Financial & Housing Counseling: Lisa's Story

The Financial and Housing Counseling Program staff met Lisa while presenting a Senior Fraud and Scams training for Foster Grandparents. She asked for a business card and a few days later she called to schedule a Financial and Housing Counseling appointment.  This program strives to meet people where they are at, so a Catholic Charities staff member met over the phone due to Lisa's lack of transportation.

Lisa’s biggest concerns were getting a better handle on her bills and paying off her debts, of which she owed about $6600.  At her first appointment, Lisa and her counselor created a budget with action steps, laying the foundation to help Lisa get out of debt. Due to Lisa’s fixed income and the rise in rental costs, she pays over 40% of her income for rent. 

Lisa diligently completed all of her action plans, including tracking her spending which would give her a realistic picture on how much she was spending each month. Nine months later Lisa still tracks her spending.

In September, Lisa called and shared that one of her debts was paid off.  She was so excited, and we were grateful to be able to celebrate that success with her. Since April she’s paid off over $2800 in debt and built up her savings account. Lisa’s budgeting, expense tracking, goal setting, savings and renters rebate all helped her get that debt lowered. Lisa shared that she was proud of the work she has done and that Catholic Charities Financial and Housing Counseling staff were 'considerate, compassionate and very helpful."

Learn more about our Financial and Housing Counseling services here.