Women of color, particularly Latinas, have a distinctly unique relationship with money and finances. If persistent challenge was involved, this bond can inextricably be linked to a trauma response, one that has been woven into the fabric of their identities over generations. This isn't just about struggling to make ends meet; it's about living with the shadows of a past fraught with financial hardships.
These women don't just grapple with the present financial realities; they also bear the weight of the collective experiences of their ancestors — stories of deprivation, struggle, and relentless pursuit of better opportunities. Generations of living in low-income circumstances, facing barriers to quality education, and having limited pathways to homeownership have left a deep-rooted legacy of financial anxiety.
Many Latinas, whether first-generation immigrants themselves or descendants of immigrants, deal with an added layer of challenges. Language barriers, unfamiliarity with a new country's financial systems, and a pervasive fear of being perceived as 'other' create additional hurdles. These obstacles aren’t just about assimilating into a new culture but also about navigating the socioeconomic disparities often accompanying immigrant status.