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.

Building the Best Debt Repayment Strategy to Improve Your Credit Score

You've got some extra money and you want to pay down some debts. The question is, what debt repayment strategy will have the biggest impact on your credit score?

This Debt's Been in Collections for Years - Should I Pay It Off?

If you've got a collection debt that's about to fall off of your credit report, is it worth paying it off (even if you can)? There are a few factors to consider. Here's what you need to know.

Student Loan Wage Garnishments Temporarily Placed on Hold

Collection action against defaulted federal student loan holders that was supposed to begin in January has been paused until the summer. Here's how to take advantage of the reprieve.

Will Credit Cards Really Be Capped at 10% Interest?

Is a universal 10% interest cap on credit cards really going to happen? How might that work and why are some suggesting there could be actually be some pretty severe unintended consequences? Here's what we know so far.

1099-C and Tax Consequences of Settled Debt: What You Need to Know

How does settling debts impact your tax return? Here how to prepare for a settlement without getting stuck with an unexpected tax bill.

For-Profit Debt Settlement vs. Nonprofit Debt Management Plans: Which Is Right for You?

What difference does it make if you work with a for-profit debt settlement company or a non-profit debt resolution company? Here's why you should always consider nonprofit debt relief options when looking for help with credit card debt.

Pros and Cons of Consolidating with a Debt Management Plan

A debt management plan may be a less well known form of debt consolidation, but it has some features that set it apart from the competition. Here's what you need to know.

How to Have a Great Holiday on a Limited Budget

The holiday season is the time we get to kick back, relax, and spoil our kids thoroughly. But when money is tight, you may worry about creating a disappointing holiday for your children. Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to create a memorable holiday on a shoestring budget.

Don't Make these Common Holiday Season Money Mistakes

The holiday season is one of the most stressful and challenging times of the year when it comes to money. With gifts and decorations to buy, large meals to plan, travel, and events there always seems to be something to spend money on. This year, avoid debt by avoiding these common holiday season money mistakes.
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    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.