Brittany’s Story: Money Management

Brittany’s Story

Brittany knew she needed a change. She experienced homelessness and she was determined to break the cycle of financial instability for herself and her young child. She realized she needed to learn how to manage her money in a way that would provide lasting security. She wanted more than just getting by—she wanted stability, independence, and a better future for her son.

Determined to Start
When she found SELF’s Money Management program, she knew it was the right place to start. She walked into the office and asked to meet the person in charge. That’s when she met Ms. Sharon, the program’s facilitator.

At first, Brittany struggled with impulse spending. Whenever she had extra money, she would use it on things that weren’t essential—shoes, hair appointments, or other unnecessary purchases. She didn’t have a plan for her finances, and as a result, she was always just making ends meet. But through the program, she learned how to shift her mindset.

“One thing Ms. Sharon put in my head was, you gotta have a relationship with money. Money is a tool.” This lesson changed everything. Brittany began to see money not as something to spend, but as a resource that, when managed wisely, could open doors for her and her son.

The First $2,500
With this new perspective, Brittany set a savings goal for the first time in her life. She wrote it down on an index card: $2,500. It seemed like an ambitious number, but she was determined. Little by little, she put money aside—$10 here, $20 there—until she reached her goal. “I was proud of myself, honestly.”

Breaking the Cycle for Good
Now, Brittany has a bigger vision. Her next goal is to save enough money to buy a house for her and her son. She is focused on long-term stability, determined to give him a better future than she had. She no longer lives paycheck to paycheck—she plans ahead, budgets wisely, and prioritizes what truly matters.

SELF’s Money Management program didn’t just teach Brittany about finances; it gave her the tools to build a future. With the right guidance, she has broken the cycle and is now on a path toward financial independence.

You gotta have a relationship with money. Money is a tool.
Brittany Money Management GradBrittany, Graduate of Multiple Programs