Grace came into the office feeling discouraged and overwhelmed by her finances. She was stuck in a job she did not enjoy, constantly stressed about managing her money, and struggling to pay off over $24,000 in debt. She also had past-due taxes, which only added to the pressure she was already feeling. Each month felt like an uphill battle, and the weight of her financial situation was affecting her confidence and peace of mind. 

When Grace joined the Family Financial Transformations Program (FFT), everything began to change. Eager to take control of her financial future, she enrolled in the program, which offered education on budgeting, debt management, taxes, savings, spending habits and more. Through the program, she learned how to budget effectively, improve her spending habits and take a strategic approach to managing her debt. 

One of the biggest challenges Grace faced was her past-due taxes. Though the case manager did not directly assist with setting up a payment plan, she encouraged Grace to take the important step of contacting the IRS. With guidance from the program and her own determination, Grace was able to navigate the process of setting up a payment plan with the IRS on her own. This gave her significant relief, as she was no longer weighed down by the looming tax debt. 

As Grace continued to apply the lessons she learned, she used the “snowball” method to tackle her debts, starting with the smallest balances first. It was not always easy, but over time, her efforts paid off. In just six months, she reduced her debt from over $24,000 to $8,698, giving her a sense of accomplishment and newfound confidence. 

In addition to her financial progress, Grace found a new job that she loved. The position was not only more fulfilling, it also offered a significant pay increase, further improving her financial stability. With Grace’s growing knowledge of how to budget and manage money, she felt more secure and optimistic about her future. 

Today, she is in a much stronger place financially. Grace has learned how to budget, save and manage her money with ease. Her spending habits have shifted, and she feels more in control of her financial future.