Real Stories Ep 52: Frankie Overcomes Financial Abuse
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Meet Frankie: a financial coach for Ent Credit Union, one of GreenPath’s partners in Colorado. She has expertise in helping others manage their money—and was financially self-reliant from a young age—but it’s often harder to see ourselves as clearly as we see others.
Frankie’s “Aha moment” came during a conversation with a GreenPath counselor, during which she gained a new perspective on the money dynamics in her marriage; she recognized that if she stayed with her husband, she would continue to endure financial abuse.
Frankie made the courageous decision to end her marriage and focus on creating a financially healthy life for herself. Today, she strives to impart her wisdom to her son, her credit union members, and our listeners.
Key Moments
2:46 Frankie talks about growing up, the loss of her parents, and how she had to be financially self-reliant from a young age.
7:28 She recounts meeting her husband through work and shares the early trepidations she had about joint money management.
9:27 She discusses the financial red flags that appeared in her relationship over time.
11:27 She recounts struggling with their mortgage and eventually losing their home, an event she considers the darkest period of her financial life.
14:28 She and her husband move to Colorado for a fresh start.
16:56 Her new career at Ent Credit Union gives her deeper insight into her personal life and marital finances.
18:37 She describes the pivotal session with a GreenPath counselor that gave her a new perspective on the problematic financial dynamics of her marriage.
23:26 Frankie makes a major change to her housing situation to help balance her budget.
26:10 She speaks about the financial impact of her divorce and the importance of having protected her credit.
29:30 Frankie discusses her goals of retiring, living a simpler life, and focusing on her son.
32:46 She describes the non-judgmental support and safety that GreenPath provides to the members she works with.
37:08 She shares what she’s learned regarding financial abuse.
43:09 Our co-hosts reflect on themes from Frankie’s story.
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