FinFe$T 2025: How Newark’s Premier Financial Literacy Festival Is Empowering Families, Youth, and Communities

By Kendra Hall

NEWARK, NJ — On Saturday, April 26th, the dfree® Financial Freedom Movement will host its largest-ever FinFe$T event at the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) Campus Center, bringing together finance, wellness, and youth education under one powerful theme: “Wealth Protected by Health.”

The annual event—free and open to the public—is designed to provide practical financial tools and health services for families, entrepreneurs, and students. In its sixth year, FinFe$T has grown into one of New Jersey’s most dynamic gatherings for community development and generational empowerment.

“It’s not just about money,” says founder Dr. DeForest B. Soaries Jr. “It’s about changing lives at every level.”

A Mission Rooted in Economic Freedom

Created by Dr. Soaries, the dfree® Movement began in 2005 to address the deep financial inequities facing Black communities. Today, it serves as a national model for how churches, schools, and neighborhoods can partner to teach wealth-building, debt reduction, and long-term planning.

FinFe$T is the movement’s flagship event—bringing together resources, education, and inspiration in one place. This year’s event is produced in partnership with RWJBarnabas Health, Prudential Financial, Newark City Council President C. Lawrence Crump, NJIT, and the North Jersey Chapter of Jack and Jill Inc.

Workshops, Panels, and Real-World Solutions

FinFe$T 2025 will feature a full lineup of speakers and sessions focused on navigating financial instability, building generational wealth, and protecting both physical and financial health.

Panels will include experts from the worlds of finance, policy, education, and wellness, covering topics like:

• How to build financial resilience during uncertain times

• Debt elimination strategies

• Insurance, investing, and estate planning

• Budgeting for families and small businesses

Among the special guests is Tiffany “The Budgetnista” Aliche, a NY Times bestselling author and one of the nation’s leading personal finance educators. She will be interviewed by Sylvia K. Alston in a featured conversation titled “How to Build a Solid Foundation in Shaky Times.”

Health Meets Wealth

This year’s FinFe$T underscores the powerful connection between financial security and physical wellness. RWJBarnabas Health will offer more than 10 free health screenings on-site, including dental, vision, and cardiovascular checks.

Key health presentations include:

• Dr. Omar Bey of Newark Beth Israel Medical Center — “Improving Health in the Black Community”

• Dr. Thomas R. Ortiz of Clara Maass Medical Center — “Diabetes and Latino Health”

“We can’t talk about building wealth if our bodies are breaking down,” said a spokesperson for RWJBarnabas. “Health equity is foundational to financial empowerment.”

A Youth Experience with Legacy in Mind

One of FinFe$T’s defining features is its robust youth programming. Students in grades K–12 will have access to age-appropriate financial literacy workshops, interactive games, and self-care sessions on the Youth Stage, hosted by Adrianna Lee (aka “Little Miss Jersey”) of We Are Jersey Magazine.

Featured youth speaker Isiah Stewart, teen entrepreneur and author of Money Moves: The Official Wealth Code for Teens, will inspire young minds with practical tools for financial success.

“Teaching our children to build wealth is how we build a legacy,” said Chelse Jackson, Program Director at Jack and Jill Inc.

Why FinFe$T Matters

FinFe$T continues to fill a critical gap in community access to financial tools and wellness care—particularly for Black and Latino families. From startup coaching to insurance education to investing basics, attendees leave with more than inspiration—they leave with a plan.

“dfree® is more than a brand,” said Dr. Soaries. “It’s a movement toward true freedom.”

How to Attend

FinFe$T 2025 will run from 9 AM to 3 PM at the NJIT Campus Center in Newark. Registration is free, and attendees will enjoy complimentary breakfast and lunch.

Event Details:

• Date: Saturday, April 26, 2025

• Location: NJIT Campus Center, University Heights, Newark, NJ

• Register: https://c212.net/c/link/?t=0&l=en&o=4390479-1&h=221252300&u=https%3A%2F%2Fdfree.com%2Ffinfest%2F&a=Register+HERE

About dfree®:

The dfree® Financial Freedom Movement, founded by Dr. DeForest B. Soaries Jr., provides accessible tools to help individuals eliminate debt, build assets, and live financially free. With roots in faith and community organizing, dfree® is a national force for financial justice and wellness.