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In our latest installment of the Independence Series, we hear from our friends at Center for Economic Progress (CEP) on the importance of becoming financially stable and independent!

When Mireya first came to CEP, she had a lot on her plate. She works two jobs to raise a two-year old daughter and she battles with Lupus on a daily basis.  Mireya is a client of the CEP and has used the nonprofit’s free tax preparation services in Joliet. Thanks to the power of volunteers, CEP has been a trusted provider of free tax and financial services for more than 25+ years, helping Illinois families achieve financial stability and independence.

Mireya applied and was accepted to CEP’s Progress Program, a high-impact, three-month financial coaching program designed to help individuals define and reach their financial goals and dreams. Paired with Scott, a trained, volunteer financial coach, Mireya successfully completed the program and is on track toward financial stability.

Mireya shares her experience:

“When I learned that I’d been accepted into CEP’s program and would be assigned a financial coach, I thought, ‘This is great!’ I need someone to get me back on track. My coach Scott is an awesome coach.  I couldn’t have been more blessed.  He designed a spreadsheet to help me with my current and future finances and gave me hope that I’m not in as bad of shape as I thought I was. 

Taking advantage of matched funds (provided by CEP) he showed me how I could pay off one of my biggest debts that I’ve carried for 10 years.  He helped me realize that finances and setting goals are so much easier once I write them down to see the whole picture.  Scott gave me confidence in myself. I know that hard work pays off, and I want the very best for my daughter, and to provide her with a future home for the two of us.  Life is about making goals, how you get to them is up to you.” 

Since Mireya’s experience, CEP has worked with 100+ individuals enrolled in the Progress Program, including Holly who credits the Progress Program with helping her in her journey to financial freedom. Watch Holly’s story here.

Our most recent Progress Program participants had these successes:

• 55 point average credit score increase
• An average of $7,366 in debt reduction
• An average of $5,323 in savings

Ready for a change? Experience this program yourself. CEP is accepting applications to the Fall Cycle of Progress Program. Apply today and make a personal commitment to take control of your finances and achieve your financial goals. Visit www.economicprogress.org/progress to learn more.