Community Usage Beyond Finance

COMMUNITY OVERVIEW

Exploring financial priorities within the Black community

Black Americans are generally more concerned than other racial groups about the impact of their financial choices on future generations and want to ensure that they don’t leave behind a debt burden for their families.1 So, although retirement savings may be a financial goal, Black Americans tend to focus on lowering their debt obligations—revolving credit card balances, student loans, and mortgages—and building an emergency fund.

When thinking about benefits and perks to attract and retain a diverse workforce, be aware that certain benefits—such as student debt repayment—have the potential to provide a more significant impact for Black, Latino/a,LGBTQ+, young, and female employees, while also being a high-value benefit across all groups.2

Beyond the desire to not leave behind a debt burden, Black Americans also want to build wealth for future generations of their families. More than half of Black survey respondents—ten percentage points more than non-Black respondents—said they want solutions that help build long-term wealth, including products for retirement planning (33% of respondents), financial planning (31%), and wealth management (26%).1

What this means for employers:

Proactively evaluate your plan design to ensure that it maximizes Black employee engagement by considering how it could help get them closer to meeting their short- and long-term goals.

Overcoming obstacles to building an emergency fund

For most members of the Black community, a lack of emergency savings is a significant stressor.3

What this means for employers:

You have an opportunity to encourage financial engagement by ensuring an inclusive, well-communicated benefits package that addresses short- and long-term financial needs. Consider providing tools, resources, and financial solutions that help Black employees maximize their money.

Make the most of your money. Build a lasting financial legacy.

Black History Month is not just about reflection. It is about action. This toolkit is designed to help individuals, families, and organizations strengthen financial understanding, build long-term wealth, and transform participation into ownership.

Through practical guidance, educational tools, and community-centered resources, this initiative supports the journey from financial awareness to financial agency — during Black History Month and throughout the year.


What You’ll Gain

  • Practical strategies to strengthen financial decision-making

  • New perspectives on ownership, savings, and long-term planning

  • Tools that support generational wealth and economic independence

  • Resources designed for engagement, education, and action


Black History Month Tools

Use the following materials to raise awareness, spark dialogue, and encourage participation across your workforce and community.