At our recent Your Two Cents event with Inspiring Women, held on the 18th floor in the Godfrey & Kahn office, the stunning view of Lake Michigan stretches out to the horizon. The scene is a perfect metaphor for the mission of our Money Coach program; to open new horizons for teens, guiding them towards a future of financial empowerment and success.
Alumnae from the Money Coach program shared their transformative experiences with women business leaders in our community, illustrating how the program reshaped their relationship with money. A recurring theme emerged from the alumnae’s stories: empowerment through financial education. These young women transitioned from financial uncertainty to confidence and control over their finances, thanks to Money Coach.
Marianna Taylor: A Journey of Conscious Spending
Marianna emphasized how Money Coach guided her to save and spend more responsibly. “I wanted to learn how to save my money better and spend more responsibly, so I can be more conscious of my actions,” Marianna shared. The program’s lessons on investing and budgeting left a lasting impact on her, shaping her financial habits for the future.
Mariah Jones: Preparing for Independence
Mariah highlighted the program’s role in preparing her for college life. “I knew I was going to be a college student and needed to be financially responsible,” she said. Her mentor, Michelle, provided invaluable support, helping Mariah navigate student loans, taxes, and credit building. As a Resident Assistant at the University of Houston, Mariah now shares her knowledge with her residents hosting financial workshops to pass on what she learned. “I want to make sure that I’m making an impact on their lives.”
Karena Clark: From Passive to Proactive
Karena described her shift from a passive to a proactive approach to money. “My parents gave me a card with a limit, and when it ran out, they put more money on it,” she explained. Money Coach taught her to budget and manage her finances independently. “I wanted to be able to know that after I graduated high school I’d be able to handle my own money and that’s what Money Coach did for me.”
Anne Her: Gaining Financial Capability
Anne, a recent graduate from Riverside University High School, joined Money Coach in spring 2024 to prepare for college in the fall. “The reason I joined Money Coach was to be financially literate. I’m spending a lot on dorm supplies right now and I knew I needed help learning about credit and opening a credit card,” she said. The program not only equipped her with the knowledge to save effectively, manage her expenses, and set financial goals, but it also helped her get an internship. “Without my Money Coach, I never would have gotten my internship at CLA.”
Julissa Quevedo: Overcoming Financial Uncertainty
Julissa grew up with little financial guidance. “I come from an immigrant family and my parents didn’t even graduate high school. I grew up not knowing how to save, where to get a credit card, or even how to open a checking account,” she admitted. Money Coach provided the foundational knowledge she needed, leading to an internship at Baird. “The Money Coaches acted like my money parents,” Julissa said, emphasizing the program’s critical role in her financial development.
Moethu Hsar: Building Financial Security
Moethu’s key takeaway from the Money Coach program was the importance of paying herself first and maintaining emergency funds. “I joined the Money Coach program because I wanted to learn how to become financially literate. I would like to say thank you so much to the donors, without them, we would not be here today,” she expressed. Moethu’s journey from financial uncertainty to security underscores the program’s impact. “I recommend Money Coach to other students because they can learn about budgeting, saving, and having a good relationship with money like I did.”
Kaihmira Muhammad: Becoming Financially Responsible
Kaihmira candidly shared her transformation from being irresponsible with money to learning effective budgeting and saving techniques. “Before, I was really irresponsible with my money because when I would get money, I would just spend my whole paycheck on stuff that I don’t even remember buying,” she admitted. Money Coach showed her how to budget and save while still enjoying her money. “I felt like if I saved my money, I couldn’t enjoy it. The Money Coaches taught me I can do both.” Kaihmira emphasized the program’s value, saying, “Everybody should have the opportunity to take the Money Coach program because some people might not know how to save or how to open a bank account or even what a bank account is.”
The Power of Mentorship
The alumnae highlighted the importance of their one-on-one mentors in their financial journeys. Marianna praised her mentor, Tim, for his consistent support during the pandemic despite the challenges of virtual one-on-one sessions. “Even though we faced that barrier, he always made sure to make it feel like we were in person and that I was actively engaged.”
Mariah appreciated her mentor Michelle’s empowering guidance, which inspired her to impact others similarly. “Michelle always spoke life into me, and it was very empowering. She made me think, I want to be that for someone else.”
Karena credited her mentor Kristen for her ongoing assistance and encouragement. “I always had Kristen’s number and she always made sure to get back to me right away and answer any questions I had. I am very grateful for my mentor. She’s been very good to me.”
SecureFutures’ Money Coach program stands as a testament to the transformative power of financial education. By equipping teens and young adults with the knowledge and tools to manage their finances, the program empowers them to navigate life’s financial challenges confidently. The Your Two Cents event not only celebrated these achievements but also reinforced the importance of continued support and mentorship in fostering financial capability and independence. For more information about the Money Coach program visit our website. If you’re interested in becoming a Money Coach and transforming lives, complete the volunteer interest form.
