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Maria’s Story – From Overwhelmed to In Control

Today, I want to share the story of a client I’ve been working with for the past year. Maria first reached out to me for coaching after her husband unexpectedly passed away in 2019. She was feeling overwhelmed by all the financial decisions she suddenly had to make. Her husband had always managed their finances, and she felt completely lost. While our consultation went well, she decided not to move forward with coaching at that time.

Over the years, Maria kept in touch by referring people to me—even her son!

Then, last October, she reached out again. Since her husband’s passing, she had accumulated around $45,000 in credit card debt. During our consultation, I could see just how overwhelmed she was. She was worried about a large tax payment due this year, multiple insurance premiums, and property taxes. You know, all those expenses that seem to pop up out of nowhere and feel overwhelming.

She had a lot of regret about not hiring me in 2019, admitting that with my guidance, she probably would have made very different financial decisions back then. This time, she knew she needed accountability, a budget that worked for her life now, and a plan for upcoming expenses.

At 65, Maria felt like she had a good income but was seriously concerned she’d have to go back to work just to make ends meet. During our conversation, she said:

  • “Things have gotten out of control.”
  • “Money slips through my fingers.”
  • “I don’t need to be this stressed over money.”

 

Maria was ready to make a change, so we got to work. At first, she felt hesitant and unsure about where to start, but as we worked together, she began to regain confidence in managing her finances. Little by little, we put a system in place that took away the stress and uncertainty she was feeling.

It’s taken time and patience, but now, all the expenses that used to cause her anxiety—like taxes, insurance premiums, and even a few trips—are planned for. She has a clear picture of her financial future, and she’s no longer worried about her day-to-day spending. She now feels empowered, capable, and in control of her money for the first time in years.

One of the most exciting things to see has been how much her mindset has shifted. In the beginning, she felt like money was slipping through her fingers, and she had no control over it. But now, she knows exactly where her money is going, and she feels confident about her ability to manage her finances without fear or stress.

And perhaps the biggest relief? She doesn’t have to go back to work. We discovered that she has enough income to support her current lifestyle, and she’s finally able to enjoy her retirement without worrying about money.

Watching Maria embrace the system I teach and seeing her transformation has been nothing short of inspiring. She’s gone from feeling overwhelmed and defeated to feeling empowered and secure in her financial future.

If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed with your finances (even if we’ve spoken before), let’s chat. Together, we can build a plan that brings you peace of mind, no matter where you’re starting from. Book a no-cost consultation, and let’s see how we can help you move forward.

Don’t let the stress of finances hold you back any longer. If you’re feeling overwhelmed and unsure of where to start, let’s connect.

Schedule a consultation HERE, and together we can create a plan that brings you clarity and confidence.

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Hello! I'm Crystal!

I specialize in helping women, couples, and service-based small business owners who feel like they “make too much to be living paycheck to paycheck.” Together, we turn financial stress into financial clarity and create a plan for the life they’ve always imagined.

I’m based in Morristown, Tennessee, where I live with my husband and children. When I’m not coaching, I enjoy traveling, getting lost in a good book, and discovering new music.

Through Smart Money Financial Coaching, I’ve made it my mission to help people manage their money with confidence, pay off debt, and finally feel in control of their finances.

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