Closing the Culture Gap: Latinx Families and Money

The Urban Institute has found that Latinos often face difficulties in accessing banking and financial services. They struggle with high debt, low savings, and limited availability of affordable banking options. Despite these challenges, Latinos are the fastest-growing consumer group in the U.S. economy. Financial literacy could be a key solution to help Latino families understand and manage their finances better. Improving financial literacy can bridge the gap in financial knowledge, making it easier to access financial opportunities and improve economic situations.

For this reason, we wanted to break down some of the barriers facing this community and help close the cultural gap between Latino families and money. 

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Financial education is key to success

Financial education is a key player in the success story for Latino families. It’s a bit tricky, given that everyone’s coming from different places — some parents might have grown up in totally different economic settings in other countries, and then there’s the challenge of getting the right financial tools and know-how here in the U.S. In many families, it’s usually up to one person to lead the charge on money matters, which can be tough if talking about finances isn’t the norm. But getting everyone on the same page about money can set the stage for making smarter financial choices and building a more stable future​.

It’s common for hardworking Latino folks to get so caught up in helping their family that they might put their own long-term goals on the back burner. Think about saving for retirement — it can easily get overlooked when you’re busy making sure your loved ones are taken care of. But remember, setting aside even a little bit of your income for the future is super important. It’s all about finding that balance. You’re doing it not just for yourself but also to give your kids the freedom to chase their dreams without worrying about financial responsibilities down the road.

Debt is taboo in the Latino culture

For many Latinos, debt is a four-letter word not mentioned at the dinner table. A Prudential Research study found that 62% of Latino participants didn’t think there was such a thing as good debt. In reality, good debt exists, and it’s an investment that will generate income in the future.

Taking out student loans to pay off college is an example of good debt because it helps you secure a better salary in the future. Bachelor’s degree holders typically earn significantly more than those with only a high school diploma, sometimes up to 57% more.

Taking out a mortgage to purchase a home is also considered good debt because mortgage interest rates are usually low, and ideally, your home will increase in value. It’s important not to think of all debt as a bad thing; it can be used as a tool to help reach your long-term goals.

Language is not a barrier to financial literacy

The same Prudential Research survey found that language wasn’t the biggest barrier to financial education for the Latino community. Instead, many Latinos listed a lack of trust in financial institutions and a lack of understanding of different financial products and services as top barriers.

When you have time, you can find many articles on our blog designed to make it easy for you to build financial knowledge and get tips and tricks for improving your finances.

Fintech may be the answer

For Latinos who aren’t keen on financial institutions, turning to fintech could be a smart move. These tech-savvy companies are shaking things up in the finance world. They’re a hit for those who might feel overwhelmed with traditional banking. 

Fintech’s rise is all about making finance more accessible and understandable, which might be what’s needed to bridge the trust gap and bring financial literacy into the 21st century for the Latino community.

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FAQ

How do Latino families differ from other families in terms of financial practices?

Latino families often have financial practices deeply rooted in cultural values, like prioritizing family support over individual savings. This can lead to unique strategies such as pooling resources within extended family networks or focusing on short-term financial needs rather than long-term investments.

What are some common financial goals among Latino families

Common financial goals among Latino families include homeownership, providing educational opportunities for children, and supporting family members, both locally and abroad.

What are some strategies Latino families use to overcome financial challenges?

To overcome financial challenges, Latino families often rely on community networks, informal lending circles (tandas or cundinas), and increasingly, technology-driven solutions like fintech apps to manage finances and build credit.