Ever wondered how a single mom can pay off over $40,000 in credit card debt? Join us as we bring you the remarkable story of Kari Karber, Assistant Director of Customer Benefits at the Employees' Retirement System of Texas (ERS). Kari opens up about her inspiring journey from financial struggle to stability, sharing the practical strategies and mindset shifts that helped her achieve this incredible feat. As a single mother of two daughters, Kari's story is not just about numbers: it's a testament to resilience, determination, and the power of small, consistent steps in transforming one's financial future. Discover how she balanced her role at ERS, helping state employees navigate their retirement and insurance benefits, while also benefiting from those very services herself.

In this episode, we dive into the nitty-gritty of managing finances during tough times, especially when it comes to supporting children's needs without breaking the bank. Keri reveals how leveraging community resources and being transparent about financial constraints can lead to creative, budget-friendly solutions. Learn about the practical tools she used for debt management, from setting percentage-based goals to visual progress trackers. We also explore the emotional highs and lows, including the joy of buying a wedding dress and preparing for future expenses like college and weddings. Tune in for a treasure trove of insights and actionable tips that can help you achieve financial stability and success.

Resources to Support Financial Well-being:

Baby-Steps to Financial Freedom Webinar
Budgeting & Debt Reduction Webinar
Retirement Planning from New Hire to Retiree Webinar
Texa$aver by Empower Website
OCCC's Budget Worksheet