The first time HOPE financial wellbeing coach Regina Osei and Portia, a skilled professional voice actor, met was during a virtual workshop Regina was leading called “Building Strong Credit.” During that session, Regina noted how engaged and eager Portia was to get the information she needed. Even more, Regina observed Portia’s strength and fortitude, even as she shared a vulnerable moment from her financial journey.

In an icebreaker exercise, Portia bravely discussed the financial choices that had negatively impacted her once stellar credit score, a moment that moved her to tears. Despite these challenges, her resolve was clear, and her hope for the future was rekindled through their subsequent coaching sessions.

Portia expressed how this journey was about more than just repairing credit; it was about making informed, strategic financial decisions. After working with her coach, Regina, she realized that she was empowered to negotiate her debts without the help of debt relief services which impacted her credit score. Now, with a focused approach to budgeting and a sense of control over her finances, Portia is determined to purchase a multi-family property within the next year.

With guidance from her coach, Regina Osei, Portia has made significant strides:

• She has opened two secured lines of credit, learning to manage them effectively to enhance her credit report.
• She established an emergency fund and consistently contributes to it each month.
• She initiated a savings account with an initial deposit of $2,000, moving away from past habits of excessive spending to intentional saving.

Portia’s gratitude towards her coach is profound: “Thanks to Regina’s compassionate guidance, I’m taking deliberate steps towards financial stability. Thank you, Regina!”