Tiffany “The Budgetnista” Aliche Headlines FinFe$T 2025 in Newark for Financial Literacy Month

By Kendra Hall

NEWARK, NJ — This April, Newark is making financial empowerment a family affair.

On Saturday, April 26, the dfree® Financial Freedom Movement will host FinFe$T 2025 at the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) Campus Center — a free, full-day event dedicated to equipping individuals and families with tools for financial wellness, entrepreneurship, and physical health.

This year’s theme: “Wealth Protected by Health.”

Now in its sixth year, FinFe$T is a signature event of the Dfree Global Foundation, the nonprofit founded by faith and finance leader Dr. DeForest B. Soaries, Jr. What began in 2005 as a small church-based financial curriculum has become a national movement for economic equity, education, and empowerment in underserved communities.

“We believe in holistic freedom,” Soaries says. “And that starts with health, wealth, and community.”

A Star-Studded Lineup Focused on Solutions

This year’s mainstage will feature Tiffany “The Budgetnista” Aliche, bestselling author, entrepreneur, and widely regarded as “America’s favorite personal finance educator.” Known for her relatable, no-nonsense money advice, Aliche will be interviewed by communications leader Sylvia K. Alston in a featured conversation titled “How to Build a Solid Foundation in Shaky Times” — sponsored by Momentum Risk Management and Bethany Baptist Church.

FinFe$T is produced in partnership with RWJBarnabas Health, Prudential Financial, Newark City Council President C. Lawrence Crump, and The North Jersey Chapter of Jack and Jill Inc.

A Wellness Approach to Wealth

Recognizing the deep link between physical and financial health, this year’s event puts a spotlight on preventative care. RWJBarnabas Health will offer more than 10 free health screenings, including:

• Dental check-ups

• Vision exams

• Cardiovascular screenings

Medical professionals will also take the stage, including:

• Dr. Omar Bey, Newark Beth Israel Medical Center — “Improving Health in the Black Community: Educating a Medically Underserved Population”

• Dr. Thomas R. Ortiz, Clara Maass Medical Center — “Let’s Talk About Diabetes and Latino Health”

“You can’t protect your wealth if you’re neglecting your health,” said a spokesperson from RWJBarnabas.

Youth Programming Centered on Generational Wealth

FinFe$T isn’t just for adults — it’s designed for the whole family.

Youth programming, hosted by Adrianna Lee (aka “Little Miss Jersey”) from We Are Jersey Magazine, will feature engaging, age-appropriate sessions for students in grades K–12, including:

• Financial literacy workshops

• Self-care sessions

• Games and giveaways

• Introduction to investing

Teen entrepreneur and author Isiah Stewart, whose book Money Moves: The Official Wealth Code for Teens has gained national attention, will serve as a featured youth speaker.

“Teaching our children how to build wealth is creating a legacy,” said Chelse Jackson, Program Director for Jack and Jill Inc.’s North Jersey Chapter.

More Than an Event — A Movement

Founded by Dr. Soaries in 2005, the dfree® Movement offers more than just workshops. It’s a comprehensive approach to ending generational poverty and closing the racial wealth gap through education, mentorship, and access. It gained national visibility after being featured in a CNN documentary and continues to evolve through digital tools, national partnerships, and community events like FinFe$T.

“dfree® is more than a curriculum,” said Soaries. “It’s a beacon of hope.”

Community-Focused, Industry-Informed

With sponsors like Prudential Financial providing one-on-one financial coaching and workshops on insurance, investing, and debt elimination, the event also equips attendees with real-world strategies from industry leaders committed to financial equity and long-term economic mobility.

Join the Movement

FinFe$T 2025 is free and open to the public, with light breakfast and lunch provided. The event runs from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM and includes interactive exhibits, breakout sessions, and expert Q&A opportunities.

Location:

NJIT Campus Center

University Heights, Newark, NJ

Register here: https://whova.com/portal/registration/40QCyJ7qjgT--F2oKEos/?utm_source=website&utm_medium=button_link&utm_campaign=FF25&utm_term=landingpage&utm_content=register_now

More Info: www.dfreefoundation.org

Media Contact:

Desiree Peterkin Bell

DPBell & Associates

[email protected]

646-489-1620