GreenPath Real Stories

Connie Smith's journey with money began long before her first paycheck. Growing up in foster care, she didn't have a built-in financial playbook—so when she bought her first home before age 20, rising mortgage rates quickly created challenges she wasn't prepared for.  Instead of giving up, Connie got curious. Determined to do things differently, she learned everything she could about personal finances and put this newfound knowledge into practice.  Connie has always hustled when it comes to income opportunities, which has helped her achieve her financial goals. Today, she's not only building a stable financial future for herself and her children; she's also paying it forward as a foster parent, offering the kind of support she once needed.  Her story is a powerful reminder: with knowledge, determination, and heart, financial wellness is possible—no matter where you start.  Key Moments 2:28 Connie reflects on how growing up in foster care affected her relationship with money. 4:02 She buys her first home as a 19-year-old and winds up in an adjustable-rate mortgage. 6:43 Becoming a young mom gives her a new perspective on life and money. 8:34 She feels defeated after her credit card debt starts to mount but eventually uses a credit counseling agency to address her debt. 13:53 Connie approaches things differently the next time she buys a home. 16:16 She speaks to the side hustles that have helped bridge the gaps in her budget. 17:57 She offers advice to other entrepreneurs. 22:35 She talks about how she plans to set herself up for her financial future, including the importance of a financial cushion in retirement. 26:36 She gives some financial tips to parents. 34:31 Our cohosts reflect on the themes from Connie's story. GreenPath Financial Service GreenPath, A Financial Resource If you're interested in building healthy financial habits, paying down debt, or saving for what matters most, take a look at these free financial tools. Free Resources Free Resources

Single mom & entrepreneur Khiara Cureton tackles $120K in student loans while building a bright financial future in Real $tories Episode 69.

Lorrena Black transformed her money habits through discipline and service, now empowering veterans to grow financially and personally.

From student debt to real estate success, Jess Jackson shares lessons in resilience, reinvention, and financial growth.

Evelyn faced debt and uncertainty—but found hope with GreenPath. Now, she's rebuilding her future with support and a plan.

Emily's journey from debt and financial stress to hope and freedom—thanks to support from GreenPath and a renewed approach to money.

Gail Perry-Mason shares her inspiring journey of resilience, financial wisdom, and empowering youth.

CM faces debt, fraud, and big dreams—rebuilding her finances with grit, support, and newfound intention.

Regina and Renita return with inspiring updates on debt freedom, growth, and new financial goals.

Maria's journey of resilience—from overcoming college barriers to homeownership and entrepreneurship—inspires many.

Kelly faces financial pressures, overcomes debt, and shares insights on mindset shifts and money management.

From dreams to dollars: Dr. Darla Bishop's journey of resilience, financial literacy, and empowering money insights.

Tyjai shares how he tackled debt, rebuilt his budget, and inspires others to take control in Real $tories Episode 58.

Financial strategist Crystal L. Gunn shares insights on transforming money mindsets and healing financial traumas.

In Episode 56, Juan shares his journey from aspiring actor to financial coach, offering valuable money tips and insights.

In Episode 56, Juan shares his journey from aspiring actor to financial coach, offering valuable money tips and insights. The post Real Stories Ep 56: Juan's Second Act appeared first on Greenpath Financial Wellness.

Ben's journey from debt to financial stability: a story of struggle, lessons, and hope in Episode 55 of Real $tories. The post Real Stories Ep 55: Turning the Tide: Ben's Financial Comeback appeared first on Greenpath Financial Wellness.

Ben's journey from debt to financial stability: a story of struggle, lessons, and hope in Episode 55 of Real $tories.

Join Real $tories Live! Episode 54 to explore the vital link between mental and financial health with expert panelists. The post Real Stories Ep 54: Real $tories Live! Exploring the Link between Mental and Financial Health appeared first on Greenpath Financial Wellness.

Join Real $tories Live! Episode 54 to explore the vital link between mental and financial health with expert panelists.

Elyse, at 22, tackled $34k in debt and bought a house by 24. Now a single parent, she shares her journey on The Savvy Sagittarius.

Elyse, at 22, tackled $34k in debt and bought a house by 24. Now a single parent, she shares her journey on The Savvy Sagittarius.

Financial coach Frankie from Ent Credit Union shares her journey to financial independence and overcoming financial abuse.

Financial coach Frankie from Ent Credit Union shares her journey to financial independence and overcoming financial abuse.

Meet Racheal: A Financial Resilience Role Model Overcoming $124K Debt, Buying a Home, and Empowering Others Through GreenPath.

Meet Racheal: A Financial Resilience Role Model Overcoming $124K Debt, Buying a Home, and Empowering Others Through GreenPath.

Follow Nadine's financial self-care journey, from early retirement to debt management with GreenPath, offering insights for others.

Follow Nadine's financial self-care journey, from early retirement to debt management with GreenPath, offering insights for others.

Three generations share tales of financial resilience—foreclosure, student loans, retirement. Learn from their journey.

Three generations share tales of financial resilience—foreclosure, student loans, retirement. Learn from their journey.

Explore Jasmine Paul's inspiring journey from homelessness to homeownership. Learn how she turned financial challenges into triumph.

Explore Jasmine Paul's inspiring journey from homelessness to homeownership. Learn how she turned financial challenges into triumph.

Join Jesse's journey with GreenPath's Debt Management Program, conquering financial challenges and paving the way to a brighter future.

Join Jesse's journey with GreenPath's Debt Management Program, conquering financial challenges and paving the way to a brighter future.

Matt and Kendal's resilient financial journey, including overcoming bankruptcy and medical debt with GreenPath.

Matt and Kendal's resilient financial journey, including overcoming bankruptcy and medical debt with GreenPath.

Explore LeAnn's debt-to-freedom journey in Episode 45: "LeAnn Leans In." Key moments, insights, and advice await!

Explore LeAnn's debt-to-freedom journey in Episode 45: "LeAnn Leans In." Key moments, insights, and advice await!

Follow Renita's journey from an innocent credit card application to overcoming a crippling debt burden with GreenPath's help.

Follow Renita's journey from an innocent credit card application to overcoming a crippling debt burden with GreenPath's help.

Khalil partnered with GreenPath to improve his credit and pay down his debt helping him purchase his first vehicle.

Khalil partnered with GreenPath to improve his credit and pay down his debt helping him purchase his first vehicle.

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Ericka Young, a financial wellness expert and best-selling author of "Naked and Unashamed: 10 Money Conversations Every Couple Must Have", talks about her journey to paying of $90,000 in debt.

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Real $tories episode 41 features Lavell and Nina, two former guests, whose resilience brought them financial wellness.

In today's episode, we'll be catching up with two of our former guests, Michele and Natasha, about their path to wellness.

In today's episode, we'll be catching up with two of our former guests, Michele and Natasha, about their path to wellness.

Kitty's story is one of shame transformed to pride. She wants to change the conversation around money and empower others to speak openly about money.

Kitty's story is one of shame transformed to pride. She wants to change the conversation around money and empower others to speak openly about money.

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