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

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.