Kim

Last month I celebrated two years of sobriety. I am a recovering alcoholic, and I have worked so hard to turn my life around. As a single mom, I know it’s up to me to set a good example for my three children. I’ve found ways to apply the 12 steps to all different areas of my life, and I can see things are changing for the better, slowly but surely.

When I was drinking, I was living in “survival mode” – I ignored the bills I knew I couldn’t pay. I didn’t believe I could ever stand on my own feet when it came to handling my money. Living in debt was just a fact of life for me and I felt I had no power to change that.

But once I got sober and I started to see more and more little victories in my life, it motivated me to make other changes. I decided I had to find a better way to provide for my family, and I contacted Children’s Home Society & Family Services for help.

When I started working with my CHSFS financial educator last summer, I was coming up short $500 on my budget every month. She helped me set up a monthly spending plan to see where the money was going, and we created a weekly check planner so I could keep track of when each bill was due. Together we set all kinds of financial goals, like paying off past-due bills and starting a savings account. It became clear that I would need a second job to cover everything, so I started working part-time three nights a week.

In a few months, I was able to catch up on my rent and utility bills. Now I save $5 from each paycheck in a special account for future needs, like buying new winter coats for my kids. It may not sound like much, but I know it will add up over time, and I’m learning to be smarter with my money.

I remember that meeting with my financial educator when we reviewed my budget, only to discover that I had come out ahead for the month! That was a great day. Now I am teaching my children the importance of budgeting, saving, and working toward the goals that are most important to them – not just with their money, but in all aspects of their lives. 

I am more independent now, and feel confident about being able to stay on track. Change really is possible! I’m considering returning to school, maybe to work in the chemical dependency field so I can help other people turn their lives around. Working with Children’s Home Society & Family Services is helping me create a better future for myself and my children.

– Kim, a CHSFS Financial Education client
(name changed to protect client’s identity)