Levi’s and BlackRock Stitch a Deal for Workers

Denim Meets Dollars

Levi’s (LEVI), the classic denim powerhouse, has taken a big step to strengthen its existing employee assistance program.

The company has been fostering emergency savings for workers since 2015 through the Red Tab Foundation, a fund used to bolster the financial resilience of both employees and retirees. But it recently teamed up with the BlackRock (BLK) Emergency Savings Initiative, a move that enabled Levi’s to create a more targeted approach to improving the financial well-being of its personnel.

The alliance has already helped Levi’s program attract an additional 1,250 participants, with a combined $1.2 million saved.

BlackRock Building Blocks

The BlackRock Emergency Savings Initiative is a $50 million philanthropic commitment to empower workers to build robust financial cushions. The program recently met a major milestone, accumulating over $2 billion in net new savings — a testament to the transformative power of planned saving.

The success of BlackRock’s program hinges on its collaborative and comprehensive approach. By partnering with employers, non-profit organizations, and financial institutions, the initiative extends its reach, enabling a wider demographic to benefit from its programs.

This strategy has borne some serious fruit. Over 10 million participants are reportedly financially stronger due to their involvement in the initiative.

Pandemic Patching

The pandemic revealed the precarious financial status of many American workers, underlining the critical need for emergency savings. Fortunately, an increasing number of companies are rallying to bolster their employees’ savings in response, with financial service companies such as SecureSave and Millennium Trust launching their own initiatives as well.

This shift underlines the crucial role of emergency savings in today’s economic climate. Escalating inflation and interest rates remain powerful headwinds. An emergency fund can be looked at as a self-funded insurance policy, saving workers from the need to dig into retirement funds during financial emergencies.

And the trend appears poised to continue. Recent retirement legislation requires employers to automatically enroll workers in emergency savings accounts. Despite current economic headwinds, the forecast for employees’ financial futures could be clearer skies ahead.

Looking for more stories like this? Check out On the Money — SoFi’s one-stop-shop for news, trends, and tips!

Check it out

Please understand that this information provided is general in nature and shouldn’t be construed as a recommendation or solicitation of any products offered by SoFi’s affiliates and subsidiaries. In addition, this information is by no means meant to provide investment or financial advice, nor is it intended to serve as the basis for any investment decision or recommendation to buy or sell any asset. Keep in mind that investing involves risk, and past performance of an asset never guarantees future results or returns. It’s important for investors to consider their specific financial needs, goals, and risk profile before making an investment decision.
The information and analysis provided through hyperlinks to third party websites, while believed to be accurate, cannot be guaranteed by SoFi. These links are provided for informational purposes and should not be viewed as an endorsement. No brands or products mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this content.
Communication of SoFi Wealth LLC an SEC Registered Investment Advisor
SoFi isn’t recommending and is not affiliated with the brands or companies displayed. Brands displayed neither endorse or sponsor this article. Third party trademarks and service marks referenced are property of their respective owners.
SOSS23061501