Destigmatizing Conversations About Money Through the Power of Storytelling
In 2025, Principal® Foundation commissioned a national survey of 3,000 Gen Z and Millennial adults in the U.S., revealing persistent gender gaps in money confidence and access to financial tools and resources. Only 38% of women reported feeling confident talking about money compared to 56% of men, and nearly half said they feared being judged for their money habits or income levels. These findings underscored the importance of open and honest conversations about money—because when we talk about finances, we can break down barriers and help people move toward their financial goals.
To address this, Principal® Foundation launched Money Chronicles: A Story Initiative, a national short story contest that uses the power of storytelling to help destigmatize and encourage conversations about money and personal finances in 2023. Now in its third year, the initiative continues to spark open and honest conversations about money through storytelling to build financial confidence.
The initiative kicked off in August 2023, in collaboration with The Center for Fiction and Short Édition, inviting individuals to submit fictional or creative nonfiction short stories that reflect lived experiences with money. In 2024, Principal Foundation teamed up with We Are Teachers to help bring these stories into classrooms across the United States, providing educators with free resources to teach financial literacy through storytelling and inspire students to share their own experiences. This year, the initiative expanded its reach through a new collaboration with the Times Square Alliance, bringing Money Chronicles stories to one of the world’s most visible public spaces.
The response to the 2024 edition was remarkable. Hundreds of writers from across the country submitted stories capturing the emotional and practical realities of money—how it influences relationships, aspirations, and identities. From an exploration of social status to the challenges of homeownership, these stories brought shared financial experiences out of the shadows.
To date, more than 38 writers have been recognized for their short stories through Money Chronicles. In 2024, a panel of esteemed judges selected These Dark Woods by Genevieve Abravanel as the winning story of the contest. In addition to the winner, 19 finalists were chosen for their compelling storytelling and unique perspectives on money. These stories are available on the Short Édition website and can be found in Principal Foundation’s Short Story Dispensers located at the Times Square Alliance in New York, N.Y.; Charlotte Mecklenburg Library in Charlotte, N.C.; Elliott Bay Book Company in Seattle, WA.; Prairie Lights in Iowa City, IA.; and Politics & Prose bookstore in Washington, D.C.
By sharing financial experiences through storytelling, Money Chronicles: A Story Initiative continues to break down financial barriers, encourage money conversations and empower individuals to take control of their financial futures.
Explore last year’s winning and finalist stories here: Finalists & Winner - Principal - Foundation - Short Édition.
Stay tuned for the announcement of this year’s winners and finalists in January 2026.
