Paying busy, cash-strapped New Yorkers to save — and telling their stories
We’re an early-stage nonprofit that aspires to help people save by making it into a game — using cash rewards. We hope to inspire hard-working, cash-strapped people to put aside just $40 a month by rewarding them for meeting certain milestones, like paying down debt, building savings, and improving their credit scores.
Why we exist in under 2 minutes
Who we are
43% of Americans don't have $1,000 saved for an emergency.
Who We're for
Our participants struggle to make ends meet and earn much too qualify for government assistance. This group has a name: ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed). They made up 2.6 million households in New York State in 2024.
We're their auntie — bribing them, lovingly, to do the financial homework nobody wants to do.
Common questions people have
Q & A
Its not a gamble, It works
It’s a proven model — and we’re bringing it to New York City.
United Way's financial coaching program in Burke County, NC, inspired our Checkbook Challenge.
NYC Kids RISE uses cash rewards to get families to open 529 college savings plans. It has raised over $85 million.
We need your help
If your interested in becoming a partner
If you can help us build a sustainable fundraising plan, become a corporate sponsor, or refer ALICE participants our way, we'd love to hear from you.
Email us at [email protected]
Americans are increasingly being asked to fund their own way, from health care to retirement. We believe the first — and often hardest — step is paying down debt and building a rainy day fund.
Think $500 to $3,000 — money you set aside for an emergency. We see it as a stepping stone to financial freedom. It can insulate you from out-of-control credit card payments, and once you get into the habit of putting aside $40 a month, you will be unstoppable! Next thing you know, you may even have enough for a down payment on a home.
We plan to focus on a segment of the population that lives paycheck to paycheck and gets lost in the shuffle when it comes to charitable and governmental support. The nonprofit United Way has defined this group as ALICE: Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. In New York State, a family of four might earn as much as $102,000 and still struggle to make ends meet.
We plan to invite participants to share their money hacks on social media: think Humans of New York meets Reddit, practical advice told by people who look like your neighbors, because they are.
We expect to offer personalized financial coaching and cash rewards to as many as 40 people in the first year, ramping it up as we grow.
It's the greatest city in the world! Seriously, though, it's expensive here. Plus, our founder resides in NYC and is working on becoming a certified financial counselor.
We’re still in formation mode and aim to apply for 501(c)(3) status by September.
If you’re living paycheck-to-paycheck in NYC, we want to hear your story. Also, follow us on social media! It’s a little bare now, but we are working on some really fun content: Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.