Get help with your finances from someone who knows what it feels like to renew a visa
Out of the Mattress is a financial education nonprofit. In 2025, 76 immigrants finished our program one-on-one with Larissa. Our private sessions give you the confidence to make the moves you’ve been putting off for years.
Book a sessionPay what you can, starting at $100/hour.
Learn the hidden rules about money that no one told you when you arrived in the U.S.
Whether you’re trying to budget without a steady paycheck, save for emergencies while sending money home, or plan for retirement in your home country, our founder Larissa Gomes will teach you how it works.
Make a plan to get rid of expensive debt
We’ll go through what you owe, work out what to pay down first, and make sure you pay the lowest interest while you do it.
Build a 6-month emergency fund
We’ll figure out what it costs to be you, then start from what’s actually left over and set a number you can keep up.
Open your first retirement account
We’ll go through what your employer offers, pick the account, and open it on the call, so it’s done before you leave.
Meet your instructor, Larissa Gomes
Larissa moved from Brazil to New York in 2012. When her first job offered a 401(k) match, she didn’t take it, because no one had explained what a 401(k) was. It wasn’t until she joined Bloomberg, which gave her a free financial coach, that she learned what missing out on 5 years of compounding had cost.
Once she learned how the U.S. financial system worked, she had to pass it on. Out of the Mattress is the organization Larissa needed when she arrived. She teaches one-on-one sessions, cohorts, and workshops to immigrants across the United States.
What participants say
Hear from graduates of our program’s first year.
“Before the program, I really didn’t think I was going to be able to retire in the US. But the program made me realize I’m actually doing well. I’m on track for retirement. That was a huge, positive surprise.”
Mayne, graduated January 2026
“There are a lot of resources available, but it’s hard to know which ones you can trust, because a lot of people would love to make money off of you, especially if you’re an immigrant and don’t know how things work. So it was useful to know I can trust the sources I’m given.”
Tatiana, from Russia
“I genuinely find it fun every week to go over my numbers. It feels like they’re part of me, and it’s something I look forward to. Every Monday I go over all my accounts and my budget and see how much I’m on track.”
Giorgia, from Italy
Frequently asked questions
Will you try to sell me financial products?
No. We do not recommend a specific bank, fund, or product, we do not manage money, and we earn no commission on anything you do afterwards. This is general financial education, not individualized financial, investment, legal, or tax advice, and it creates no advisor relationship.
Why do these sessions cost $100 if your program is free?
Our free program is group lessons. For one-on-one coaching, $100 is our cost for Larissa’s time. Anything you pay above that goes to fund someone who cannot pay.
What if I need to move or cancel?
Cancel or reschedule up to 24 hours before your session and you get a full refund or a new time. Inside 24 hours, or if you do not show up, we do not refund it, though we may make an exception for emergencies at our discretion.
Is what I share with you private?
Yes. What you share in coaching sessions stays private. We do not share it outside our organization, except where the law requires it.
What language is the session in?
Larissa offers sessions in English and Portuguese.
Can I book more than one?
Yes. Each session is booked and paid for separately.
Is my payment tax-deductible?
The first $100 is not, because it pays for a service. Anything above $100 is a charitable contribution to the extent the law allows, and we send you the receipt for it.