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
Read Jade's Story
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
Read Linda's Story
MMI client Patricia
“When we finished I felt lighter. I was so happy, ecstatic."
Patricia
Military Service Member
Read Patricia's Story
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
Read John and Sue's Story
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
Read Kathy's Story
Hispanic Center for Financial Excellence
"I felt like I was in quicksand."
Diana
Chef
Read Diana's Story
A couple enjoying a countryside walk with their dog
"I never want to go back to being afraid."
Denise B.
Consultant
Read Denise's Story
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
Read full story
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
Read Jeff's Story

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 Rabalais in front of his home.

Jason's Story

An MMI counselor uses the debt management plan to break free from overwhelming credit card debt.
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Daren, who worked with MMI to improve his credit, stands in front of the car he was able to buy.

Daren's Story

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

Debbie's Story

Support from Project Porchlight helps this Florida retiree recover from Hurricane Sally.
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Man standing at window.

Marlon's Story

A slow trickle of spending eventually becomes $90,000 in debt for one father.
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A couple enjoying a countryside walk with their dog

Denise's Story

A couple shed their debt and save themselves after years of financial mismanagement.
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Hispanic Center for Financial Excellence - financial education class

Diana's Story

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

Man holding coffee cup while using cellphone.

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.
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Young woman reviewing a bill.

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.
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Concerned young woman speaking on phone.

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.
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Couple sitting and talking outside of house.

Community Property States and Divorce: Who Gets What?

In community property states, assets and liabilities that either person acquires during the marriage become the joint property of both spouses. In other words, “what’s mine is yours” legally applies to all sorts of income and debts. Here's what that can mean for you.
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Waitress serving table of customers.

Who Qualifies for No Tax on Tips?

Thanks to recent legislation, many workers no longer have to pay taxes on their tips. But how does that work, who is it for, and how much can you expect to save?
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Young woman working on laptop.

Why is My Federal Refund So Low?

Expecting a big refund that didn't pan out? Here are the reasons why and what you can do to manage the shortfall and increase future refunds.
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Elderly woman in front of house.

Do You Have Enough for Retirement?

Are you on track to reach your retirement savings goals? Here how to set those goals and regularly measure your success.
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Man reads mail at kitchen table.

How to Respond to a Debt Collection Letter

Receiving a letter from a collection agency can be intimidating, but keep your cool and follow these steps to best resolve the situation.
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Man driving car.

Steps to Take If You're Behind on Your Car Loan

Missed car loan payments and repossessions are on the rise. If you're struggling to manage an unaffordable car payment, here are some tips to avoid a crisis.
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The story of your success could be the inspiration that starts someone on their very own journey of financial improvement. Celebrate what you've accomplished and motivate others to do the same!
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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.