Hey there, Family ReBuild community!

If you missed our recent live session, you missed a powerhouse of information. But don’t worry: we’ve got your back. We recently sat down with the incredible Stephania Monnay for a deep dive into something that affects every single one of us, especially when life throws a curveball: financial control.

When we first introduced this session in our previous post, we knew it was going to be impactful. But honestly? Stephania blew us away. Dealing with displacement or sudden life changes is stressful enough without the added weight of financial uncertainty. Our mission here at Family ReBuild of New Jersey is all about helping you find your footing again, and a huge part of that is regaining your power through financial literacy.

Who is Stephania Monnay?

Before we get into the "how-to," let’s talk about the "who." We were so honored to have Stephania share her expertise with us. She isn’t just anyone talking about money; she is a VP Financial Center Manager, a Consumer and Small Business Lender, and a Certified Empower Business Advocate.

Stephania brings a unique blend of professional high-level banking knowledge and a genuine heart for the community. She understands that behind every bank account and credit score is a real person with a real story. Her approach is friendly, approachable, and: most importantly: judgement-free. She spent the session breaking down complex financial concepts into steps that we can all take today to start feeling more secure.

The Mental Shift: Moving from Survival to Strategy

One of the biggest takeaways from the session was the importance of the mental shift. When you are facing displacement, your brain often goes into "survival mode." You’re thinking about the next meal, the next night’s sleep, and the next immediate bill.

Stephania encouraged us to take a breath and try to move toward "strategy mode." It’s hard to think about the future when the present feels shaky, but taking control of your numbers is actually one of the fastest ways to lower your stress levels. Knowledge is power, and knowing exactly where you stand financially gives you a foundation to build on.

1. Creating Your "Displacement Budget"

The first practical step Stephania discussed was the idea of a "Crisis" or "Displacement Budget." This isn't your normal, everyday budget. This is a lean, mean, focused plan designed to protect your four walls: food, utilities, shelter, and transportation.

During displacement, your income might change, or your expenses might skyrocket (like eating out more because you don't have a kitchen). Stephania suggested:

• Audit everything: Look at your bank statements from the last 30 days. Where is the money going?
• Cut the extras: Now is the time to pause those subscriptions and memberships you aren't using. Every bit counts.
• Prioritize: If you can’t pay everything, who gets paid first? Stephania walked us through how to prioritize payments to keep your essential services running and your credit as protected as possible.

2. Communication is Your Best Friend

A lot of people feel embarrassed when they can't make a payment, so they stop answering the phone. Stephania’s advice? Do the opposite.

As a lender, she gave us the "inside scoop." Banks and creditors actually have programs in place to help people going through hardships, but they can’t help you if they don't know what's happening.

• Call your bank.
• Call your credit card company.
• Tell them, "I am experiencing a temporary hardship due to displacement, and I want to stay on track. What programs do you have for me?"

You’d be surprised how many companies will offer a 30-day grace period, a lower interest rate, or a temporary payment plan just because you reached out and showed that you’re being proactive.

3. Protecting Your Credit for the Future

We know that when you're just trying to find a place to live, a credit score feels like the last thing on your mind. But Stephania reminded us that your credit score is your "financial reputation." When you're ready to sign a new lease or apply for a loan to get back on your feet, that score is going to be your ticket in the door.

She shared tips on how to keep your score from plummeting even when funds are tight. Even making the "minimum payment" is a win. If you can't make the minimum, refer back to step 2: call them! Protecting your credit now means your "rebuild" phase will be much smoother and faster.

4. Small Business & Side Hustle Resilience

Since Stephania is a Small Business Lender, she also touched on the entrepreneurs in our community. Many of the families we serve have side hustles or small businesses that get interrupted during displacement.

She encouraged everyone to keep their personal and business finances separate, even during a crisis. This makes it so much easier to apply for emergency grants or business loans later on. She also spoke about the importance of being a "Certified Empower Business Advocate" and how those resources can help minority-owned and small businesses find the capital they need to stay afloat.

Why This Matters to Family ReBuild

At Family ReBuild of New Jersey, we see you. We see your strength, your resilience, and your desire to provide a stable life for your loved ones. We aren't just here to provide a temporary fix; we want to see you thrive long-term.

Ananeika Gordon, our founder, always says that "rebuilding" isn't just about the physical space: it's about rebuilding the person. Financial control is a massive part of that dignity. When you know how to manage your money, you feel more confident and more in control of your destiny.

We are so grateful to experts like Stephania who volunteer their time to empower our community. It truly takes a village, and we are so proud to have her in ours.

Watch the Full Session

Words on a screen are great, but there is nothing like hearing Stephania’s energy and passion for yourself. She answered some really specific questions from our community members that might be exactly what you're wondering, too.

You can watch the full replay of the Master Your Money session on our Facebook page right here:
Watch the Master Your Money Replay

Make sure to grab a notebook and a pen before you hit play. There are so many "aha!" moments in this video!

Let's Celebrate Our Progress Together!

While we are working hard on our finances and our futures, we also need to take a moment to breathe and celebrate the community we are building together. We don't just want to talk about the "tough stuff": we want to celebrate the wins, the joy, and the family we've created here at Family ReBuild.

Our 2nd Annual Day Party is coming up fast on July 11, 2026, at Pierre's of South Brunswick! It’s going to be a day of music, food, and incredible vibes. This is our chance to come together, support the mission, and have some well-deserved fun.

Tickets are selling fast, and we want to see YOU there. Every ticket sold helps us continue providing programs like the "Master Your Money" series and direct support to families in transition.

Click here to get your Day Party tickets now!

Final Thoughts

Taking control of your money during displacement isn't easy, but it is possible. Remember, you don't have to do it alone. Reach out to us, watch the resources we provide, and don't be afraid to ask for help. We are in this together.

Stay strong, stay empowered, and we’ll see you at the Day Party!

With love and respect,

The Family ReBuild of New Jersey Team