Meet Jasmine Winfrey of Winning Ways Financial Services

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jasmine Winfrey.

Jasmine, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Growing up my parents stressed the importance of having good credit and little to no debt. Outside of my parents suggesting that I maintain “good” credit, I had little knowledge of how to go about doing this. At the age of 17, my parents sent me off to college with a $750 limit credit card and told me to use it ONLY for emergencies.

By the end of my first year in college, my credit card was maxed out. My parents were so disappointed that they decided to no longer pay the minimum payment on the credit card. Because I didn’t understand the impact that this would have on my credit, I often skipped payments. In addition to the credit card being closed by the creditor due to lack of payment, I also had small balance collection accounts that drastically reduced my credit score.

After I graduated, I was making $80k a year and I was positive that due to my income alone I would be able to get approved for a home loan with no issues. I soon found out that my 550 credit score would prevent me from achieving this goal.

I began doing extensive research and taking courses to learn how to improve my credit. Ultimately I was able to increase my credit score by over 200 points over the course of a year. I accomplished this by reducing my credit utilization to below 30%, reducing my debt by 50%, and removing collection accounts.

I am positive that many people have experienced similar setbacks that have resulted in a less than stellar credit score. I started my business to teach financial literacy to those who were not afforded the opportunity to learn effective money and credit management or who have made poor decisions in the past that are hindering them from achieving their dreams of becoming a homeowner.

My mission was to make first time homeowners out of those who never thought they would be able to qualify for a home. I am grateful that I am able to live out my mission every day through my business.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Starting a business was definitely not easy. At the beginning, I had quite a few doubts. I wasn’t sure if I knew enough information to truly be able to help people. I was hesitant about placing a large capital investment in my business to get it off the ground. I wasn’t sure if people would trust me enough to share personal financial information.

My business partner was able to assure me that I would NEVER know enough information and challenges me daily to continuously seek new information and stay up-to-date on laws that impact my business. He taught me that I was investing in my future and it would absolutely pay out if I put the time and effort into it. After working with my first few clients I was able to learn how to interact and engage in a way that built trust resulting in the opening up to me.

Overall the experience of starting up a business from scratch was scary and challenging at first but with the help of my business partner and my own personal drive, it has definitely been rewarding.

Winning Ways Financial Services – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Here at Winning Ways Financial Services, our mission is to strengthen your financial future. Our ever-expanding services are consistently evolving to meet the needs of our clients related to financial freedom. We’ve created a financial program that offers assistance to various pieces of the financial puzzle. Our financial counselors have the tools and required approaches based on of our clients’ needs to guide them through the process to gain a robust score and reach their credit goals.

What is “success” or “successful” for you?
My personal definition of success is attaining happiness as a direct result of serving others and being the vessel to help people reach their goals. My success is measured by the amount of people I am able to help. My personal mission is to dedicate 100% of my time to empowering others to achieve their goals. I am grateful that I am able to help people achieve their financial goals through my business.

Additionally, I am able to help people reach their career and educational goals through my role as the Chief Financial Officer for Big Sister Little Sister Mentoring Program. Through this official 501(c)(3) organization I am able to not only manage the national finances for this program with over 350 members, I am also able to mentor college women through obstacles as they prepare to transition into the real world.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.winningwaysfs.com
• Phone: 1-877-294-7071
• Email: [email protected]
• Facebook: WinningWaysCreditRestoration

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