The first time I met Jason and Kia, I asked them what they were hoping to get out of the contest. Were they wanting to learn life-long skills that can help them meet their financial goals? We’re they wanting to win the contest? Both?
One of the first concerns I had – if the goal was to win the contest – was the possibility of Kia’s student loans increasing during the contest. The Financial Makeover contest winner is decided mathematically – based on whoever makes the most financial progress during the contest. Progress can be either saving money, paying down debt, or a combination of the two. Increasing debt hurts.
When I aired my concern about Kia’s student loans increasing over the 10-month contest period, well . . . I think I lit a fuse!
I truly believe one should follow what they are passionate about in life – regardless of the income prospects. True joy can’t be purchased, and a high-paying, high-stress career that you hate isn’t an environment in which to live. I am 100% for people following their passions, and the schooling required to do so.
Kia has an enormous passion for helping others, and nursing is right up her alley. She is a diligent wife and mother with a full-time job and a full-time college schedule. She knows where she wants to go in life, and has laser-like focus on getting there, which brings me back to my point of lighting a fuse.
Kia went out and got a 4.0 grade point average this semester. I repeat: a FOUR-POINT-O! How is that even possible with her schedule?! And her hard work has paid off. Her diligence has led to Pell Grants plus $1,500 in scholarships for school! Which means ZERO added to the student loans – a good thing if you want to win this contest.
Jason and Kia have set the bar high. Stay tuned.
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Investments and investment advisory services offered through CUSO Financial Services, L.P. (CFS), an independent broker-dealer and SEC Registered Investment Advisor are Not NCUA/NCUSIF insured, are Not credit union guaranteed and May lose value. CommunityAmerica Credit Union is affiliated with CFS. Financial Advisors are employees of CommunityAmerica Credit Union and registered through CFS. (Member FINRA/SIPC) |
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