This success story was recently submitted by Beth A., a student in San Mateo, California.

Prior to joining this program, my finances were completely out of control. I had incurred a lot of debt and it would have been worse now if I had not sought professional help. It was difficult to get out of the debt circle on my own. I felt hopeless and stressed out by the condition of my finances all the time. I felt too embarrassed. Frugality was a word I didn’t understand. I was living way beyond my means and helping people even if I couldn’t afford it. I realized that if I wanted to be financially independent, I had to learn to say NO to myself and to others.

I’ve learned many things in the TDIW program. One thing I will value forever is the way that my mindset has changed when it comes to spending. I’m learning to value the money I’m making for me and my future, not for show-off at the moment.

I’ve been tracking all my expenses and trying my hardest to stay within my monthly spending plans. When I go grocery shopping, I try to only get the things I need for the week and get out of the store as fast as possible. I never realized that using coupons could be fun and rewarding. A big adjustment is for me is cooking more and bringing lunches to work rather than eating out everyday. It freed up a lot of cash to add into my accelerator margin.

I’m very excited to share that I have paid off a credit card and my car! And in less than four years, I will be completely out of debt! I can’t wait!

In conclusion, I’m really glad and proud of myself that I signed up for this program. Although it’s hard being frugal now, I’m so willing to do it because I know it will bring me a brighter future. There are so many things I’d rather do with my life than working till I’m 65. There has to be a better purpose in life. I would like to be able to retire in 20-25 years. I would like to travel abroad with family and friends and help plant churches all over the world.

Beth A.
San Mateo, CA