration Trend Scanner.

About SEED Consulting: SEED Consulting is a social impact consulting group comprised of over 50 students at the University of Virginia. In affiliation with the McIntire School of Commerce and Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy, their goal is to support the training and professional development of members. Since 2006, they have provided dozens of clients, for-profit and non-profit, with management consulting and strategic advisory services. Learn more.

FinMango is on a mission to solve complex problems that endanger the financial health of young adults and vulnerable communities. FinMango is a non-profit that has impacted millions around the world since inception in 2017.

Highlights:

• Partnered with Kent State University to implement a local competition with over $6,000 in prizes for students and schools in Northeast Ohio!

• Published a peer-reviewed paper in the American Journal of Health Education!

• Held a mango meetup in the Big Apple! 🥭🗽 We visited the Edge NYC to take in some rainy but incredible views of New York - the perfect way to connect and catch up with our volunteers and ambassadors. Thank you to everyone who joined!

What’s going on?  

• We’re moving forward with the Migration Trend project. Currently working with a University of Virginia SEED Consulting team to break it down and mockup how the product will potentially look. The goal of the project is to provide essential data and insights for a range of financial decisions, risk management, and policy formulation.

• We're collaborating with another UVA SEED team to analyze and compare the legal frameworks and social protections for migrant workers across key destination countries. This initiative is crucial for enhancing their financial health, ensuring income stability, safeguarding against exploitation and financial emergencies, and promoting long-term financial planning and security for migrant workers and their families.

• Locally, our in-class program on mutual funds and Roth IRAs is fully booked for the 2023-2024 academic year, and we're excited to have already taught 2,000 students since early September!

Miscellaneous updates:

1. Based on community suggestions, the FinMango website has been continuously updated. Thank you for caring and for helping us to build!

Asks:

• We’re looking for additional sponsors for the Northeast Ohio FinMango / Kent State University high school competition. If interested in being a sponsor, let us know (hello@finmango.org)! 100% of your contribution will be given out as cash prizes to the winners.

• We’re looking for additional strategic and financial partners. If interested, feel free to reach out at hello@finmango.org.

Kudos: 

• Shout-out to Christian Giadolor, Khari Keaton, Poulet Padilla Ruvalcaba, Oscar Wahltinez, Aditya Maitra, Sarah Cherian, Aditya Maitra, Ojasvinee Singh, Scott Glasgow, and Soham Patel for making the spontaneous NYC mango takeover possible!

• Mango Bob Gillingham for never stopping and for impacting the lives of so many locally in Northeast Ohio.

Thanks for your continued support. You inspire us daily.

-Scott, Sarah, Soham

🥭 Help wanted / asks: 

• We’re looking for help with social media content, especially creating photos/videos for Instagram. This is a great opportunity to help shape FinMango’s brand identity and have the creative freedom to experiment with your ideas. If you’re interested in working on social or have any questions, reach out to Sarah (sarah@finmango.org)

• We’d love to get feedback on a proposal to build a Climate Migration Trend Scanner & Predictor. Contact Soham (spatel@finmango.org) to review or if interested in helping with the project.

• Calling all teachers! We need help creating a high school contest for the 2023/2024 academic year. Contact Scott (scott@finmango.org) if interested in helping.

🤩 Highlights: 

• We are published by the American Journal of Health Education!

• Proposing to build a Climate Migration Trend Scanner / Predictor.

• UVA Seed delivered a research presentation for FinMango that breaks down the Brazilian Financial Ecosystem.

• Preparing to launch an Energy Equity x Financial Health project in partnership with George Washington University Law School. 

• Locally, 6000+ students have been taught in the past academic year. Volunteers have donated 2000+ hours! Learn about the class and read the 6k+ reviews here.

• Globally, the Ambassador program is off to a great start.

😞 Lowlights: 

• Sending FinMango ambassador welcome packages delayed. International shipping issues caused inconsistency. Our fault, fixing asap.

• We apologize for poor communication recently. More private meetings occurred, but we aim to share more openly going forward. We’re committed to these monthly updates.

🚀 Product: 

• The FinMango website redesign was completed in February.

• As always, you have access to FinMango’s product roadmap is a freely accessible board to see what we have released, what we are currently working on, and what is potentially coming next.

👏🏼 Kudos: 

• Elizabeth Gersch for being a mentor and guiding the UVA SEED team this spring! 

• JP Meyer, Sunny Singh, and Srimaan Suribhotla from UVA SEED for creating an incredible deliverable! 

• Pam Hoalt, Aurora Cheung, Martin Noguera, James W. Glasgow, and James F. Glasgow for dedicating a lot of their free time to go through the tedious process of getting a paper published in a peer reviewed journal. 

  • All of the volunteers, for their effort, and tireless commitment in collecting data for the COVID-19 data project.  Special shout-out to Bruna Chixaro, Rebeca Lozano, Uday Patel, Kishan Patel, Enrico Buoro, Ojasvinee Singh, Kevin D’Souza, Anthony Schilt, Erik Liang, and Chelsie Kindangen for all dedicating 18+ months to the project.

• All ten ambassadors for being amazing humans. All kicking butt, smashing stereotypes, and breaking barriers.

• Bob Gillingham and Rich Hoag for teaching tirelessly in schools for the past year. 

• Soham Patel and Sarah Cherian for meeting weekly and ensuring everything is ran smoothly at FinMango. We wouldn’t be here without them and their efforts!

This spring, the SEED team embarked on a comprehensive study of Brazil’s financial ecosystem, exploring various interrelated sectors. The ultimate goal was to produce invaluable resources to support FinMango's financial health research.

Brazil's financial landscape presents a dynamic ecosystem. Approximately 70% of Brazilian adults currently have access to formal financial services. The SEED team delved into the intricacies of this landscape, exploring everything from banks and government organizations to nonprofits and financial education initiatives.

Here are some of their key findings:

• Brazil's banking system includes a diverse range of financial institutions: commercial banks, development banks, investment banks, and credit unions. Each plays a unique role, but they share common challenges, such as high-interest rates and cybersecurity threats. Major players like the Central Bank, Itaú Unibanco, Banco do Brasil, Bradesco, Caixa Econômica Federal, and Santander contribute significantly to the landscape.

• Government organizations play vital roles in Brazil's financial ecosystem. They oversee financial activities, protect consumers, and promote financial stability. Despite their crucial functions, these organizations face challenges like high levels of public debt, inefficient taxation, corruption, mismanagement of public funds, and political instability. Addressing these challenges is key to fostering a healthy financial ecosystem.

• The past six years have seen a 30% increase in access to financial services, highlighting the growing importance of financial education. However, challenges remain, including low participation rates due to gender discrimination, limited awareness of financial education programs, and the variable quality of these programs.

• The fintech sector in Brazil is witnessing explosive growth. Yet, despite its rapid development, the sector faces regulatory complexity, cybersecurity and data privacy issues, and limited access to capital. These hurdles, while substantial, are not insurmountable and could lead to further innovations in this already vibrant sector.

• Nonprofit organizations play a crucial role in Brazil, addressing inequalities and inadequate access to essential services to foster social and economic growth. With over 820,000 NPOs active in areas such as education, healthcare, social development, and environmental conservation, they are vital to the Brazilian financial ecosystem.

For those interested in learning more, you can delve into the team’s final deliverable, accessible through this link.

We'd like to extend our deepest thanks once again to the SEED team and Elizabeth Gersch for their stellar work this semester. Their efforts are hugely appreciated by everyone at FinMango, and we can't wait to see how their research informs our work going forward.

About SEED Consulting: SEED Consulting is a social impact consulting group comprised of over 50 students at the University of Virginia. In affiliation with the McIntire School of Commerce and Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy, our goal is to support the training and professional development of our members. Since 2006, we have provided dozens of clients, for-profit and non-profit, with management consulting and strategic advisory services. Learn more.