Episode 5: Michele – Feeling Optimistic in a Time of Challenge

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Mortgage Payment Became Unaffordable

Michele faced hardships from many different angles.  Her mortgage payment became unaffordable after her initial payment skyrocketed.  Her husband lost his job.  She subsequently got a divorce, lost the home and filed bankruptcy.  She continued to struggle to keep up with her household expenses after a consolidation loan only provided a temporary fix.  She finally opened up to a friend about how it felt to be unable to afford Christmas gifts for her children.

Key Moments

0:36 Michele provides an update on how she is coping with income loss and a totaled car in the midst of the pandemic.

12:54 Michele discusses how her mortgage became unaffordable and how she ultimately lost her home.

23:54 Michele shares about how it felt to file bankruptcy after her divorce.

29:46 Michele takes out a consolidation loan, but quickly realizes it’s not a long term solution.

32:22 Michele confides to a friend how it felt to not be able to afford Christmas gifts for her children.

36:14 A call from her daughter’s coach causes Michele to reach her breaking point.

37:52 Michele describes her initial call to GreenPath as “hitting the lottery.”

47:50 She’s now encouraging others to reach out to GreenPath for support.

56:59 Michele explains how her entire mindset around finances has changed.

1:03:34 Our co-hosts reflect on Michele’s story and what all of us can learn from it.