Roots of Personal Finance Member Spotlight: Mariah Clark

Mariah Clark and her husband, Brian, were never on the same page when it came to finances. It was up to her to keep the household budget afloat. "We decided that it was time for a change and that nothing was going to change unless we did something drastic. So we spent the money on the course even though we didn't really have it to spend."

With three children under the age of 6, a lot the money was going to swimming lessons, gymnastics, soccer and other activities for them. But with the help of Roots, they were able to budget properly for those activities. 

Mariah joined Roots in September 2016 and since then, has paid off "about $5,000 of debt—including four cell phone payment plans, a Snap-On Tools account, car insurance paid in full to save the installment charge, and part of a Disney credit card." She and Brian have also been able to save $2,000.

"The biggest thing we got out of the program was that we are FINALLY on the same page financially. Brian and I finally have conversations about money, instead of arguments. We plan ahead instead of scrambling to catch up after the fact." They have also been able to start teaching their children about money and put their bills on auto-pay. They no longer have to worry about late bills and overdraft fees. 

Mariah's financial advice to you is, "Digging yourself out of the hole you've dug can often be a slow (and PAINFUL) process, but if you truly commit to that process, you will see amazing results in a much shorter time than you ever thought possible!"