Latino communities have been in survival mode for generations. From the recent ICE raids to predatory jobs to housing insecurity, the Latino community has struggled with it all. This is why money is political, and getting our finances right isn’t just smart… it’s resistance and form of protest.
The System Wasn’t Built for Us, But Wealth Can Be a Weapon
We know that the U.S. financial system wasn’t made with gente like us in mind. The Latino community face many obstacles and barriers. But that doesn’t mean we can’t learn it, master it, and flip it to our benefit. Economic empowerment is one of the strongest forms of protest. This is because we can now step out of survival mode and into activism. We can drive change and have the money to do it!
You don’t need to be rich-rich. What you need is the ability to say:
- “I don’t have to stay at this toxic job.”
- “I’m leaving this unsafe neighborhood.”
- “I got my family’s back, no matter what.”
ICE Raids, Fear & the Financial Wake-Up Call
When La Migra rolls into town, they don’t just take people. Many of us are in mixed status families. This means that it not only disrupts families but our financial security, rent payments, everything. Having financial security in the face of that chaos is a lifeline. If you can’t leave town, hire legal help, or support your loved ones, you’re left vulnerable. Money gives you options. No one should have to stay somewhere unsafe because they can’t afford to leave.
Investing as a Form of Protest
Money talks and walks. We have seen how it has been used to buy power and influence. Sadly we are seeing the effects of it in the Latino community. The protests on “No Kings Day,” were record breaking. However, another great way to protest is with our pockets. Growing our money is not through saving, but investing. When you invest, you stop just surviving—you start owning. Create an investment plan.
You can invest in:
- Real estate: It isn’t just about flipping houses, you can buy rental properties and build multiple sources of income.
- Stocks, Mutual Funds, and ETFs (even if undocumented): Start with as little as $25/month using apps like Fidelity or Vanguard. Even a few dollars invested now turns into hundreds later. You can learn more about stocks with books like Wealth Warrior, Financially Lit!, and Cultura & Cash, all written by Latinas!
- Our communities: Money gives us the funds to invest in our communities, businesses, and providing resources.
Your Money = Your Voice
You want to support your local candidates? Fund mutual aid? Help family back home? That takes money. This is how we protect each other beyond protests.
We aren’t just getting our financial house in order for ourselves. We’re doing it so our kids don’t have to start from scratch. We’re doing it to say: we deserve to thrive, not just survive.
Check out my Latinas in Finance Spotify Playlist for more.
FAQs
Q1: I’m undocumented. Can I still invest?
Yes! With an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer ID Number), you can open brokerage accounts, start an LLC, and even buy property.
Q2: I live paycheck to paycheck. Where do I start?
Start small. Even saving $10 a week builds a habit. Cut one expense, redirect that money to your emergency fund or investments.
Q3: Isn’t investing risky?
So is staying broke. Risk is real, but so is inflation. Learn the game and start small. The earlier you start, the more time your money has to grow.
Q4: How can I invest if I have bad credit?
Credit isn’t needed for stocks, mutual funds, or a Roth IRA. For real estate, you can use FHA loans or partner with someone.
