Maria is the embodiment of tenacity. When she applied for college, she was informed of her ineligibility due to her immigration status at the time. Refusing to take “no” for an answer, she became one of the first two people in her home state to get accepted with her status. However, she still faced the challenge of paying her way through college without financial aid. In surpassing this hurdle, she empowered others in similar circumstances.   

Maria became the first person in her family to own a home and started her own small business shortly after welcoming a son. Her experience in marketing led her to GreenPath, where she now utilizes her skills for a mission she cares deeply about.   

Learn more about her story in her own wordsin her own words.

Key Moments 

2:50 Maria reflects on her time growing up in Mexico and how her family approached money. 

6:54 She remembers the difficulty of getting accepted into college because of her immigration status. 

10:08 She strategizes paying for college without financial aid. 

11:38 Her role working for a bank opens her eyes to the obstacles faced by the Hispanic community. 

14:38 She helps other students and parents who share the challenge of getting into college.  

18:13 Maria buys a home shortly after graduation, becoming the first person in her family to accomplish this goal. 

19:48 She gives birth to her son and starts her own business. 

27:03 Maria describes her experience starting her role at GreenPath. 

29:20 She discusses her financial goals, including investing in retirement. 

34:48 Our co-hosts reflect on the themes from Maria’s story. 

GreenPath Financial Service

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.

Kelly’s financial story is a testament to resilience and relatable to many of us. Initially burdened by student loans and credit card debt, she struggled to keep pace with her peers who unintentionally created pressure to overspend. Life’s unexpected challenges, like a recent car accident requiring a new auto loan, added to her financial woes.  

For Kelly, a scarcity mindset still lingers from when her financial struggles were greater.  Despite these setbacks, Kelly has begun to shift her mindset and reclaim, starting a Debt Management Program with GreenPath.   

While she’s still a year into debt repayment, she has simplified her financial life, which has given her more peace of mind.  Kelly offers reflection about the psychological roots of her relationship with money and shares practical tips for others in a similar situation.  

2:57 Kelly reflects on how her family handled money growing up and how this influenced her as she reached adulthood. 

6:31 She starts spending more money after starting a new relationship. 

11:24 She describes how her debt slowly evolved to the point of being overwhelming. 

13:50 She starts to explore debt options and discovers GreenPath. 

16:55 Kelly discusses when she had used a debt settlement company earlier in her journey and why she feels more comfortable working with GreenPath today. 

22:19 She talks about her goals and progress on her Debt Management Program. 

24:31 She finds support with other friends who are going through similar circumstances. 

26:39 She analyzes how her scarcity mindset affects her approach to money. 

31:23 Kelly considers her financial goals, including creating more financial flexibility, buying a condo and travelling more. 

35:17 She shares a financial tip to save ten-dollar bills. 

44:33 She thinks about what financial advice she’d give her younger self, including saving more when she was younger. 

49:14 Our co-hosts reflect on the lessons learned within Kelly’s story. 

GreenPath Financial Service

GreenPath is a 60-year trusted national nonprofit, learn how GreenPath’s Debt Management Program can help you pay off your debt in 3-5 years, while helping you develop sound financial literacy.

As a young woman, Dr. Darla Bishop had her heart set on attending her dream college, the University of Michigan. But there was one major obstacle: how would she afford it? Just days before the semester began, an unexpected envelope arrived, changing her life forever. 

Throughout her college years, Darla developed a voracious appetite for financial knowledge. She discovered that she was just as capable as her wealthier peers. Empowering herself with financial literacy became her game changer. 

Not only did Darla unlock her own financial potential, but she also became a beacon of guidance for others. Her journey reveals that the emotional aspects of money are far more significant than the numbers. 

Learn more about Dr. Darla Bishop at www.howtoaffordeverything.com 

2:42 Darla talks about her experience with money growing up, including how money got tighter after middle school. 

4:12 She has a transformative experience going to a summer program in high school. 

6:23 Money obstacles almost prevent her from going to her dream college. 

9:12 Her money curiosity leads her to books and mentors to increase her personal finance knowledge. 

11:53 A blown tire gives Darla insights into her psychological patterns. 

17:21 Her decision on which apple to buy becomes a money lesson. 

19:51 She reflects on how the emotional aspects of money are so much more important than the math. 

21:39 She transforms her mindset around money. 

25:30 She recounts how she determined how much money she’d need to balance her budget and reach her debt repayment goals. 

30:45 Darla shares some financial tips. 

33:50 She gives advice for other military spouses. 

37:15 She considers her future financial goals. 

46:27 Our co-hosts reflect on themes from Darla’s story. 

GreenPath Financial Service

GreenPath is a 60-year trusted national nonprofit, learn how GreenPath’s Debt Management Program can help you pay off your debt in 3-5 years, while helping you develop sound financial literacy.

Debt can accumulate for many reasons. For Tyjai, it was a mix of factors. In his early 20s, he didn’t have a spending plan. Rising inflation drove up the cost of major expenses like rent and auto insurance. Meanwhile, the growing interest rates on his credit cards quietly added to the pressure, leaving him feeling stuck. He became numb to the increasing interest rates on his credit cards.   

While working at a credit union that offered financial coaching, Tyjai gained the skills to support others facing debt. Yet, he found himself putting off tackling his own financial challenges. 

That changed when his credit union partnered with GreenPath. Seizing the opportunity, Tyjai created a long-term plan to take control of his debt. Now, by openly sharing about his own struggles, he hopes to inspire others to face their challenges head on. 

2:31 Tyjai reflects on his experience with money growing up. 

6:59 He talks about how his debt crept up post-graduation.  

9:43 After hitting a dead end trying short term fixes, he finally explores a longer-term solution for his debt. 

13:35 He recalls his initial conversation with GreenPath. 

16:42 He talks about his credit score dropping and the resulting hit to his ego. 

19:49 Tyjai discusses how he has adjusted his budget to make it work now that he no longer has use of his credit cards. 

25:01 He offers advice for others who are considering a Debt Management Program. 

28:29 He looks forward to a future that includes home ownership and investing. 

38:27 Our cohosts reflect on themes from Tyjai’s story. 

GreenPath Financial Service

GreenPath is a 60-year trusted national nonprofit, learn how GreenPath’s Debt Management Program can help you pay off your debt in 3-5 years, while helping you develop sound financial literacy.

Today’s guest is Crystal L. Gunn, a financial strategist with a mission to empower people to transform their relationship with money. Crystal helps clients shift their mindset, heal financial traumas, and set new expectations and standards for their financial lives. 

In this conversation, GreenPath guest host Dai-Jaya interviews her mentor Crystal, who opens up about her own financial struggles and the insights she gained along the way—knowledge she now uses to guide and uplift others. 

To learn more about Crystal and her work, visit www.crystalgunn.com. 

2:18 After Crystal introduces herself, our guest host Dai-Jaya talks about the difference that Crystal has made in her financial life. 

5:12 Crystal shares her experience with money growing up. 

7:00 She discusses her financial struggles around a divorce and business that was no longer viable. 

14:20 She highlights a projected statistic that inspires how she leads her life, financially and otherwise. 

16:35 Crystal recalls when she left her full-time job to focus on her financial literacy nonprofit.   

25:23 She talks about her own surprise in becoming a financial strategist. 

29:16 She explains how she became an expert in personal finance. 

33:21 Crystal considers how we might bring conversations about money into the open. 

38:42 She offers advice for how one might tackle financial concerns without spending money. 

45:15 Our co-hosts reflect on Crystal’s theme around generational wealth. 

GreenPath Financial Service

GreenPath is a 60-year trusted national nonprofit, learn how GreenPath’s Debt Management Program can help you pay off your debt in 3-5 years, while helping you develop sound financial literacy.

Meet Juan: a resilient first-generation immigrant from Honduras whose early relationship with finance might sound familiar to some. Growing up in a family that feared spending money, he learned early on to avoid financial products, including credit cards.

Juan yearned for a career in acting, but when he graduated college, his dreams were abruptly halted by the pandemic. As a result, he found himself at a crossroads.

Although his income was limited and his cost of living was high, Juan became a dedicated learner, soaking up valuable money concepts. His newfound wisdom empowered him to take control of his finances and pivot toward a career as a financial coach. You can learn more about Juan at www.linkedin.com/in/juan-valeriano.

Our episode spotlights Juan’s story and the applicable money tips he’s gathered along the way.

2:48 Juan shares how his family’s immigration experience shaped his beliefs around money.

7:39 As a graduate in the pandemic, he uses this opportunity to educate himself about money.

11:51 Juan shares what he has learned about high-yield savings accounts.

15:01 He outlines the basics of Roth IRAs.

21:26 He encourages listeners to approach a credit card as an upgraded debit card.

25:05 He is inspired to share his financial wisdom with friends and family.

26:48 Juan receives a formal education on financial coaching through his work at the Financial Gym.

27:56 He launches his own financial coaching business, the Wealth Wellness Studio.

35:19 Juan offers insights from his journey as an entrepreneur.

37:47 He shares tips on investing and financial habits and how to budget for your desired lifestyle.

44:27 Juan gives advice for his younger self and encourages listeners to take risks and get comfortable with being uncomfortable.

48:38 Our co-hosts reflect on Juan’s theme around fear and money.

GreenPath Financial Service

GreenPath is a 60-year trusted national nonprofit, learn how GreenPath’s Debt Management Program can help you pay off your debt in 3-5 years, while helping you develop sound financial literacy.

Meet Ben, a man faced with many crossroads on his financial journey. Reflecting on his early work experience as a commercial fisherman, 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.

GreenPath Financial Service

GreenPath is a 60-year trusted national nonprofit, learn how GreenPath’s Debt Management Program can help you pay off your debt in 3-5 years, while helping you develop sound financial literacy.

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?

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.

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.