Long Story $hort

A staggering 73% of U.S. adults having fallen victim to some form of online fraud. In an age where scams are everywhere, being informed is your best protection. By understanding the types of scams and recognizing the red flags, you can safeguard yourself from falling victim to fraud. Mel Lanning, Executive Director at the Better Business Bureau Institute for Marketplace Trust, reveals that online...

Financial challenges can affect anybody and our military men and women are no exception. Half of active duty military report that they're just getting by financially. And HUD data shows that on a single night there are over 32,000 veterans experiencing homelessness in the United States. Financial challenges affecting veterans. David Ramirez, a veteran and representative of Soldier On, joins us...

In today's fast-paced world, many families struggle with financial stress and uncertainty. Jamie Strayer, CEO and creator of the inspiring PBS series Opportunity Knocks, highlights the everyday challenges faced by American families. As a single mother for 17 years, she witnessed her mother’s dedication to helping those in need through her work at a local employment office. This legacy of support i...

Many financial experts also have their own struggles with credit cards and debt. 40% of credit card holders have either maxed out or come close to maxing out cards in the past few years. Benét Wilson, an experienced journalist and personal finance writer for ThePointsGuy.com, came to MMI multiple times for help to get her debt under control and improve her credit. In this episode, Benét shares her...

68% of US adults feel financial trauma. Money problems are a root cause of shame, and shame thrives in secrecy. To build a healthier relationship with money requires verbalizing money problems...talking through it with someone. Of course, there's still a problem between income and outgo, but the the emotional impact of money trauma can be reduced when we no longer feel alone in the situation....

Imagine a life weighed down by $40,000 in debt. Christine Lee felt that crushing burden, living paycheck to paycheck. Being debt-free, for Christine, means an invaluable reduction in stress and a newfound sense of freedom. She highlights how even small purchases now feel liberating, without the constant weight of debt. This freedom extends to her children, who can now witness a less stressed, more...

In a world where debt often feels like an insurmountable burden, Nettie’s story serves as a beacon of hope. Her husband had a bad accident and went on worker's comp, reducing their household income by 34%. Nettie turned to credit cards for groceries and paying bills, but couldn't pay down the balances. However, with the help of a debt management plan with MMI, she significantly reducing he...

Tracy was significantly impacted by legal fees incurred during a severe domestic violence situation, which led to high-interest personal loans due to poor credit. This experience highlighted the reality of financial abuse, a tactic used for power and control. She emphasizes that financial abuse can take many forms, including withholding money or using legal fees as a scare tactic, and that recogni...

Michelle Williams took on $56,000 in credit card debt from 10 different cards, but paid it off in 4 years with MMI's help! Michelle's debt situation became critical when she experienced a job change that resulted in a substantial pay cut. It caused her to look for outside help, which led her to Money Management International. MMI negotiated with her creditors to arrange lower monthly payme...

Casey's inspiring journey began after complaining about financial struggles to her mother, who had a positive experience with MMI in the past. This led Casey to make a call to MMI, and ultimately paying off $28,000 in debt in four years. She highlights that while a debt management plan is a powerful tool, the process requires personal commitment, sacrifice, and a shift in mindset. She and her...

Jade accumulated significant credit card debt over 20 years of her career as a licensed massage therapist. Initially, she was paying off old balances with new debt. This situation became particularly challenging during COVID, which impacted her self-employed income. The overwhelming nature of her debt, with statements showing it would take decades to repay, led her to accept it as an unavoidable a...

Darin, a military veteran, shares the psychological aspects of money and the importance of community support in achieving financial stability. He emphasizes the need for guidance and the positive impact of having someone advocate for you in the debt management process. Our conversation highlights the transformative power of community and the steps taken to achieve financial freedom. Key takeaways:...

How does debt impact military families differently—and what unique resources are available to help them achieve financial wellness? This episode of Long Story Short explores the mission of the USAA Educational Foundation, unpacking the financial challenges and opportunities that service members and their families face. Mandi Moynihan and Katie Casey Macias, both Certified Financial Planners® and p...

How do you prepare the next generation for financial success? Learn about the world of financial education with the MoneySKILL program, a dynamic initiative from the AFSA Education Foundation designed to empower consumers of all ages with vital money management skills. You'll hear about how this innovative, online, and free resource equips educators, parents, and learners to understand and navigat...

How does your credit score impact your financial journey? Discover the significance of FICO scores in the lending process and learn valuable tips for managing and potentially improving your credit profile. Elaine Cozart from FICO provides insights that are essential for anyone seeking to understand and leverage their credit score effectively. You'll hear practical advice on the key components of a...

What does it take to eliminate a six-figure debt in just over four years? From substantial sacrifices to strategic financial planning, Ian reveals how he and his family conquered $100,000 of debt and achieved financial freedom through MMI's debt management plan. You'll hear about Ian's journey through financial adversity, including the loss of his job during the Great Recession, and ho...

Struggling with debt and worried about housing options? Discover how taking the first step towards financial wellness can change your life, as housing counselor Naomi Peden shares her insights on homeownership. Naomi talks about the impact of unmanageable debt on individuals' lives, emphasizing the emotional toll it can take, and highlights the significant importance of making an initial move, lik...

Ali successfully paid off $17,000 in debt in just five years through Money Management International's (MMI) debt management plan. Ali shared how a job loss led him to accumulate debt across nine credit cards, with the highest balance reaching $7,000. Referred to MMI by one of his credit card companies, Barclays, Ali found solace and clarity through MMI’s debt counseling services. You will learn ab...

When the insurance company refused to pay, Rachel was stuck with $35,000 in unsecured debt. Rachel's story is not just one of financial recovery but also of dealing with life's unpredictability. A year after a significant car accident that left her with muscle skeletal issues, Rachel was sideswiped by another car. Thinking the driver's insurance would cover everything, Rachel put all t...

In the midst of a pandemic, Steve jumped into homeownership. Then tried to fix it up, and furnish it, then the 30-year old HVAC unit went out. Thinking it would take 20 years to get out of this new consumer debt, he contacted MMI - and it in just over 2 years! Listen to Steve's story about: (00:00) Buying a home during chaotic times and using credit for quick renovations. (03:43) Becoming overwhel...

Joni had a six-figure income but was living off her credit cards. With over $62,000 in credit card debt, she was able to pay it off and build savings following MMI's debt management plan. Listen to her story of avoiding bankruptcy the emotional impact she experienced from her financial freedom journey. Key moments: (00:00) Multipreneur Joni shares her Debt Payoff Triumph story (06:29) She paid hig...

What does paying off $25,000 in debt look like? Jason from Redding, California, outlines his journey from financial strain to achieving significant financial milestones by paying off $25k in debt! He and his wife initially accumulated debt due to living expenses and attempts to enjoy life, which led him to seek assistance via his union's website. There, he discovered MMI, and with guidance from a...

Jessica shares her inspiring journey of raising her credit score to over 800 and paying off $32,000 in debt! Jessica recounts her initial struggle with debt and the shame associated with it. She found MMI after a friend suggested seeking help, and her first call with a debt counselor named Sandra was pivotal in setting a clear, manageable plan. The structured payment plan helped Jessica see an end...

Nick, an IT manager from Long Island, shares his experience of paying off over $24,000 in debt through Money Management International (MMI). He highlights the importance of acknowledging the debt problem, cutting credit cards to control spending, and the relief that comes from having a clear end date for becoming debt-free. Tara and Nick discuss the benefits of lowered interest rates, streamlined...

Podcasts are great because we can have deep conversations with meaningful impact as we share stories that are common to so many of us. This show from us here at MMI is so important because it's critical that we reduce the stigma around debt. Debt is something that's so very common and so many of us deal with it and yet we don't talk about it, but we really should. And so on this show, that's what...