Podcast: Download (Duration: 50:55 — 40.8MB)
Subscribe: Spotify | Pandora | TuneIn | Deezer | RSS
Meet Frankie: a financial coach for Ent Credit Union, one of GreenPath’s partners in Colorado. She has expertise in helping others manage their money—and was financially self-reliant from a young age—but it’s often harder to see ourselves as clearly as we see others.
Frankie’s “Aha moment” came during a conversation with a GreenPath counselor, during which she gained a new perspective on the money dynamics in her marriage; she recognized that if she stayed with her husband, she would continue to endure financial abuse.
Frankie made the courageous decision to end her marriage and focus on creating a financially healthy life for herself. Today, she strives to impart her wisdom to her son, her credit union members, and our listeners.
Key Moments
2:46 Frankie talks about growing up, the loss of her parents, and how she had to be financially self-reliant from a young age.
7:28 She recounts meeting her husband through work and shares the early trepidations she had about joint money management.
9:27 She discusses the financial red flags that appeared in her relationship over time.
11:27 She recounts struggling with their mortgage and eventually losing their home, an event she considers the darkest period of her financial life.
14:28 She and her husband move to Colorado for a fresh start.
16:56 Her new career at Ent Credit Union gives her deeper insight into her personal life and marital finances.
18:37 She describes the pivotal session with a GreenPath counselor that gave her a new perspective on the problematic financial dynamics of her marriage.
23:26 Frankie makes a major change to her housing situation to help balance her budget.
26:10 She speaks about the financial impact of her divorce and the importance of having protected her credit.
29:30 Frankie discusses her goals of retiring, living a simpler life, and focusing on her son.
32:46 She describes the non-judgmental support and safety that GreenPath provides to the members she works with.
37:08 She shares what she’s learned regarding financial abuse.
43:09 Our co-hosts reflect on themes from Frankie’s story.
Chris Dlugozima
Chris is a Learning Experience Designer at GreenPath Financial Wellness, where he’s been since the beginning of the millennium. Using creativity and a sense of humor, he provides people with the tools and knowledge to navigate their lives when it comes to their money.
Stream Anywhere
- Real$tories: for more episodes!
- LearningLab: Free Financial Courses
- Share your story with us! Are/Were you a GreenPath client? We’d love to hear your journey to be debt free.
- Take this quick survey and let us know your thoughts.
- Visit Real Stories podcast for more
- Take this quick survey and let us know your thoughts.
Music by Hir-O
GreenPath is a non-profit credit counseling organization. GreenPath’s goal is to offer guidance and support to individuals seeking to manage and overcome financial challenges through education, financial counseling and debt management programs. The information provided is for educational purposes only. Consulting with a licensed financial advisor and tax advisor is recommended before making any major financial decisions. GreenPath is not a debt settlement company, credit repair company, credit repair service, nor does GreenPath provide debt consolidation loans. By using this website, you acknowledge and agree that GreenPath is not responsible for any financial decisions you make based on the information provided on this site.