Emilio wanted to get his financial life in order and was willing to do the work; he just did not know where to begin.

“I was used to living month to month,” said Emilio. “I wasn’t getting ahead, but instead I was steadily falling behind.”

A referral from Metropolitan Development and Housing Agency (MDHA) led Emilio to the Nashville Financial Empowerment Center.

“It isn’t often that you find free help available to you. After my first session, I was confident that they could help me get back on track.”

A professional financial counselor examined his credit history and assured him that his situation was not as alarming as he thought it was. Emilio used information from his first session to set up a monthly budget, so he could keep track of his spending.

“Now, I can look at my income before it comes in and properly dispense it. This allows me to have money left over at the end of every month.”

Emilio is happy to see his savings increase, and knows what he’s learned from the Financial Empowerment Center is critical in getting him back on track.

“I can already see my way out of the tunnel. If I continue to work hard, not only will I get out, I’ll also become empowered to accomplish goals that were dreams in the past.”