We’re working to ensure equal access to the U.S. financial system for immigrants
In 2025, we helped 76 immigrants learn to budget, save, and invest. 84% of students have funded a high-yield savings or investment account by the end of the program.
To measure our impact, we surveyed 55 students before and after the course. On a 5-point scale, each rated their financial confidence and level of financial stress.
Why we exist
No one chooses to keep cash under a mattress. They keep it there because it seems like the best option. For immigrants, with no credit history and no one to guide them, navigating the U.S. financial system is hard, and trusting it is even harder.
The U.S. has an immigrant population of 52.4 million, the largest in the world. But most immigrants have to figure out money on their own, without knowing what kinds of assets are legal to invest in with their visa.
Out of the Mattress was built to change that. We give immigrants the tools, and community to move their money from the sidelines to the financial system.
Our founder’s story
Larissa Gomes is a Certified Financial Educator and the founder of Out of the Mattress. Previously, she worked at Bloomberg on the Terminal software used by finance pros worldwide, and at WGSN, a global consumer trend forecaster.
When she gained access to a financial advisor at Bloomberg, Larissa dove into personal finance education. But none of it addressed immigrants’ realities, like sending money home or retiring abroad. After seeing her friends give up on existing courses, she got the itch to develop her own and make it available to immigrants everywhere.
Help an immigrant family secure their financial future
For every $300 you contribute, one household learns to eliminate predatory fees, manage money, and start investing, creating ripple effects that strengthen entire communities.
Donate Now