The SheCounts Resource Library is designed to provide practical, easy-to-use financial literacy materials that support real-world decision-making. Rather than relying on technical jargon or abstract financial theory, our resources focus on clear explanations, concrete examples, and everyday scenarios that individuals commonly encounter. The library is intended to support independent learning, workshop participation, and continued financial education beyond in-person programming.
All materials are developed with accessibility in mind and are created to be useful for individuals with varying levels of financial experience. The Resource Library is continuously updated as new materials are developed and refined through community feedback and program implementation.
Budgeting & Saving
Guide to Building an Emergency Fund
Needs vs. Wants: Spending Priorities
This section focuses on building foundational money management skills through clear and structured budgeting tools. Resources in this category are designed to help individuals understand where their money goes, identify spending patterns, and develop sustainable saving habits. Emphasis is placed on realistic budgeting strategies that can be adapted to different income levels and household needs.
Materials address common challenges such as irregular income, competing financial priorities, and the difficulty of saving while covering essential expenses. By breaking budgeting into manageable steps, these resources aim to make financial planning feel achievable rather than overwhelming.
Banking Basics
Understanding Checking and Savings Accounts
Introduction to Online and Mobile Banking
The Banking Basics section introduces essential concepts related to using financial institutions and managing bank accounts. These resources are intended to demystify common banking tools and processes that are often assumed knowledge but are not always clearly explained, particularly for individuals new to the U.S. financial system.
Topics include understanding different types of accounts, reading bank statements, recognizing common fees, and using banking services safely and effectively. The goal of this section is to help individuals feel more confident interacting with banks and financial institutions and to reduce confusion around everyday banking tasks.
Credit & Debt
Introduction to Credit Scores and Credit Reports
Understanding Interest and Repayment
Resources in the Credit & Debt section focus on explaining how credit works and how borrowing decisions can affect long-term financial stability. Materials are structured to clarify concepts such as credit scores, credit reports, interest rates, and repayment terms, with an emphasis on responsible credit use.
This section also addresses common misconceptions about credit and highlights strategies for avoiding high-risk debt. By presenting credit as a tool that requires careful management rather than something to fear, these resources aim to support informed and confident financial decision-making.