Money Smarts Blog

Every day, I meet people who are ready to take control of their money and build a better future. One of those people is Diane, a longtime IHMVCU member who proves that real change can happen when you’re determined and willing to put in the work.

Diane has been part of the IHMVCU family since the 1970s, back when we were Midwest Manufacturing Credit Union. When she first met with a Financial Coach two years ago, she and her husband were buried under credit card debt and didn’t see a way out.

“We had a lot of credit card debt, and it was taking all of our money every month,” Diane told me. “There was nothing left over. We were right on the edge of bankruptcy. We would’ve lost everything.”

That’s when she came to IHMVCU to see if anyone could help.

Finding a Way Forward

Diane first met with our Financial Coach Jennifer, and together they took a deep breath and started laying everything out: every bill, every card, every expense.

“I told her, ‘Something has to be done. Whatever it takes, I’m willing to do it.’”

Jennifer suggested working with GreenPath Financial Wellness, one of our trusted partners, to consolidate and simplify her credit card payments. They built a budget that Diane and her husband could realistically stick to and decided which cards to turn over to GreenPath’s debt management program.

“At first it was totally confusing,” Diane admitted. “We had to set up a budget and stick to it. Once we turned those cards over, we couldn’t use them anymore. My main question was, how can we live if we don’t have cash and can’t use credit cards?”

Jennifer explained that by handing over those cards, their total payments would actually go down. The money they had been sending to multiple credit card companies each month would now go further and give them some breathing room.

“That was the game-changer,” Diane said. “We were paying less overall, and that extra cash helped us get by. Month after month, it just got better and better.”

Building New Habits

Diane started working with me in February 2024, meeting once a month to check in and make sure her plan stayed on track. By that time, she had already built strong habits, but together we fine-tuned her budget and kept adjusting as life changed.

“It’s a lot easier now,” she told me. “The expenses are going down, and we’re finally getting ahead. Sam’s used to how we do things, and it’s just easier to talk it through.”

Diane keeps a color-coded calendar book where she writes down every bill, every expense, and exactly how it’s paid, whether by debit, check, or automatic payment.

“I thought I knew how to do a budget before coming to IHMVCU,” she said, laughing. “Now I really know how. The biggest thing I’ve learned is you have to be consistent. Know how much money you have, stick to it, and don’t cheat. Once that money’s used, you’re out of luck. You’ve got to stick to it.”

A New Mindset

Diane and her husband are now in a much better place financially. Their expenses are down, their stress is lower, and they’ve adopted a new philosophy about money.

“I don’t want any credit cards,” Diane said firmly. “I’ve got one now for medical expenses that aren’t covered by insurance. I pay it off and keep it for emergencies. People ask how many credit cards I have. I tell them none, and I don’t want any. Been there, done that.”

She also has advice for anyone who’s where she was a year ago.

“Go to your financial institution and ask for help. You’re going to have to lay it all out, what you owe, what you earn, what you spend. If you really want help, that’s what it takes. It’s easy to get in debt but hard to get out of it. And once you do, don’t go back. It’s a lifestyle change. Sometimes you have to do without in order to get ahead.”

From My Perspective

I’ve been meeting with Diane for over a year now, and the progress she’s made is incredible. From day one, she and her husband were committed to doing the work. The further we’ve gotten, the more confident and less stressed Diane has become.

It’s like second nature for her now. She anticipates my feedback and comes prepared with updates and solutions. She’s taken full ownership of her financial life.

Diane’s story shows that it’s never too late to turn things around. It starts with being honest about where you are, making a plan, and sticking with it.

And she’s living proof that when you pair determination with support, you can go from overwhelmed to empowered.

Ready to start your own journey?
Our IHMVCU Financial Coaches and GreenPath partners are here to help you find a plan that fits your life, your goals, and your community. Schedule your free financial coaching session today.

Every day, I meet people who are ready to take control of their money and build a better future. One of those people is Diane, a longtime IHMVCU member who proves that real change can happen when you’re determined and willing to put in the work.

Diane has been part of the IHMVCU family since the 1970s, back when we were Midwest Manufacturing Credit Union. When she first met with a Financial Coach two years ago, she and her husband were buried under credit card debt and didn’t see a way out.

“We had a lot of credit card debt, and it was taking all of our money every month,” Diane told me. “There was nothing left over. We were right on the edge of bankruptcy. We would’ve lost everything.”

That’s when she came to IHMVCU to see if anyone could help.

Finding a Way Forward

Diane first met with our Financial Coach Jennifer, and together they took a deep breath and started laying everything out: every bill, every card, every expense.

“I told her, ‘Something has to be done. Whatever it takes, I’m willing to do it.’”

Jennifer suggested working with GreenPath Financial Wellness, one of our trusted partners, to consolidate and simplify her credit card payments. They built a budget that Diane and her husband could realistically stick to and decided which cards to turn over to GreenPath’s debt management program.

“At first it was totally confusing,” Diane admitted. “We had to set up a budget and stick to it. Once we turned those cards over, we couldn’t use them anymore. My main question was, how can we live if we don’t have cash and can’t use credit cards?”

Jennifer explained that by handing over those cards, their total payments would actually go down. The money they had been sending to multiple credit card companies each month would now go further and give them some breathing room.

“That was the game-changer,” Diane said. “We were paying less overall, and that extra cash helped us get by. Month after month, it just got better and better.”

Building New Habits

Diane started working with me in February 2024, meeting once a month to check in and make sure her plan stayed on track. By that time, she had already built strong habits, but together we fine-tuned her budget and kept adjusting as life changed.

“It’s a lot easier now,” she told me. “The expenses are going down, and we’re finally getting ahead. Sam’s used to how we do things, and it’s just easier to talk it through.”

Diane keeps a color-coded calendar book where she writes down every bill, every expense, and exactly how it’s paid, whether by debit, check, or automatic payment.

“I thought I knew how to do a budget before coming to IHMVCU,” she said, laughing. “Now I really know how. The biggest thing I’ve learned is you have to be consistent. Know how much money you have, stick to it, and don’t cheat. Once that money’s used, you’re out of luck. You’ve got to stick to it.”

A New Mindset

Diane and her husband are now in a much better place financially. Their expenses are down, their stress is lower, and they’ve adopted a new philosophy about money.

“I don’t want any credit cards,” Diane said firmly. “I’ve got one now for medical expenses that aren’t covered by insurance. I pay it off and keep it for emergencies. People ask how many credit cards I have. I tell them none, and I don’t want any. Been there, done that.”

She also has advice for anyone who’s where she was a year ago.

“Go to your financial institution and ask for help. You’re going to have to lay it all out, what you owe, what you earn, what you spend. If you really want help, that’s what it takes. It’s easy to get in debt but hard to get out of it. And once you do, don’t go back. It’s a lifestyle change. Sometimes you have to do without in order to get ahead.”

From My Perspective

I’ve been meeting with Diane for over a year now, and the progress she’s made is incredible. From day one, she and her husband were committed to doing the work. The further we’ve gotten, the more confident and less stressed Diane has become.

It’s like second nature for her now. She anticipates my feedback and comes prepared with updates and solutions. She’s taken full ownership of her financial life.

Diane’s story shows that it’s never too late to turn things around. It starts with being honest about where you are, making a plan, and sticking with it.

And she’s living proof that when you pair determination with support, you can go from overwhelmed to empowered.

Ready to start your own journey?
Our IHMVCU Financial Coaches and GreenPath partners are here to help you find a plan that fits your life, your goals, and your community. Schedule your free financial coaching session today.