WANDA helped me understand the best practices on how to save and where to save. It also gave me a voice that I didn’t know I had with creditors. I learned to be pro-active and to negotiate my buying power because I can be in control of many circumstances when it comes to getting and establishing credit for purchases. How to shop and save money by not buying on a whim but shopping earnestly for best prices. I also learned about many different resources on buying homes. WANDA also helped me get honest with myself and how to deal with the bad relationship I had with money. Money has always been a source of happiness or so I thought growing up, but I have learned that it doesn’t make my happiness but knowing how to make it work for me will put my mind at ease.
WHY DID YOU APPLY TO WANDA?
I applied to WANDA because I wanted to learn how to save SMART! I never dreamed of owning my own home.
WERE THERE ANY UNEXPECTED RESULTS FOR YOU BECAUSE OF WANDA?
Yes, the biggest unexpected result of WANDA is that I am a HOMEOWNER!!!!! I never would have thought it would be possible for a single mom with two children in this market in these times it could be feasible but here I am a home owner.
WHAT GOAL WERE YOU SAVING FOR?
A. I was saving for a home and if I couldn’t buy a home in time then for my son’s college fund.
WHAT RESOURCES DID YOU USE TO OBTAIN YOUR GOAL IN ADDITION TO YOUR SAVINGS…(WHAT SPECIFIC “FIRST TIME HOME BUYER PROGRAM” DID YOU USE ETC.)
I tried to use the 1st Time Home Buyers programs, but it wasn’t a fit for me. The American Homebuyers Alliance was only able to approve me for a loan for 250k which was way too low for any home. Secondly, they only were able to help me with funds if I used their realtor. Thus, I didn’t utilize this resource.
HOW MANY YEARS DID YOU SAVE IN WANDA TO ACHIEVE YOUR GOAL?
I saved for a year to achieve my goal. I didn’t mind saving, but I didn’t know where to begin.
WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR OTHER SINGLE MOMS CONTEMPLATING APPLYING TO WANDA?
My advice to potential WANDA applicants would be to open to the possibility of good fortune…..I grew up in a household that was pay check to paycheck and didn’t have a home. We grew up for the most part in apartments, and didn’t have anything we could call our own. The possibilities offered at WANDA are endless you just have to be open to them. Be proactive, attentive, and be in the NOW. Don’t be afraid to dream big!!
WOULD YOU BE WILLING TO MENTOR NEW WANDA MOMS?
Yes, I would be willing to be a mentor. I understand if you are suspicious of that being that I have been un-available; however, I am trying to get out of my shell and learn how to deal with stress better. I normally shut off, but I am learning that I have to reach out and speak to others because I don’t like feeling as if I let you or others down. Especially, when I can give back! I am under some economical stress but I have a job, and my kids are healthy and so with that life is good!
I normally don’t talk to others about my money issues, and I think I am not alone in that but it’s not okay to stay quiet because it gets worse. I am also still learning but with the resources and information I have learned from WANDA. I am armed with armor and will deal with these issues this week. I just don’t like to discuss them around my son or family because I don’t want them to worry.