In Episode 027, we meet Debbie Ely who is not only our DVC neighbor but she also a timeshare industry insider. Debbie has worked in the timeshare industry for 20+ years and is a proud member of the Disney Vacation Club. We learn about her buying into DVC and her biggest regret as a DVC member. Hint! It's not, “I should have bought sooner.” We also learn about the history of Vacation Club Loans and how they may be of service to our fellow members.

Chad's backstory of My DVC Points and Personal Finance

Prior to hosting Disney Vacation Club conversations, I spent a solid decade as a financial coach helping people optimize their personal finances and get out of debt. That business was extremely successful and I was able to cash flow my way through an MBA in Financial Planning 100% debt-free. I'll be the first to admit when a My DVC Points Community member suggested I interview Debbie, I wasn't that interested airing an episode about financing a timeshare. I am both a fiscally conservative and an open-minded conversationalist. Debbie came with such high praise from Nick Cotton from DVC Resale Market, Valerie from Episode 002 and other trusted people in the community that I felt it was worth talking with Debbie. My DVC Points isn't about promoting Chad Pennycuff's personal opinions, this show is a celebration of the DVC community and the diversity of thought within the community. By respectfully sharing our stories, experiences, opinions, and preferences, we become better neighbors and develop a deeper sense of community. To finance or not finance your contract is a matter of your personal opinion, your economic situation, and your life choices. We all do Disney differently. The success of our podcast, Live shows, and Facebook Community Group revolves around real member conversations with respect for diversity of opinion and an open mind so that we can learn from other's perspectives.

All of my community research lead to this simple conclusion. Debbie offers services that a lot of DVC members value and has a track record of serving members with excellence. I spoke with Debbie numerous times before we recorded this episode. The more we talked, the more I became convinced that she has the heart to serve the community. An estimated 80% of direct buyers finance their contracts and an estimated 30% of resale buyers finance. Through the guest vetting and interview process, I honestly learned a lot and developed a deeper appreciation for others in the community. As with every episode, I hope you enjoy the conversation and gain from Debbie's perspective.

Meet Debbie – DVC Member and Industry Insider

Debbie has been working in the timeshare industry since 2006 and has worked with well over 40 major brands. She chooses to be a Disney Vacation Club member. Debbie joined Disney Vacation Club in 2013 when she bought contracts at Boardwalk Villas and Saratoga Springs Resort.  A friend who happened to be a resale agent found a loaded contract with triple points at a good deal and suggested she buy the contract as a financial investment.  Having worked in the timeshare industry since 2006, she recognized this as a good deal.  However, 2 years later after using three years of points, Debbie sold the contracts.  She was able to stay at all of the Disney resorts over those three years.  One of her favorite memories was watching the fireworks from the private patio on a bungalow at the Polynesian resort.  Looking back, she really regrets selling those contracts.  Every time the Food and Wine event is announced she regrets selling off the Boardwalk contracts.  We briefly discuss the classic DVC debate of do you buy where you want to stay? Or buy where you love?  Debbie realized through buying and selling an experience that she is a buy-where-you-love person.  As a result, when Polynesian resale contracts hit the market, she re-joined DVC as a Poly