Success Story: A Benefit That Gets to the Heart of the Issue

When Sonny got up the courage to try the financial wellness program, My Secure Advantage (MSA), she found more than a debt solution:

“I was in debt and learned about this program through [my employer].  As the Training Coordinator at my [store], I was teaching new employees about all the different services [our EAP] offers employees.  I had to put on my brave [face] because debt is a stressful and often shameful process.  I contacted [the EAP], and they referred me to MSA.  So I gave it a try, and after talking with my [Money Coach], I had a spark of hope and the beginnings of a plan.”

The Goal

First item of business: get rid of debt!  Sonny was assigned a Debt Specialist as her primary coach, and together they determined which debt management strategy would be better for Sonny’s particular situation:

“My debt was some $20,000+.  It has been about 3 years now, and along with guidance, education and the work of [my Money Coach] and me working together, I am debt free…”

Now, Sonny has $7,000 in savings, and has several vacations planned!

Her MSA Money Coach was just as excited to see her succeed:

“It has been awesome working with [Sonny] and watching the progress she has made with finances. [She] is open and willing to try and improve every day, which makes coaching [her] a truly wonderful experience.”

The Outcome

Sonny initially came to MSA to decrease debt, but she ended up doing so much more.  Sonny found that she had other financial challenges and goals to attend to besides her initial worry of debt.  What’s more, she didn’t have to look far for a solution because the MSA program covers many areas of finance.

Many employees have one presenting issue, like debt, when they reach out for help, but years of experience and research have shown us that they often have at least five other financial issues that also require attention.  Together, the employee and their primary coach will determine the priority, and then create an action plan that encompasses each topic of interest.

One of the additional needs that Sonny had was taxes, so she used MSA’s tax preparation services.  Because MSA coaches work as a team, Sonny’s primary coach connected her with another MSA Money Coach who is a Tax Specialist:

“Even to this day, [my coach] listens to me and offers services through other coaches if they have a specialty area that I can benefit from.  For instance, income taxes and figuring out how the new laws would affect me.  He referred me to [another coach], and she helped me tremendously.”

And that wasn’t all!  Sonny achieved even more:

“…now [I’m] building emergency savings and budget savings.  I can actually save money for what I want to spend it on, and I make wiser choices, and I have a good credit rating now.  It was a lot of work, but worth it all.”

Financial Wellness & Overall Well-being

When Sonny first entered the MSA Financial Wellness program, she took a survey that measured her level of financial well-being.  She scored 3.8 out of 10, which indicates a low level of financial well-being and a high level of financial stress.  After working with an MSA Money Coach and using other tools and resources provided by MSA, Sonny took the survey again to measure her progress.  She scored 9.1 out of 10!  Here’s what Sonny had to say about it:

“This service is […] easy to use, and through it I have gained self-respect and hope along with being debt free.  So I learned about MSA through [the EAP], and I highly recommend it.  Also an added plus is the telephone visits which saves tons of time, and the patience and understanding of these counselors.  He is the greatest listener and teacher!

I don’t stress over money anymore!”

Sonny found so much more than a debt solution when she engaged in the MSA Financial Wellness program.  Through MSA, she got accountability and support that helped her overcome financial challenges and feel confident about making wise financial decisions.

No matter where you’re at financially, you can get trustworthy education from an MSA Money Coach.  Call today!

Information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to offer specific personalized investment, financial planning, tax, legal or accounting advice.  We recommend that you consult an attorney, tax advisor or accountant regarding your unique circumstances.