Alena came to Solita’s House with a goal to gain rental and financial stability based on continued increase in rent and some difficulty meeting monthly obligations. The client also expressed her desire to continue working on her credit and savings to obtain homeownership within the next 1 ½ to 2 years.
She has taken both the HBE and FIN CAP Class through Solita’s House.
The client signed a new 16-month lease on March 14, 2023. However, she expressed a desire to relocate to a more stable and affordable rental residence (safety and noise concerns).
The counselor and client agreed that future appointments would concentrate on money management (budgeting), increasing savings, and continuing to work on credit. Alena has actively participated in three counseling sessions. She has made significant progress in implementing the money management and budget strategies discussed during the rental counseling sessions.
Alenap acknowledged relying more on her one credit card, resulting in a higher percentage in card usage. She however is solidly committed to returning the card balance below 25% and working to increase and sustain savings now that she is fully recuperated and has returned to work fulltime.
Even amidst financial challenges, Alena has successfully increased her credit score. She attributes the increase to timely payments on the open credit card account and by utilizing Flex, a rental self-reporting agency that allows her to make rent payments twice a month. Alena’s credit score increased 33 points since she started the Rental Program, from 667 in March to 664 in April to 699 in August.
The counselor continues to work with the client to manage or overcome other debt reduction challenges. Alena remains optimistic in accomplishing her short and long-term goals and remains actively engaged in housing counseling.
ORIGINAL SHORT-TERM GOALS (3.28.23):
- Relocate to a more stable (safety and environment concerns) and affordable Increase savings
- Pay-off credit card
- Don’t apply for any new credit lines
- Continue to work on credit / Increase credit score
- Become a homeowner in the next 1 ½ to 2 years
COMPLETED ACTION PLAN TASKS
- 1) Increased Credit score 667 to 699
- 2) Salary increase: additional $1.72 an hour
- 3) Reduced online shopping and other wants based spending after budget review
- 4) Timely payments on open credit card account
- 5) Managed rental payments through bi-monthly payments (Flex)
- 6) Regularly provided documents as requested by counselor
- 7) Signed and Returned All Action Plans (3.28.23; 4.27.23; 8.7.23)
AMENDED (CURRENT) SHORT TERM GOALS
- Relocate to a more stable, safe, & affordable unit by end of lease or before
- Pay open credit card below 25% of balance
- Open a savings account with your banking institution or online
- Continue increasing credit score
- Homeownership in the next 1 ½ to 2 years
