Operation HOPE Financial Wellbeing Coach Jessica Hamel was able to help alleviate Dee’s concerns while helping her build her financial knowledge. They dedicated a lot of time working on Dee’s budget to increase her savings, which has grown to $5,000.

Additionally, Jessica guided Dee through the steps and education around how to properly use credit cards and what makes up a credit score. She now has a credit card and an installment loan, and her credit has gone from “not scored/0” to 594. She is ganing great momemtum with her progress, consistently taking the advised steps to improve her credit and increase her savings.

Dee now calls Jessica her “financial drill instructor.” Recently, she shared, “In order to be received, you have to be receptive. Operation HOPE received me as I was. Since then, I have grown my financial knowledge and made life progress. I have moved, saved, and increased my credit score. As a war veteran, it has been a long road to reach the consistency I now have with my finances.” 

Dee replaced a paycheck-to-paycheck lifestyle with one that includes plans to buy her first home, and Jessica is thrilled to walk alongside her on this journey to financial freedom.

For more information: OperationHOPE.org. Follow the HOPE conversation on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn.

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“The first meeting was tough,” said Danna. “After sharing my complete financial history, I had to do something I’d tried to avoid my entire life—grapple with my spending patterns and the money decisions I’d made over the years.”

This is the first, and often the hardest step for Operation HOPE clients. “So often, clients simply do not know what they need to know to make good financial decisions. For example, most clients have never been shown how to create a budget that includes listing their rainy day and emergency fund contributions as recurring expenses. Once Danna understood that she had to budget savings as a recurring monthly expense, she was able to meet her down payment goal while putting away funds for unplanned expenses,” said Penny.

Once Danna had implemented a plan to reallocate more of her income toward repaying debt, she turned to Operation HOPE again for assistance on building assets that would help ensure her long-term financial security: starting a business and owning a home. Homeownership had always been a priority but the COVID-19 pandemic forced her to switch up her goals. In 2020, she founded her own private practice to help meet the increased need for mental health services for young people in her community. Operation HOPE hosted a number of entrepreneurship workshops that guided Danna—helping her figure out which business tasks she could handle and which ones were better left to an expert.

As home prices went through the roof in the aftermath of the pandemic, Danna could only watch as her dream of owning a home got farther out of her reach. With Penny’s guidance, Danna took that extra time to learn about home ownership, and Operation HOPE referred her to community resources like down payment assistance and mortgage companies so that, when the right place came along in 2022, she was prepared to make an offer. Danna was thrilled when the seller accepted the offer—making her a homeowner!

Three years since her first meeting with Penny, Danna reflects on how far she has come. It started with taking the brave step of confronting her financial history and making a plan to change. While her family didn’t talk about money, let alone entrepreneurship and building wealth, she carries their legacy in ways that are meaningful to her today. For example, her maiden name is featured prominently in her business LLC as a nod to her paternal grandfather. While he made it seem to Danna like he was “just going to a job,” she recently made the connection that he was a full-fledged entrepreneur as the founder and owner of a janitorial service.

Danna believes that without Penny’s help, she’d still be stuck in her old ways. Now she’s on a mission to destigmatize candid financial conversations, taking every opportunity to share the ups and downs of her journey with clients, as well as her own family, so they too can take control of their financial futures. Danna regularly refers them to Operation HOPE. In fact, her oldest daughter worked with Penny while in college and since graduation, she’s getting a head-start on building wealth and developing a plan to pay for medical school.

Things look bright for Danna—she has recently expanded her business and hopes to publish more books to add to the one she wrote during COVID. Danna is building a legacy her family can be proud of.

For more information: OperationHOPE.org. Follow the HOPE conversation on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn.  

The post Raising Your Hand for Financial Guidance is an Act of Bravery appeared first on Operation HOPE.

Up until then, saving seemed out of reach— despite earning a decent income, Portia found herself trapped in a cycle of spending. “I looked at it from a macro-level as opposed to saying there are little things that I can do to reach my goals. I was overwhelmed by the thought of saving $10,000 and so I sank into the pattern of spending money without thinking,” she said.

But Portia’s transformation didn’t begin with budgeting and spreadsheets—it began with belief. Through meditation and prayer, she shifted her mindset. “I stopped saying I was poor. I started saying, ‘I am wealthy.’ I envisioned money in my bank account.”

This mental shift opened the door for practical change, and that’s where Operation HOPE’s Financial Wellbeing Coach Regina Osei entered the picture. Together, Regina and Portia began to confront Portia’s financial struggles. Regina urged her to make debt reduction a priority, including making additional car payments and paying off more than the minimum on credit card bills. “I just wasn’t crunching those numbers. And once I saw those numbers, I realized that something else had to be done,” she said.

Regina also helped Portia stay accountable by challenging her to save. “I put aside money because I knew Regina was going to see me in two weeks and would ask me how much I saved and I didn’t want to be embarrassed by saying I didn’t have it,” said Portia.

With Regina’s support—and a detailed plan—Portia started saving regularly and built both an emergency fund and a savings account. “I would never have had an emergency fund or opened a money market account without her,” she said. But more than the financial tools, it was Regina’s gentle and kind approach to educating Portia that made the biggest difference. “I was in tears at the start. I told her, ‘I don’t know what to do. I’m lost.’ And she prayed with me before our sessions.”

The results were life-changing. By the time Portia moved on from the program, she had increased her credit score by over 100 points and has now saved $10,000—money she plans to use toward purchasing her first home. “My goal is to become a homeowner,” she said with pride. Dining out and other non-essential expenses have taken a back seat: “it was just too much money being spent there.”

Encouraged by her progress, Portia has taken another step—she connected with a fee-based financial advisor. “Now that I’ve built the foundation, I’m ready to start investing and make my money work for me,” she said.

Her advice to others? “In America, so many people—especially people of color—are not encouraged to do the right thing financially. Take advantage of what John Hope Bryant and Operation HOPE are offering. These resources are here for you.”

Portia continues to have deep gratitude for a program that she says is rooted in education and accountability: “My life has done a complete 360. I want to thank John Hope Bryant and Regina for changing my financial outlook and putting me on the right path.”

For more information: OperationHOPE.org. Follow the HOPE conversation on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn.  

The post A Mindset Shift Helped This Professional Build Her Financial Future appeared first on Operation HOPE.

“I started my budgeting journey with David and Operation HOPE over two years ago,” said Chaeli. “At the time, I had no clue where to start. I had no money saved up, no monthly budget, and a pile of debt that felt like it kept stacking up. Throughout my time working with David, I’ve learned how to manage my monthly budget, how to strategically pay off my debt, and how to build an emergency fund.”

Through this hard work, she positioned herself to achieve a huge milestone: “After many conversations, running numbers, doing research and asking David 100 questions, I was able to finance a new (used lol) car so that I can have safe and reliable transportation.”

Chaeli explained, “without David’s financial guidance and consistent words of encouragement, I wouldn’t have had the knowledge or confidence to buy this vehicle! Above all else, working with David has instilled a new mindset towards finances. David always says to be easy on myself and that I’m doing a great job. Struggling with money is not a moral failing, and we all need that reminder from time to time.”

David is incredibly proud of her diligence to reach this goal of owning a car. He shared, “Her budgeting skills are amazing now, and she is now one of my easier clients. I meet with her every 2 months along with quick follow-ups and encouragements.”

Looking toward the beginning of next year, Chaeli’s goal is to increase her credit score to 740. Considering it is already at 684, she is well on her way to achieving another financial milestone!

For more information: OperationHOPE.org. Follow the HOPE conversation on X, Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn.  

The post Chaeli’s New Money Mindset Leads to a New Car appeared first on Operation HOPE.

At the time, Bryan was paying $798 a month on a car loan with a shocking 29% interest rate—a situation he had entered when he first bought his car without any established credit. He didn’t understand why he kept getting declined when trying to refinance, and he wanted answers.

That’s when his journey with Financial Wellbeing Coach Ana Andueza began. Through patient and consistent sessions, they explored the fundamentals of credit building, car value, interest rates, and the loan approval process. Bryan asked insightful questions, took notes, and began applying the tools they discussed.

By March 2024, just a few months later, Bryan was more informed, more confident, and had a stronger credit file. He applied for refinancing again and, this time, he was approved, lowering his monthly payments by $300.

“I still remember the joy in his voice when he called me on the way to the bank to finalize the paperwork,” said Ana. “He couldn’t believe it was really happening.”

But Bryan didn’t stop there. They reviewed his auto insurance and found a local provider that saved him an additional $60 per month. They also evaluated his spending habits and set goals around savings. He now has $3,600 saved, a steady increase from the $2,800 he had when he started.

What makes Bryan’s story so special is that he never gave up—he stayed curious, open to learning, and committed to improving his future.

Here’s what he shared with Ana in his own words:

“Hola, buenas noches. Yo me encontraba en una situación muy difícil pagando un préstamo de un auto con altos intereses y pagos mensuales muy altos. Pero gracias a usted, me ayudó a conseguir otras puertas para poder refinanciar mi auto con niveles de intereses y pagos mensuales más bajos. Valoro su tiempo y su dedicación por enseñarme paso a paso el proceso que debía hacer. Me explicó con mucha paciencia para poder entender mejor. No tuvo problema de explicarlo 2 a 3 veces para poder hacer el proceso de la manera correcta. Sinceramente le agradezco por ayudarme y, por supuesto, que recomendaría a otras personas sus servicios que quizás estén pasando por lo mismo. ¡Dios la bendiga!”

“Good evening. I was in a very difficult situation, paying a car loan with high interest and very high monthly payments. But thanks to you, you helped me find new options to refinance my car with much lower interest and monthly payments. I value your time and dedication in teaching me step by step the process I needed to follow. You explained everything with so much patience so I could truly understand—and you had no problem explaining things two or three times to make sure I did it right. I sincerely thank you for helping me, and of course, I would recommend your services to anyone going through the same thing. God bless you!”

Bryan’s journey is a true example of how financial coaching creates transformation. He’s now financially empowered, saving money monthly, and building a future with intention. And he knows he doesn’t have to do it alone.

Learn more about Operation HOPE’s Hispanic Initiatives here. Follow the HOPE conversation on X, Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn.

The post Bryan’s Journey from Financial Stress to Empowered Decision-Making appeared first on Operation HOPE.

Judith was 79 when she walked into one of our HOPE Inside locations, burdened by $34,000 in debt and juggling two mortgages. Despite having a steady income, the rising cost of living and credit card minimums made it nearly impossible to stay afloat, especially as she tried to support her unemployed son.

When her loan application was denied due to a low credit score, Judith was referred to the HOPE Credit and Money Management Program by a trusted bank partner. That’s when everything began to change.

Working alongside her dedicated HOPE Financial Wellbeing Coach, Judith completed our financial empowerment workshop, built a budget, and began the journey to improve her credit. When her score unexpectedly dropped to 597, they took a closer look and uncovered fraudulent activity on her report. Together, they filed disputes and stayed the course.

Today, Judith’s FICO score has soared to 702. She’s now back at the bank to apply for the loan she once thought was out of reach.

Her journey is a powerful reminder: it’s never too late to take control of your financial future.

If Judith can do it, so can you. Connect with a HOPE financial coach today and take your first step toward financial freedom. Visit www.operationhope.org to get started today!

The post At 79, Judith Took Control of Her Finances and Found HOPE appeared first on Operation HOPE.

Sometimes a little thing can have a major life impact. That was the case for Shaniqua R. in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. When she was 18, she signed up for a Kohl’s credit card and was amazed by her newfound ability to buy anything she wanted from the store without having to pay for it immediately. “I didn’t know anything about credit cards. They just said you didn’t haveto pay now and I took that and ran with it – I just didn’t understand that I had to pay it back,” said Shaniqua. “So long story short, it went into collections and onto my credit report,” she added.

Being delinquent on just that one credit card caused a steep drop in Shaniqua’s credit score. Rather than being disheartened however, she resolved to learn from this negative experience. What started as a quest to figure out how to remove that one Kohl’s card from her credit report turned into an ongoing journey for financial knowledge that would help her growing family.

To get started, Shaniqua turned to advice from her cousin-in-law. He had been through Operation HOPE’s Credit and Money Management program as a member of the military and recommended she reach out to the organization.

Shaniqua’s own experience with the Operation HOPE program gave her the knowledge she needed to resolve the Kohl’s card on her credit report. “I was able to figure out who to talk to [at the credit agency], pay the balance, and the report finally showed the account was closed.”

Beyond this specific win, she gives kudos to Operation HOPE for sparking her curiosity about credit. For example, she was eager to know more about how to responsibly use a credit card so that it could help build her credit score rather than demolish it. She learned about comparing credit cards’ interest rates, limits and payment terms from her Operation HOPE Financial Wellbeing Coach, Leslie Danehy.

“Leslie was always available to help me through the process,” said Shaniqua. She appreciated that Leslie’s coaching style aligned with how she best learned. “I’m a hands-on learner, and I need you to kind of spell it out for me and she was able to do that.”

Drawing from her own experience as a parent, Leslie also worked with her to create a budget that would be manageable for Shaniqua’s family and a new addition on the way. Shaniqua is excited to share her new financial know-how with her three kids they grow. “I wasn’t taught [about finances] growing up. So I’m able to now amplify that to my kids even though they’re young. I have that knowledge now because of her.”

Leslie marveled that, although she lives 4 hours away and has never met Shaniqua in person, they have built such a strong relationship: “This is a program of commitment, trust, and dedication. Clients like Shaniqua also make me want to be the best mom I can be to my children and set them up for financial success like she is doing with her children.”

Today, Shaniqua has a credit score in the mid-700s – and a single-minded focus to grow it to the 800s. In the meantime, she is making credit work for her, rather than the other way around. She’s strategically accessing credit and getting loans for things that will benefit her family such as making house improvements that will add to its value over time.

For others looking to get their finances in order, Shaniqua has some advice: “Contact OperationHOPE. There’s no one else better out there for the job. It was truly life changing for me and when I think about just the impact that Leslie had on me, I can only imagine how the rest of the company is.” She also encourages people to make the most of information they receive there: “Absorb it all, ask questions and don’t be afraid to get started. And remember that at the end of the day, it is up to you to better yourself so be prepared to work and follow through,” she added.

The post Turning Negative Experiences Into Learning Ones with HOPE’s Help appeared first on Operation HOPE.

Operation HOPE is often the first place people experiencing a financial emergency will turn to for help. As a result, it’s not uncommon for Operation HOPE coaches to encounter individuals who have suddenly found themselves in a dire and desperate position they never imagined they’d be in. That was the case for Tampa-based Operation HOPE financial coach Esther Fife when she first started working with Nicole. 

At the time, Nicole had recently separated from her fiancé, who had been primarily responsible for managing the family’s finances. The split revealed that those finances were not nearly as healthy as Nicole had been led to believe. In fact, after the separation, Nicole discovered that she only had $200 to her name and her credit score had sunk to a dismal 520. 

“I’d made a mistake by taking a hands-off approach and leaving it to my fiancé to manage our money,” said Nicole. “Despite a college education and a previous job in the financial industry, my financial knowledge was lacking. For example, I was never taught that credit scores could make or break your financial goals.” 

Nicole’s immediate need was to qualify for a mortgage so that she and her two small children would have a place to call home. Operation HOPE’s first-time homeownership and credit counseling programs gave Nicole the information she needed to take steps toward her goal, and she credits Esther, the convener of the programs, with bringing it “home” for her. 

“Going through a separation and realizing my finances were in dire straits meant that my feelings were very raw when I first met Esther,” said Nicole. “I was struck by her compassion and her ability to set my mind at ease and reassure me that I could get through this.” 

Esther took a systematic approach to helping Nicole repair her credit. Line by line, they looked through Nicole’s credit reports for inaccuracies and found one in a student loan that was itemized twice. Esther also urged Nicole to apply for a secured credit card that would help build her credit history, and to pay down her debts by their due date. Since Nicole started working with Esther in 2017, she now can boast a credit score that has been as high as 810. 

“Now, having gone through this experience, I’m still shocked that the Operation HOPE programs and Esther’s guidance were at no cost to me,” said Nicole. “It was truly a lifeline at an incredibly difficult time and I hope other people know that Operation HOPE can be there for them also.” 

“Starting off as a coach with HOPE in 2015, my experience working with Nicole and other clients in Tampa gave me the great opportunity to uplift and improve the quality of their lives. I am blessed to play just a small part in the success they have experienced due to the programs offered at HOPE,” said Esther, who now serves as a project leader for the organization. 

As for Nicole’s ultimate financial goal, she’s now the proud owner of not just one, but two houses, and intends to keep adding to her real estate portfolio. She’s also a business owner, and contracts with moms, who, like her, are busy juggling family and professional priorities. Nicole values the idea that she’s playing a part in helping them build their financial future. 

*** 

For more information: OperationHOPE.org. Follow the HOPE conversation on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn. 

The post More Than Just a Credit Score: Nicole’s Financial Wellness Story appeared first on Operation HOPE.

When Tammara joined Operation HOPE in 2022, she had been stuck in a cycle of debt for over a decade—living paycheck to paycheck, relying on credit cards, and struggling to save. Then, an unexpected hardship left her unable to keep up with bills, forcing her to confront the reality of her financial situation.

At first, making changes wasn’t easy. “My first year was rough. I was stubborn as a mule,” Tammara admits. “I would get on the phone with Alisha, listen to what she had to say, and disagree the whole time.” But when she faced legal action over unpaid debt, she knew she had to take control. With her HOPE Financial Wellbeing Coach, Alisha Kenney, guiding her, she cut unnecessary expenses, picked up gig work, and started saving—despite feeling like progress was slow.

Then came a breakthrough. She remembered an old retirement account she had never accessed. When she withdrew the funds, she was able to pay off debt, build savings, and regain control. By the time she completed the program, her credit score had increased by over 160 points, and she had saved more than $1,000.

“She put in the work,” says Alisha. “Seeing her go from resisting change to fully committing to her financial future has been incredible.”

Now, Tammara is on track to refinance her home and build long-term stability. “This program changed my life,” she says. “Alisha never gave up on me, even when I wanted to give up on myself. I encourage anyone who feels stuck to take that first step—because it really works.”

Ready to Take Control of Your Finances?

Operation HOPE is here to support individuals like Tammara in achieving financial stability. If you’re ready to start your journey, we’re here to help—every step of the way.

Sign up with a financial wellbeing coach today!

The post From Struggle to Stability: Tammara’s Journey with Operation HOPE appeared first on Operation HOPE.

Their journey with Operation HOPE wasn’t their first attempt at financial improvement. They had gone through the Credit and Money Management program twice before, seeing their scores rise—only to watch them fall again. Discouraged but not defeated, they decided to try again, this time with Regina Osei, their new Financial Wellbeing Coach at HOPE Inside Trustmark Bank in Memphis.

Regina saw their potential immediately. With credit scores in the 500s, she knew there was work to do—but also knew they had the determination to make it happen. However, life presented challenges. As a truck driver, Shavonta’s demanding schedule made it difficult to meet consistently. At times, she became frustrated and discouraged. When Regina asked if they wanted to pause the program until they could fully commit, Shavonta’s response was clear: No. She refused to give up.

That persistence paid off. Since recommitting to the program, Shavonta’s credit score has risen by 35 points, Cedric’s by 19 points, and their savings has grown from just $200 to over $1,200. Even more life-changing, Shavonta discovered—through Regina’s guidance—that she qualified for the Borrower Defense Group Discharge, completely eliminating $20,000 in student loan debt.

For the Hudsons, this journey is about more than just numbers. It’s about creating a legacy for their children. They now have a blueprint for financial stability that will impact their family for generations.

“Operation HOPE provides passionate people who care. Regina is a Godsend. She never lets me give up,” Shavonta shared. “Getting something free is always great, but this program offers priceless tools that help people understand their finances. I’m forever grateful for the detailed steps she takes to help me move forward.”

With Operation HOPE in their corner, Cedric and Shavonta are no longer riding the rollercoaster of financial instability. They are now on the path to homeownership—and a brighter future for their family.

The post Finally Off the Rollercoaster: A Journey to Financial Stability appeared first on Operation HOPE.