First Generation Programming Services

Welcome back, First Gens, and happy April! This month, we’re kicking things off with a new theme: Money Shame as a First Gen. For many of us, money is never just money. It’s tied to our parents’ sacrifices, the risks they took, the things they went without, and the pressure to make it all “worth it.” Unfortunately, it might have been about survival, expectation, love, and sometimes, shame.

This week, I share my story on money shame and the discomfort of realizing that you’re making more than your parents. It may hurt to think that you have the opportunity to get paid doing something you love, while knowing that they didn’t always have that choice. The pride and the guilt showing up at the same time is tough.

That’s what money shame feels like. We may feel guilty for getting something that our parents didn’t have the opportunity to get. It might even make you feel like you’re ungrateful for enjoying what you do. Overall, it may make you feel like you need to hide or minimize your successes and achievements because you don’t want to make anyone else feel uncomfortable.

Money Shame as a First Gen

In this episode, we also talk about the stigma. There may be a stigma that tells us that having money means we have to give and help others. If we don’t, we feel like we’re not doing enough. Unfortunately, it often feels like no matter what we do, we can’t win. In this episode, I want to remind you that this pressure is not ours to bear. This can greatly impact our mental health.

In reality, money shame can look like overworking to prove your worth. It can look like anxiety that never fully turns off, even when things are “fine.” Consequently, it can look like burnout disguised as ambition, or avoidance because thinking about money feels overwhelming. Oof this is so real!

Thriving Instead of Surviving

I want you to think about this. You can love your family and still want a different life. In addition, you can honor their sacrifices without recreating their suffering. You can build something softer, something more aligned, something that actually feels good in your body. Healing your relationship with money is not a betrayal. It’s self-care.

In conclusion, I want to remind you that it’s important to be aware self-aware and learn about the effect this might have on you. Notice when you’re feeling guilty and readjust your mindset. Remember that you don’t have to feel guilty for following your own path to success. You are allowed to want something for yourself that your parents didn’t have, and you do not have to feel bad about it. Celebrate yourself and all of your successes!  Remember that you always have your Madrina and this community to help you out along the way.

The First Gen Madrina

The First Gen Madrina is built on three interconnected branches designed to support first-generation students and professionals in wellbeing, wealth, and community:

 Madrina Money focuses on financial wellness through a first-gen lens. This branch supports individuals in unpacking money stories, building sustainable wealth, and gaining the confidence and tools needed to make empowered financial decisions without shame or judgment.

 Madrina Network is dedicated to supporting social work students and professionals. Through resources, coaching, community, and conversations beyond traditional paths, this branch helps social workers navigate burnout, career growth, and non-traditional opportunities while staying aligned with their values.

 Madrina Speaks centers on storytelling, speaking, and education. Through workshops, keynotes, panels, and the podcast, this branch creates space for honest conversations about first-generation experiences, identity, money, and purpose helping individuals feel seen, supported, and empowered.

Together, these branches reflect the heart of The First Gen Madrina: breaking cycles, building confidence, and supporting first-gens as they step into lives of intention, impact, and abundance.

Check out http://thefirstgenmadrina.com for more information!