Car Breakdown Leads to Happier Life

“Who knew a car repair would change my life?” Tamera asked this question when we interviewed her about her recent completion of our Extra Mile money management program. She reached out to us when she could not afford an expensive repair and eagerly accepted our invitation for financial coaching to help her avoid being in this situation again.

“I have just been overjoyed and crying and just blessed ever since I got linked up with Love Columbia," Tamera said. "In the first Extra Mile meeting, they told me that we're going to work out what I'm doing right and wrong with my finances and then help me get on track with my life. This way I don't have another anxiety attack and give up. But that's what I have been doing for years. I just got used to struggling, and making ends meet, and raising my three kids by myself. When I met my coach Julie, she had this glow, and I felt comfortable talking to her. I didn't know how to look at my money. I needed training, and it was tough at first because I had to decide what to eliminate from my budget. I learned I wasn't as broke as I thought I was. Now when I get paid, I'm okay. I don't have an anxiety attack because I'm paying bills on time instead of waiting on a disconnect notice. I’ve also quit over drafting my bank account. My credit score has gone up 100 points. My coach Julie and I have become great friends. We do hard things with my budget and then take time to laugh and talk. I have so much more peace and my kids say they have noticed a big difference.”

We asked Tamera if she had any suggestions for improving the Extra Mile program, “It needs to be longer than 16 weeks," she said. "I’m just getting started making changes so Julie and I are going to keep meeting.”