Lisa, a single mother of three, attended True North Financial Ministry’s six-week Money Academy in January 2013. She had been employed as a social worker until her position was eliminated, and she was receiving unemployment benefits.

Lisa was living paycheck to paycheck, had very little savings, and owed over $60k in student loans and credit card debt. Her situation was so dire that during the course, her electricity was disconnected and True North staff had to work with Lisa and PNM to resolve the issue. Since completing the course, Lisa has become very organized with her budget, cutting out her “wants” and focusing her resources on her “needs.” She uses the “Cash Envelope System” she learned in class to prevent overspending.

She meets with TNFM’s Director frequently to ensure that she is staying on track, and when she finds a new job, she has a plan in place to pay off debt and increase her savings. Lisa says, “This course has opened my eyes and given me hope…it’s not going to be easy but I know I can do it.”