Improving Lives: Financial Success Stories

Client Success Story - Jade
“I thought, ‘Why can’t I do this on my own?’ But I couldn’t. It was just too much. I needed help.”
Jade
Professor
Linda, Paradise CA
"The sky was pitch black and I could hear explosions. I thought I was saying goodbye and that I was going to die."
Linda
Retired
MMI client Patricia
“When we finished I felt lighter. I was so happy, ecstatic."
Patricia
Military Service Member
Senior couple in retirement
“We’d worked all our lives to buy a home and realized that now it could just be taken from us.”
John and Sue
Retired
A teacher in front of her class
“My ex-husband took anything with cash value and I was stuck with everything that had debt attached to it…"
Kathy D.
Teacher
Hispanic Center for Financial Excellence
"I felt like I was in quicksand."
Diana
Chef
A couple enjoying a countryside walk with their dog
"I never want to go back to being afraid."
Denise B.
Consultant
Joe Y., an MMI client
“She wanted everything new and beautiful. We upgraded her diamond three times and she expected a destination vacation every year.”
Joe Y.
Retired
An entrepreneur at the site of a renovation
“The home was at the very peak of what my wife and I could afford, maybe even beyond...”
Jeff M.
Manager, Graphics Firm

Real Clients, Real Success

Every client has a story. Setbacks. Hard work. Success. When you hear their stories you may be surprised at how much of yourself you see in their circumstances. No matter the differences, however, the end result is the same across every story - they decided to make a change and reached their goals as a result. You can do the same.

Jason's Story

An MMI counselor uses the debt management plan to break free from overwhelming credit card debt.

Daren's Story

An active duty Air Force service member works with MMI to get the credit - and car - he deserves.

Debbie's Story

Support from Project Porchlight helps this Florida retiree recover from Hurricane Sally.

Marlon's Story

A slow trickle of spending eventually becomes $90,000 in debt for one father.

Denise's Story

A couple shed their debt and save themselves after years of financial mismanagement.

Diana's Story

A hardworking Columbian immigrant reaches her goals with the help of the Hispanic Center for Financial Excellence.

Financial Tips and Advice

We blog about all kinds of financial topics - from the psychology of spending to the simplest ways to cut costs. Browse our extensive backlog of educational articles.

Coronavirus Tax Refunds: Who Qualifies and How to Apply

A court ruling found that the IRS incorrectly charged late fees and penalties during COVID-19. Here's what you need to know about getting a refund.

How to Get a Loan When You Have Bad Credit

No one wants to take out an emergency personal loan, but sometimes life can hand us financial predicaments. And having poor credit just makes things harder. Fortunately, you have options. Here's what you need to know.

Does Bankruptcy Work for Student Loans?

You may be wondering if you can declare bankruptcy to eliminate more substantial student loan debt. Here’s what you should know about student loans and bankruptcy.

Do I Have a Gambling Problem?

Gambling has never been easier, more convenient, or more dangerous. As online gambling continues to grow, here are the signs that your betting is getting out of hand.

How to Pay Bills In Between Paychecks

Managing an unexpected expense might be easy if it happens right after payday, or nearly impossible in the days leading up to payday. But what if you could access some of your funds to hold you over?

Can My Debt Get Bigger While in Collections?

A debt collection agency can charge you more than the original debt, but only fees and interest from your original agreement. Learn more and next steps here.

How Trended Data is Changing Your Credit Score

The FHA, Fannie Mae, and Freddie Mac have all recently adopted new credit scoring models as part of their approval process. Learn how "trended data" is being used to create more accurate and flexible credit scores.

Creditor Hardship Plans: How They Work and How to Get One

Creditor hardship programs go by many names, but they're all designed to help you avoid default. Here's what you need to know if you're struggling to pay your bills.

Debt Collection: Who Owns My Debts?

Ready to clear away that old collection debt, but not sure who it belongs to anymore? Here are some tips on tracking down the correct party and getting that old debt paid off for good.
Share your Story
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  • MMI is a proud member of the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC) National Foundation for Credit Counseling
    MMI is a longstanding member of the National Foundation for Credit Counseling® (NFCC®), the nation’s largest nonprofit financial counseling organization. Founded in 1951, the NFCC’s mission is to promote financially responsible behavior and help member organizations like MMI deliver the highest-quality financial education and counseling services.
  • Council on Accreditation - official seal Council On Accreditation
    MMI is proudly accredited by the Council on Accreditation (COA), an international, independent, nonprofit, human service accrediting organization. COA’s thorough, peer-reviewed accreditation process is designed to ensure that organizations like MMI are providing the highest standard of service and support for clients and employees alike.
  • Financial Counseling Association of America Financial Counseling Association of America
    MMI is a proud member of the Financial Counseling Association of America (FCAA), a national association representing financial counseling companies that provide consumer credit counseling, housing counseling, student loan counseling, bankruptcy counseling, debt management, and various financial education services.
  • Department of Housing and Urban Development - Equal Housing Opportunity Department of Housing and Urban Development
    MMI is certified by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to provide consumer housing counseling. The mission of HUD is to create strong, sustainable, inclusive communities and quality affordable homes for all. HUD provides support services directly and through approved, local agencies like MMI.