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Our Final Blog

January 2, 2025 As we wrap up our Project Money experience, we want to take a moment to reflect on how far we’ve come—emotionally and financially—and share our journey. Whether you’re just starting to get serious about your money or looking for that breakthrough, we hope our story resonates with you.Before the Journey Began
When we first considered applying for Project Money, we were in a tough spot. We had tried all the usual advice—podcasts, books, vlogs—but nothing seemed to stick. It felt like every effort to fix our finances left us spinning in the same cycle.
We were buried under credit card debt and couldn’t figure out how to save for our long-term dreams. We felt defeated, like we’d never get ahead. But despite the hopelessness, something in us refused to give up. When we heard about Project Money, we were skeptical but intrigued.
The application process was a reality check. Listing all our debts for the first time made the weight of it undeniable. It was overwhelming to see everything in one place, yet it made us realize we couldn’t tackle this alone while still living the comfortable, fulfilled life we envisioned. So, we took a leap of faith and said, “What do we have to lose?”Finding Hope With a Coach
When we were paired with Mee, our financial coach, we were nervous. But Mee immediately made us feel seen, heard and supported. We grew up in a culture where money wasn’t always an open topic, so discussing our finances was a new kind of vulnerability.Mee helped us see our financial situation not as a failure but as a starting point. The first task? Build a sustainable, realistic budget. Not the kind of budget you abandon after two weeks, but one that fit our life and goals. It included everything—savings, household expenses, premiums and even those unexpected costs we usually forgot about.
With that foundation, we started organizing our debts. Listing them from smallest to largest gave us clarity. Once we paid off that first credit card, we felt a kind of relief we hadn’t known before. That feeling of progress—that taste of financial independence—lit a fire in us.The Transformation
Now, as our Project Money chapter comes to an end, we’re proud to say our financial journey is just beginning. We’ve paid off multiple credit cards, tackled other debts and mastered a budget that works for us. Even more importantly, we’ve changed our relationship with money.We’ve learned that financial health isn’t about deprivation—it’s about intention. We’ve found ways to live simply and still enjoy life. The peace of mind that comes with that is something we deeply value.
One of the unexpected joys of this journey has been sharing what we’ve learned. Talking openly about money with our family and friends—something we never used to do—has sparked meaningful conversations and empowered others to take control of their finances too.Moving Forward
Our financial work isn’t done, but now we have tools, habits and a mindset to keep building. Monthly budget meetings are a non-negotiable for us now. Daily tracking helps us stay accountable for every dollar. And credit cards? We use them with intention, not as a crutch.The journey has taught us that financial freedom is possible—even if it feels out of reach. It takes patience, effort, and sometimes, a little help. If you’re in a similar spot, know this: Change is within your grasp. Start small, stay consistent and give yourself grace along the way.We are forever grateful for this experience and hopeful for what’s next. For us, this isn’t just about money—it’s about creating a legacy of financial empowerment for our family and our community. You might also be interested in As we wrap up our Project Money experience, we want to take a moment to reflect on how far we’ve come—emotionally and financially—and share our journey... This past week, our family participated in a door and patio decorating contest hosted by our apartment management company. The grand prize? A $200 gift... Over the past year, my family has been making deliberate choices to save money and focus on our financial goals. One of those decisions recently involved... As we approach the end of our journey with the Project Money program, Cory and I (Je’Lisa) took some time to reflect on how we can apply the financial... Every now and then, life throws a financial curveball—in this case, it was a pleasant surprise. We received a refund from our gap insurance since our car... This week, we faced an unexpected hiccup with our insurance: A doctor charged us for a 2023 appointment because they had outdated information. It was frustrating... Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude, family and of course, a feast. But let’s be honest, hosting a traditional Thanksgiving can come with a hefty price... This weekend, we decided to take a quick overnight trip to Minnesota. It was to record some music and spend time with friends, but we were determined to... This month marked a milestone for our family: It was our first month without a car payment after refinancing our vehicle through Summit Credit Union. With...
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