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San Leandro resident Thomas R. came to SparkPoint Oakland Center because his family was struggling to adapt to changes in their economic situation.  Job loss, and subsequent re-employment at a lower salary, meant that they were struggling to make mortgage and credit card payments, and were having a hard time getting used to spending less each month.

SparkPoint coach Elaine DeNault was there to listen and help. Elaine is an employee of Operation HOPE, one of five partner organizations that collaborate to serve clients at the SparkPoint Oakland Center.  Every SparkPoint member is assigned a personal coach, who helps create a step-by-step plan to address financial challenges and set long-term goals. Because lasting changes do not happen overnight, SparkPoint coaches commit to working with clients for as long as it takes to achieve their goals – for many, that is two or three years.

As a first step, Elaine helped Thomas address his credit card debt, which had ballooned to several thousand dollars. She helped Thomas negotiate with one card company to lower his interest rate from 24.99% to 0% for five years and cut his monthly payment in half.  She spoke with another creditor and convinced it to change Thomas’ monthly payment date so that his two credit cards would not be due at the same time.

Elaine also taught Thomas and his family how to track expenses and  create a budget.  She is currently working with Thomas on a mortgage-loan modification.  

“One of the most important things about SparkPoint is they know how to talk to you, and they know how to listen,” said Thomas. “Just being able to talk with Elaine was a big relief. She listened and knew just how to help.”

Thomas is so pleased with his experience at SparkPoint, that he has referred several family members, including his son, father-in-law and sister-in-law. He continues to meet with Elaine to improve his finances and plan for a better financial future.

“How our clients arrived at their current situation is not important,” says Elaine.  “We meet them where they are and, through coaching, change behavior patterns which allows our clients to  ‘make new history’ for themselves and their families.”

Thomas’ story was featured recently on MSN Money’s “Living With Less” column -  scroll down to the “I used to contribute” section.