GreenPath Real Stories

Meet Ben, a man faced with many crossroads on his financial journey. Reflecting on his early work experience, his struggles with debt during his first marriage, and the difficult decision to file for bankruptcy, Ben learned about money management like so many of us have: the hard way.

Despite using various tools to manage his cash flow, debt remained a barrier. Emphasizing his analytical approach to challenges, Ben explored debt settlement, consolidation loans, and finally GreenPath where a phone call would bring renewed optimism. His regrets—as well as his insights —are worth a listen for anyone navigating similar challenges.

1:25 Ben details his experience with money growing up.

4:58 He discusses how he struggled with debt in his first marriage.

6:26 He shares what he learned going through bankruptcy.

9:05 He talks about the tools he uses to manage his cash flow.

13:39 After Ben’s debt accumulates again, he uses a debt settlement service.

16:03 When his debt creeps up a decade later, he explores a debt consolidation loan and eventually starts a Debt Management Program with GreenPath.

19:53 He talks about his approach to doing a debt snowball versus a debt avalanche.

22:10 He recalls his experience interacting with GreenPath.

27:03 Ben describes his sacrifice in living without a car to support his budget.

32:20 He recounts how he retrained himself to change his spending and credit habits.

36:43 He regrets using cash advances to make a down payment on the land he purchased.

40:05 He discusses his financial goals such as home ownership and buying a car.

Chris is a Learning Experience Designer at GreenPath Financial Wellness, where he’s been since the beginning of the millennium. Using creativity and a sense of humor, he provides people with the tools and knowledge to navigate their lives when it comes to their money.

Music by Hir-O

A recent survey finding from the American Psychological Association (APA) unlikely to surprise you: 64% of Americans report money as a significant source of stress in their lives. Today’s episode explores this connection between mental health and finance with a live panel discussion on tips, challenges, and resources when it comes to nurturing our well-being.

Our panel features former Real $tories guests: GreenPath clients and their own journeys of improving their mental and financial health.

2:56 Cohosts Chris and Shamica share their own mental health struggles around navigating a divorce and student loans, respectively.

6:50 Was there an experience with money growing up that shaped your psyche around money?

14:14 How did you notice your mental health being affected when you were struggling with your debt?

17:26 How did you get to a place where you were ready to ask for support for your money concerns?

24:05 Have you had an anxious client who left your coaching session more at ease? How do you help foster that transformation?

28:26 What is your recollection of your first counseling experience?

34:57 What is your favorite free self-care activity?

Chris is a Learning Experience Designer at GreenPath Financial Wellness, where he’s been since the beginning of the millennium. Using creativity and a sense of humor, he provides people with the tools and knowledge to navigate their lives when it comes to their money.

Music by Hir-O

At age 22, Elyse was standing at a crossroads with $34,000 in debt with credit card payments, student loans, and a car loan all due at once. Her chosen path: a radical approach to pay off all debt by the time she turned 24. Within months, she went even further, buying her own house using a VA loan.

This is not to say that her road to financial wellness has been linear. Now a single parent in her late 20s, Elyse still faces financial challenges that she documents on her personal finance blog, the Savvy Sagittarius. Today, she is being proactive in her debt approach and establishing an emergency fund.

Throughout her financial wellness journey, she has leaned on a supportive online community and served as an inspiration to many, creating money management tools she shares on her site.

2:38 Elyse discusses how her upbringing shaped her work ethic and money approach.

4:03 At 22, faced with simultaneous debts, she decides to do something radical.

7:06 She embraces the snowball method—tackling each debt from smallest to largest.

8:03 Elyse figures out how to balance her goal of becoming debt free while still enjoying her 20s.

11:51 She describes the support she’s received from her parents and especially from her online community.

13:15 She recalls the euphoria she felt when she became debt free at 24.

14:02 Elyse buys a home using a VA loan and considers what she learned through this process.

16:44 She shares her financial goals: paying off some newer debt and establishing an emergency fund.

19:05 She offers tips when it comes to side hustles.

22:40 Elyse tells the story of how the Savvy Sagittarius started.

24:02 She defines the concept of a “No Spend Month.”

29:23 She suggests buying annual memberships to museums and parks to save money and offer flexibility.

31:18 She talks about the value of tracking your expenses to increase awareness.

36:44 Elyse discusses the money management tools she offers on her website.

41:13 Our co-hosts reflect on the themes that emerged in Elyse’s story.

Chris is a Learning Experience Designer at GreenPath Financial Wellness, where he’s been since the beginning of the millennium. Using creativity and a sense of humor, he provides people with the tools and knowledge to navigate their lives when it comes to their money.

Music by Hir-O

Meet Frankie: a financial coach for Ent Credit Union, one of GreenPath’s partners in Colorado. She has expertise in helping others manage their money—and was financially self-reliant from a young age—but it’s often harder to see ourselves as clearly as we see others.

Frankie’s “Aha moment” came during a conversation with a GreenPath counselor, during which she gained a new perspective on the money dynamics in her marriage; she recognized that if she stayed with her husband, she would continue to endure financial abuse.

Frankie made the courageous decision to end her marriage and focus on creating a financially healthy life for herself. Today, she strives to impart her wisdom to her son, her credit union members, and our listeners.

2:46 Frankie talks about growing up, the loss of her parents, and how she had to be financially self-reliant from a young age.

7:28 She recounts meeting her husband through work and shares the early trepidations she had about joint money management.

9:27 She discusses the financial red flags that appeared in her relationship over time.

11:27 She recounts struggling with their mortgage and eventually losing their home, an event she considers the darkest period of her financial life.

14:28 She and her husband move to Colorado for a fresh start.

16:56 Her new career at Ent Credit Union gives her deeper insight into her personal life and marital finances.

18:37 She describes the pivotal session with a GreenPath counselor that gave her a new perspective on the problematic financial dynamics of her marriage.

23:26 Frankie makes a major change to her housing situation to help balance her budget.

26:10 She speaks about the financial impact of her divorce and the importance of having protected her credit.

29:30 Frankie discusses her goals of retiring, living a simpler life, and focusing on her son.

32:46 She describes the non-judgmental support and safety that GreenPath provides to the members she works with.

37:08 She shares what she’s learned regarding financial abuse.

43:09 Our co-hosts reflect on themes from Frankie’s story.

Chris is a Learning Experience Designer at GreenPath Financial Wellness, where he’s been since the beginning of the millennium. Using creativity and a sense of humor, he provides people with the tools and knowledge to navigate their lives when it comes to their money.

Music by Hir-O

Meet Racheal. She is a true role model when it comes to financial resiliency. Her reality was many people’s worst nightmare: $124,000 of credit card debt following her divorce. Racheal worked with GreenPath to pay off what she owed, enduring Hurrican Ida and a pandemic along the way.

As she made progress toward being debt-free, she set aside funds to buy a home for her and her son. Today, she is putting her son through college and has created a structure to pay off her mortgage in seven years! In her professional life, she works for one of GreenPath’s credit union partners, empowering members to tackle their financial challenges even when the odds feel insurmountable.

3:00 Racheal reflects on her lack of experience with money growing up.

5:20 She details how her house remodel and eventual divorce led to accumulating credit card debt.

7:54 Contemplating how to handle her debt, she decides to contact GreenPath.

10:43 Racheal recounts the relief she felt when the Debt Management Program brought much-needed financial structure.

13:59 She shares the experience of working three jobs to stay on track.

15:43 Racheal celebrates a major milestone: paying off her debt ahead of schedule.

17:02 She continues to work her extra jobs to aggressively pay off her mortgage.

25:06 By sharing her personal experiences, she inspires a colleague to improve their financial situation.

30:06 She discusses purchasing a car and home early in her debt repayment journey.

36:33 Racheal gets out of her comfort zone by sharing her story.

42:47: Our co-hosts reflect on Racheal’s story and offer related financial tips.

Chris is a Learning Experience Designer at GreenPath Financial Wellness, where he’s been since the beginning of the millennium. Using creativity and a sense of humor, he provides people with the tools and knowledge to navigate their lives when it comes to their money.

Music by Hir-O

Today’s story features Nadine, a caregiver and empath who eventually had to focus on her own financial self-care. After retiring earlier than she originally anticipated, Nadine transitioned to caretaking for her husband.

Following this period of support, she pondered where to direct her energy and focus, eventually finding herself on an introspective journey that led to GreenPath. As she works on paying down her debt through the Debt Management Program, Nadine also strives to improve her relationship with money and reflects on grief, healing, and finding one’s purpose.

2:18 Nadine reflects on her experience with money growing up with her grandparents.

4:50 Nadine recounts the loss and trauma that impacted her from a young age.

9:18 She discusses the origin of her debt and how it escalated.

10:52 She finds a spiritual and money empowerment program that eventually refers her to GreenPath.

12:33 Nadine details her pleasant surprise over her credit report review with a GreenPath counselor.

16:07 She shares her experience on the Debt Management Program including her initial concern and where she stands now.

20:03 She reflects on the importance of healing, self-discovery, and homing in on her purpose.

21:07 She talks about what led to her early retirement and how she navigated this.

23:23 Nadine discusses her upcoming goals and how she uses her past to connect with people in the present.

28:40 She relays the advice she would give her younger self and those experiencing financial stress.

Chris is a Learning Experience Designer at GreenPath Financial Wellness, where he’s been since the beginning of the millennium. Using creativity and a sense of humor, he provides people with the tools and knowledge to navigate their lives when it comes to their money.

Music by Hir-O

Today’s episode features three interwoven stories of financial resiliency. Wendy, a GreenPath employee, invited her mother and younger sister to share their experiences alongside her.

In talking with all three women, we explore the unique challenges of different life events: moving to a new country, buying a new home, foreclosure, and paying for college and retirement.

Each of these milestones created cross-generational ripple effects: we hear about how foreclosure affected Wendy’s then ten-year-old sister and how different members of the family are navigating their mother’s transition into retirement.

Amidst struggle and hard-earned wisdom, all three women have openly communicated and learned from each other. Our hope? That you can learn from these experiences as you consider your own financial narrative.

3:25 Wendy recounts her understanding and experience with money growing up and how this influenced her early behavior with debt.

6:49 Wendy, struggling to manage her debt, ends up getting sued.

13:45 She shares what it was like to be the first person in her family to go to college and how student loans became overwhelming.

18:53 Wendy refinances her student loan with a fixed interest rate and successfully pays down some of it.

21:20 She describes her journey as a first-time homebuyer.

24:23 Wendy talks about how she mentored her sister when it came to strategizing college payments.

32:55 Reina, Wendy’s mom, recounts her difficult financial transition to the United States.

34:36 Reina explains what it was like to experience foreclosure after 12 years living in her first home.

37:07 Her credit card debt snowballs after several life events coincide.

38:55 She explores her debt options and eventually talks to GreenPath, which provides significant relief.

40:51 Reina considers her transition to retirement.

47:05 Her mom decides to wait until next year to save for a trip to Mexico to avoid getting into debt.

49:21 Emily talks about her experience as a kid when her home was foreclosed on.

51:46 She discusses how her older sister helps her navigate college payments.

58:38 Emily offers her perspective on her mom’s upcoming retirement.

1:00:40 She talks about encouraging her parents to save money.

Chris is a Learning Experience Designer at GreenPath Financial Wellness, where he’s been since the beginning of the millennium. Using creativity and a sense of humor, he provides people with the tools and knowledge to navigate their lives when it comes to their money.

Music by Hir-O

Today’s episode features Jasmine Paul, award-winning children’s book author, certified financial education instructor, and speaker focused on making wealth fun.

After finding herself homeless for a brief period during college, Jasmine resolved to turn her financial life around. Learning through books and conversations during her career in the Airforce, she achieved the remarkable milestone of becoming a homeowner by 23.

But she didn’t keep her newfound knowledge to herself. She took her friends on her journey, volunteering to be their financial coach and mentor. Her passion soon evolved into a profession. Jasmine is a storyteller at heart, and we hope her personal journey offers tips you can apply to your own life.

Learn more about her mission and work at The Wealth Playground.

4:07 Jasmine recounts the experience of living in her car and couch surfing while struggling financially in college.

7:55 She pours herself into books and conversations during her time in the Airforce to improve her financial life.

10:50 She applies the structure of her role in the military to her own financial goals.

12:49 Jasmine pays off tens of thousands of dollars of student loan debt and establishes an emergency fund by eliminating distractions.

17:00 She starts a side business providing financial coaching to her friends.

19:18 Jasmine explains how she discovered GreenPath as a resource for her clients.

21:00 Her program pivots to focus on supporting the financial health of children.

23:46 She describes her children’s book series and programs to bring fun and engaging experiences to youth programs.

24:48 She shares tips for children when it comes to money including the importance of collaboration and asking for help.

27:58 Jasmine talks about breaking the silence for adults who are trying to inspire and educate their children.

31:48 She recounts the story of how her money ghosted her in Casper, Wyoming.

38:48 She stresses the importance of knowing your numbers, setting clear goals, and having grace for yourself.

45:22 Our co-hosts reflect on the practical tips embedded in Jasmine’s story.

Chris is a Learning Experience Designer at GreenPath Financial Wellness, where he’s been since the beginning of the millennium. Using creativity and a sense of humor, he provides people with the tools and knowledge to navigate their lives when it comes to their money.

Music by Hir-O

A year into a promising new career path, Jesse was unprepared to lose his job. He found himself relying on his cards for basic living expenses and rent as his credit debt accumulated. He was optimistic that he could make things work with freelancing, but the income wasn’t sustainable.

As he considered options to tackle his debt–amidst mounting anxiety–he decided to take out a consolidation loan. Ultimately, he found himself owing on both the consolidation loan and credit cards.

Jesse was determined to address his debt and found his way to GreenPath, where he enrolled in a Debt Management Program. Today, with his program complete, he looks forward to buying a modest home and being better prepared for the next financial emergency.

2:04 Jesse recalls his rural upbringing and how his career started.

6:41 He discusses the impact of his job loss on his finances and peace of mind.

10:57 Jesse considers different options to better manage his debt including bankruptcy.

12:39 He takes out a consolidation loan but his credit card debt accumulates still.

15:54 He reaches out to GreenPath and enrolls on a Debt Management Program.

20:02 Jesse talks about the importance of patience as his debt repayment program progressed.

22:26 He talks about the value of family support as he navigated his debt.

27:07 Jesse reacts to completing his Debt Management Program.

30:28 He shares his upcoming financial goals, including buying a home.

32:22 He explains what inspired him to share his story.

34:12 Jesse encourages others to reach out to someone you know if you are struggling with your money.

36:32 Our co-hosts reflect on Jessie’s story and share practical tips.

Chris is a Learning Experience Designer at GreenPath Financial Wellness, where he’s been since the beginning of the millennium. Using creativity and a sense of humor, he provides people with the tools and knowledge to navigate their lives when it comes to their money.

Music by Hir-O

Early in their marriage, Matt and Kendal found themselves at a financial crossroads. Both entered their relationship with children from previous marriages and past bankruptcies. Together, they sought the guidance of GreenPath, creating a strategy to tackle their debt and build sustainable financial habits to carry them into their future.

Matt and Kendal’s story is one of resiliency and making money meet your needs. Tune in to learn about their creative approach and consider how their narrative can inspire your own path to fulfillment.

2:28 Matt and Kendal explain how their families came together. 

3:25 A conversation at a gas station becomes a turning point. 

5:54 They discuss their earlier bankruptcies, including Kendal’s accumulating medical debt.  

8:38 They talk about how they stretched their budget to put enough food on the table. 

12:26 Matt and Kendal figure out how to automate their finances. 

16:44 Opening the mail becomes an adventure. 

18:33 They discover that they’re not alone. 

19:24 Matt and Kendal receive some really good news. 

21:43 They are finally able to explore home improvements to accommodate their special needs son. 

24:48 Kendal has anxiety over giving up control of their debt repayment. 

30:21 Our co-hosts share some practical tips based on today’s story. 

Chris is a Learning Experience Designer at GreenPath Financial Wellness, where he’s been since the beginning of the millennium. Using creativity and a sense of humor, he provides people with the tools and knowledge to navigate their lives when it comes to their money.

Music by Hir-O