Viviana, propelled by loss, has developed a patience to survive. Coming to America as an immigrant child without parents, she built a family of her own, but was left alone after their tragic death. Kathleen's life has been without ambition and hampered by the selfishness of others, leading to self-doubt. She came to America as a young woman to be a nanny and finds work sewing, just to subsist.

Viviana shares stories about her clients—a daughter showing her father she can take over the family publishing business, a young woman who through her relationship with a thief learns about her own ability to choose, and a woman haunted by the death of her transgender twin. Each story sparks a conversation on how Viviana and Kathleen can take control of their own lives.

Viviana tries to stay positive and nurtured through her stories; while Kathleen struggles to maintain a living, and is confronted with a decision to return to Ireland and her family.

More Than Making Ends Meet displays camaraderie and comfort during Viviana's and Kathleen's weekly meetings on a park bench as they commiserate about their jobs as a cleaning lady and a seamstress.