Following my divorce, I went into a deep depression. I was a military wife with a level of financial security. But at 40, I was suddenly on my own. I was stressed about money and my anxiety grew because my bills increased, and the price of food was sky high. I wasn’t saving and I worried about my future. I said to myself, “If you want something different in your life, you’ve got to do something different.”
In June 2022, I started the Thrive Challenge. I read an article on the app about building good money habits to lower stress and I realized I wasn’t alone. All kinds of people need help with their finances. First, I made a budget, which helped me feel more in control of my money. I wrote down how much I need for groceries and other expenses, and I arranged for $600 a month to be transferred into my savings account. I don’t touch it and it’s a relief knowing that I have an emergency fund.
To save on rent, I moved in with my parents. It’s working well for all of us because my dad has health conditions and I help to take care of him. I also help to take care of their house. Microsteps are helping me become more careful about my spending. I stopped going to Starbucks every day. I was paying for three T.V. subscriptions, and by cutting just one, I’m saving $480 a year!
I’m always challenging myself to look for new ways to save, like couponing and finding bargains. For example, I’ll buy steak to cook for the family when it’s on sale. Clearance items are my new best friends. I bought a carpet cleaner on clearance and saved $100. I do have occasional treats. I just bought Girl Scout Cookies, but the money’s going to a great cause. My mom and I both like giving to charity; it makes us feel grateful for what we have.
One Microstep I found really helpful was writing down my financial goals. I wrote out a plan for my retirement. As I continue my Thrive journey, my sense of financial security and confidence have been growing. It’s such a good feeling to be supporting myself without relying on anyone else. I feel accomplished, independent, and much less stressed.I was paying for three T.V. subscriptions, and by cutting just one, I’m saving $480 a year! I’m always challenging myself to look for new ways to save
— Dianna Harris, Walmart Supercenter #2485, Ponderay, ID ; $5K Winner