At the age of 49, Cindi Roberts is doing a lot of things she never thought were possible -- saving money and going back to school. After an injury over ten years ago left her unable to return to her previous line of work, Cindi had to resort to government assistance to pay her bills. She received disability payments and food stamps, and was pessimistic about her future. Cindi then learned about government grants and scholarships, and enrolled at Chattanooga State Technical Community College’s information system technology program. She also enrolled in the Managing Money in Tough Times at the Chattanooga State Technical Community College AHEAD program, sponsored by Tennessee Saves, where she began to realize saving money was also possible.
With the knowledge she gained through the AHEAD program, Cindi was able to take control of her money and her life."After bouncing a few checks in my twenties, I swore off ever having a checking account again," Roberts said. "But I learned [through the AHEAD program] that having a checking account allows you to monitor your money more closely and track expenses."
Even on a limited income, she found ways to save. Cindi never realized how everyday expenses add up. "Cutting out one thing a day, like a soda, adds up to big savings over a year and you won't even miss it," she said. These days, Cindi not only has a checking account but also a savings account, including a $500 emergency fund. Her biggest tip for other savers is to set short-term, obtainable goals, like a $500 emergency fund, and to always pay bills on time. "If you wait to pay your bill past the due date, you're giving them extra money," she said.
It's Never to Late to Start Saving