At just 23 years old, Dezani is building financial habits that many people don’t develop until much later in life—if ever. His journey began with “Financial Literacy for All,” a best-selling book written by Operation HOPE Founder and CEO John Hope Bryant. “I enjoyed this book because it helped me to change my mindset on money and find ways to decrease my spending habits,” he said. Dezani decided to explore further at Operation HOPE’s website and found that the sign-up process was easy—he was immediately connected with a Financial Wellbeing Coach.

At that time, Dezani shared he needed structure: “I was just spending crazy amounts on food, clothes, shoes …. I also started investing in cryptocurrency and stocks. I wasn’t saving at all, to be honest.” But with the support of his coach in the Credit & Money Management program, Isabelle McLeod, his habits began to change. “Since working with Coach Isabelle,” he said, “I have become more disciplined with how to cut back on unnecessary spending and have gradually developed a positive saving pattern.”

For example, he’s replaced his Dunkin’ Donuts runs with making coffee at home. “I’m saving about $50 per month because I was going to Dunkin almost every day,” he shared with a laugh.

The real surprise came when they reviewed his recurring bills—Dezani discovered he was paying an exorbitant $125 per month for his phone plan. “I didn’t realize how much I was paying for my phone bill until we went through everything,” he said. Isabelle helped him explore competitors and he now pays just $50 a month. This one action is giving him more breathing room in his budget and helps him to supercharge deposits into a high-yield savings account.

That discipline wasn’t just about cutting back on spending—it was about learning the “why” behind key financial decisions. “I now understand that I should not exceed 30% utilization of my credit limit, make payments before the due date, and minimize applying for new credit,” he explained, listing off some of the ways he learned to raise his credit score.

But what Dezani appreciated most was how invested Isabelle was in helping him navigate every financial challenge that came his way. For example, during his final semester at UConn, Dezani had a tuition balance that stood between him and graduation. “I owed a bill balance of $927 to the University,” he shared. “My financial hardship could prevent me from graduating.”

Isabelle encouraged him to explore every option, including ones he hadn’t considered. “I would have never thought to call my councilwoman for assistance with my financial hardship if it weren’t for Isabelle,” he said. That phone call led to results: “I received a one-time ‘UConn Policy Exception Grant’ and my fee bill was paid off.”

Dezani was shocked by the outcome—and deeply grateful. “Oh my gosh, shout out to Isabelle for real,” he said. “I didn’t even think about doing this.”

Isabelle’s support expanded even further. She didn’t just coach him on budgeting and credit; she became, in many ways, a life coach—someone invested in his long-term stability and future opportunities. Knowing he was preparing to graduate and enter the workforce, she went above and beyond to help him strengthen a testimonial from one of his prior jobs so he could enhance his resume. She also coached him on how to search effectively on Indeed and encouraged him to network for roles that would maximize his income potential.

“What I like about Isabelle is that she’s very informative and very action oriented. She doesn’t waste time at all. She lets you know, too—‘Hey, Dezani, it’s on you as well. I’m here to help, but you have to take action and go after what you want,’” he explained.

With discipline, guidance, and the willingness to put in the work, Dezani now has a solid financial foundation—and the confidence to continue building on it.  “I hope to continue growing with Operation HOPE and eventually own a home in a few years,” he said.

For a young man in his early twenties, Dezani isn’t just improving his finances—he’s charting the course for the rest of his life. And thanks to Isabelle’s exceptional coaching, he’s walking into that future equipped and empowered.

For more information: OperationHOPE.org. Follow the HOPE conversation on Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn.