Member Stories

Retired, but still figuring it out

Tasha retired earlier than expected and now navigates a smaller fixed income while planning not just for herself, but for her husband’s future as well.

Building retirement savings between emergencies

At 28, Carla is saving aggressively for retirement while navigating a life where one unexpected expense can erase months of progress.

Retirement planning’s missing middle

After years of doing everything “right,” Sara finds herself in retirement’s missing middle: prepared, responsible, and still unsure what comes next.

The cost of a degree: Mahiyat on sacrifice, side hustles, and hope

Mahiyat grew up knowing college was “what comes next.” What she didn’t know—what no one around her knew—was how the American financial aid system really worked.

A Texas mom on responsibility, resilience, and the power bills that test her every month

Waverly knows what it means to make things work. She’s thoughtful with her budget, steady in her job, and focused on giving her son the stability he deserves. But every month, the electric bill threatens to undo that careful balance.

Building a new life from the ground up

Princess is a single mother with limited family support who has worked tirelessly to climb out of debt while managing a tight budget to provide for her daughters.

Persistence, progress, and the power of small steps

David has faced significant personal challenges—including health issues, addiction, and debt—but through resilience and a determination to navigate the system, he has transformed his life.

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