Why Money Habits Start Inside
For many people leaving prison, finances are one of the biggest stressors. Bills, fees, job changes, housing deposits; it adds up quickly. That’s why PEP teaches financial literacy while participants are still inside.
They don’t wait for release to start learning. They begin now.
Budgeting Without a Paycheck? Yes.
Even with limited income, participants learn how to create a budget. The process of tracking spending, prioritizing needs, and understanding trade-offs builds habits they’ll carry forward. It’s not about the dollar amount, it’s about the mindset.
And that mindset matters.
Tools for Real Life
PEP’s financial curriculum covers banking, credit, saving, and debt; but budgeting is foundational. Participants learn to make decisions, avoid emotional spending, and plan ahead. They also role-play real-life scenarios like planning for parole-related costs or starting a small business.
The goal is long-term stability, not short-term relief.
Final Thought:
You don’t need a paycheck to build discipline. PEP prepares men for life after prison by helping them master their money mindset now, not later.
