Today we’d like to introduce you to Angela Brock.
Hi Angela, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I was raised by a single mom and was very much aware that we didn’t have a lot of money. We wore hand-me-downs of older siblings and cousins and I vividly remember utilities being disconnected for non-payment often, my mother making payment arrangements, and her choosing between groceries at the check-out counter because she had more groceries than coupons and coins. We were never really educated about finances and managing money, so as an adult, I found myself making similar financial missteps as my mother. My lack of financial literacy and money management led me to payday loans, repossessions and ultimately filing bankruptcy in my 20s. After rebuilding my credit for a second time, a divorce in 2017 took me from a 747 credit score to a 543. I started aggressively paying off my $58k student loan debt and then something shifted in me mentally to realizing that debt freedom was within reach and I committed to becoming debt free. I paid off over $83k of debt in 16 months and was officially debt free in the middle of a global pandemic. I got certified as a financial coach and then started sharing my knowledge and experience with others to help them achieve their financial goals.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I can say starting Hello Breakthrough has not been smooth or an easy road. On top of the “normal” challenges that small business owners face, as a financial coach, I’ve found that not many people are willing to openly talk about their finances, financial hardships, or even admit that they are living check-to-check and need help. Even after they get back on track financially, my clients are less likely to share their financial successes as “wins” because they don’t want people to know they were struggling financially. I know firsthand how shame keeps you from reaching out for help sooner. Self-condemnation can keep you from believing that financial freedom is attainable for someone in your situation. Creating a safe community for an audience that is secretly struggling has been a challenge I work daily to overcome.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Hello Breakthrough primarily focuses on helping clients achieve financial breakthroughs. We partner with our clients to identify triggers and habits that prohibit financial freedom. For each client, I complete a full spending analysis which allows me to educate them on their spending habits and together we create a realistic budget. Our breakthrough programs are designed to develop financial literacy and shift your mindset and behavior towards money management. No matter where you are on your financial journey, we can help you achieve your financial goals in a variety of ways. We give out free tips daily to our texting community; offer 6 to 12-week group coaching programs; individual financial coaching opportunities; and host breakthrough events throughout the year.
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
I would say my transparency about my financial mistakes would be the most surprising thing most people should know about me. There is no shame attached to any of the mistakes I made in my past, so I’m not afraid if people know. It’s the first lesson I tackle with each of my clients because it’s the hardest concept to learn. But take it from me this can be done because I am truly just a girl who grew up poor and used to live check-to-check and now I’m a certified Financial Coach helping others find financial freedom.
Contact Info:
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- Website: https://www.hellobreakthrough.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hellobreakthrough/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HelloBreakthrough/
- Texting Community: https://my.community.com/hellobreakthrough
Image Credits
Rashid Tillis (Right Time Solutions)
