Matt Paradise

​Working with organizations to reduce financial stress

so their people can perform at their best

 

Financial stress isn’t a personal burden. It’s a workforce performance problem.

It shows up as employee distraction, burnout, and turnover, problems which are signs of a critical issue that reduces profit and raises costs.

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Why this matters to you​

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Today's leaders encounter an engagement and retention challenge that requires more than superficial solutions. Traditional wellbeing programs overlook a root cause that affects performance every day: financial strain.

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When employees are financially stressed:

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• Productivity declines

• Absenteeism rises

• Engagement weakens

• Turnover increases

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Solving these problems requires more than inspiration, it requires clarity, strategy, and actionable tools that work in real life.

 

Who I work with​

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I partner with:

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• Healthcare systems and clinical organizations

• HR, Benefits, and People Operations leaders

• Executive teams focused on workforce performance

• Conferences and events seeking measurable impact

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Whether you’re hosting a leadership summit, building a wellbeing initiative, or aiming to reduce burnout and turnover, I deliver keynotes and programs that connect with your business goals and organizational outcomes.

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What makes my work different

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Strategic, Not Just Motivational

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My approach combines:

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• Research-backed frameworks

• Real-world application

• Lived experience that resonates

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My work involves more than just raising awareness; I provide leaders and teams with usable tools to decrease financial strain and enhance performance in measurable ways.

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This work isn’t theory, it’s built for organizations that care about results, priorities, and ROI.

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Results organizations value

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Leaders who bring me in see:

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• Stronger engagement and focus

• Improved resilience under stress

• Lower preventable healthcare costs

• More stable retention and workforce wellbeing

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When employees feel financially capable and supported, they show up with greater clarity, purpose, and performance.

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CREDENTIALS & EXPERIENCE

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I draw on over 20 years of experience helping organizations and individuals understand and overcome financial stress. Key roles and accomplishments include:

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• Author of the 7-time award-winning book Financially Capable: A Friendly Guide to Building Whole-Health Wealth

• Former Head of Financial Education, and current Board Director at American Consumer Credit Counseling, contributing to programs recognized by Forbes as among the top in the U.S.

• Professional Speaker and consultant for institutions including Harvard University, Massachusetts State Treasury, Fidelity Investments, the Federal Reserve Bank, FDIC, and top healthcare systems

• Certified and accredited in financial education, including AFCPE® and CEPF® credentials

• Developer of the Whole-Health Wealth® framework, blending research with practical behavior change strategies

 

A story that builds trust​

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I’ve lived the challenges I teach about, from becoming homeless as a teenager to navigating financial recovery and building a stable, fulfilling life. As a Cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct cancer) Warrior and adoptive dad, resilience isn't a catchphrase, it's a way of life. That lived experience informs everything I do. I don’t just talk about capability, I’ve walked through it.

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This authenticity strengthens my message and helps audiences connect while still delivering the performance outcomes organizations seek.

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Ready to talk about impact?

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If you’re looking for a speaker and strategist who:

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• Addresses a real, measurable workplace issue

• Speaks to both heart and results

• Helps leaders take action, not just feel inspired

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Then let’s explore how we can create meaningful change for your workforce.​​​​​​