Finding financial empowerment

While enrolled in Fayette County Community Action’s Community Training Institute’s Certified Nursing Assistant Program, a student realized she needed a car to commute to and from work. Despite previous loan rejections, she remained determined and sought assistance from the Financial Opportunity Center as her graduation neared.

Guided by a financial coach, she consolidated minor debts, opened a savings account and was able to dispute errors on her credit report. Following a budget created with the Financial Opportunity Center, she was able to pay down her debts while adding to her savings.

By graduation, she had saved enough for a down payment on a used car and secured a loan with manageable payments. Continuing to work with her financial coach, she aims to further reduce debt and effectively manage her income with the hopes of refinancing her car loan at a better rate as her credit improves.