ABOUT COACH CHERYL
After my divorce, I began to look for money management solutions. I bought and read “Financial Peace” by Dave Ramsey, as well as Suzy Orman’s books, and “Rich Dad, Poor Dad''. Inspired by my reading, I began working on my financial goal of being debt free, only to get distracted by my wants and to lose sight of my financial goal.
I talked with my sister who sent me an Excel budget spreadsheet and I followed it for a little while. Next, I tried Mint.com, which lasted briefly. With my 403b statement in hand, I went to see Scott, an investment manager. My plan was to use the 403b money to pay off debt. Scott said “NO”. He began to help me get credit card interest rates lowered, look at how I was spending money, encouraged me to earn additional income and get on a budget.
My husband and I after establishing our emergency fund!
When I married again, my husband also had debt. Together, we took the “Financial Peace” course and were shocked at the dollar amount of our combined debt! We finished the class and stayed focused briefly on becoming debt free. I was stressed out, desperate and wondering if I would ever be able to retire comfortably, without debt, and money accumulated in my 403b.
Our financial journey took a turn upon meeting Amy, who became my financial coach. During these years, we were both working full- time and part-time jobs. My husband, Saleem and I, felt that we did not have enough money. It was through the coaching we received that I learned we had enough. In fact we had more than enough!
My greatest financial progress came as a result of being supported by a financial coach. We actually attacked our debt, paying off all debt within two years. Six months later, we had a fully funded emergency fund. Being debt free opened doors that I could not have imagined and provided me with such a huge sense of relief, I felt deep in my soul.
My goal is to provide you with the diligent financial coaching that was provided to me.