I know what it's like to make good money and still live paycheck to paycheck. Right of out college, I was earning more than my parents ever had, but I found myself trapped in debt and it didn’t take long to realize that a bigger paycheck wasn’t the answer—what I needed was a new approach to money.

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As a first-generation college graduate and the daughter of hard-working parents who never earned more than $35,000 a year while raising eight children, I carried their dreams of success. But no matter how much my income grew the cycle of debt followed me. The stress of never having enough compelled me to lean into my faith. I began studying biblical principles about money, and devoured books like Rich Dad, Poor Dad and The Total Money Makeover.

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I made radical changes to my lifestyle and how I managed my finances, and that shift changed everything. It also prepared me for marriage to my husband—a natural saver who shared my philosophy about money. We had the same vision, so it was easier to make bold choices: living on one income, skipping vacations, and saying “no” when others said “yes.” The sacrifices weren’t easy, but in seven years we eliminated our student loans, car payments, and mortgage, and fully funded college for both of our children.

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When life threw us a curveball, and a job loss reduced our income by two-thirds, we weathered the storm with peace because we had a strong foundation. And now, we want to help as many people as we can be in the same position.

 

​What started as a personal journey became a calling. Since 2011, we’ve facilitated financial freedom classes at our church, led small groups, and helped family and friends create budgets. Now, through Derby’s Dollars and $ense, I’m expanding that reach to empower more people to take control of their finances, break free from debt, and experience true financial freedom.

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This isn’t just a business—it’s where passion meets purpose. And I’d be honored to walk alongside you on your own journey toward financial freedom.