♥REAL FINANCIAL COACHING MOMENTS™

Finding Another Path Instead of Making a Costly Mistake

Sometimes resilience doesn't look like pushing harder.

Sometimes it looks like having the wisdom and maturity to wait for something better to come along.

Yesterday, I met with a gentleman who was frustrated.

His truck had been sitting in the repair shop for nearly three weeks, and when the mechanic finally got back to him, it wasn't the best news; the engine was blown! The truck's value was not worth the cost of a new engine replacement.

So a thought came to mind, "Maybe I should just buy a new truck". He's been in Credit Builders Thrive Advantage Mortgage Readiness Program just barely a month, so he made the correct decision in calling and asking for much needed advice.

After reviewing his Smart Credit report, we found his Auto Score was at 549, an F, and in order to get financed through a dealership or a bank, his scores would need to continue to improve.

Could he get financed, somewhere? Anywhere? Probably, but this is when people who are in desperate positions often bury their financial futures even deeper.

We talked about some options he could explore, if even just for a few more months as we continue to improve his credit scores. In less that 30 days on our Thrive Advantage program, his credit scores had already improved:

+11 Points Experian

+12 Points Equifax

+4 Points TransUnion

Those numbers may seem small, but every point matters. Better scores can open the door to better financing, lower interest rates, and more affordable monthly payments.

Before making a major financial decision, I often ask clients to brainstorm every reasonable option-even the ones that may seem inconvenient at first.

Such as:

• Could he catch a ride to work (and offer to help pay for gas)?

• Could he take a bus?

• Could he borrow a car from a relative?

• Drive a company vehicle?

Bingo! He was in the position that he was able to drive his employers work truck.

Most importantly, by choosing patience over desperation, he's putting himself in a stronger position-not only to purchase the truck he needs, but also to continue working toward becoming mortgage ready.

One of the most difficult moments in financial recovery is when life forces you to make an expensive decision before you're ready. That's when resilience matters most.

Sometimes the strongest financial decision isn't say "yes" to the first opportunity

It's finding another path until you're in a position where your money works for you instead against you.

That's what financial coaching is all about. Not selling loans. Not chasing approvals. Helping people make informed financial decisions that create lasting financial stability.

If this story encourages even one person to pause, explore another option, and avoid making a costly decision out of desperation, then it was worth sharing.

From the Financial Coaching Desk of Mya Lee Goodman

Mya Lee Goodman

Founder, Credit Builders

AFC ® Candidate | AFCPE Member

About the Author

I'm Mya Lee Goodman, Founder of Credit Builders. Every story I share is inspired by real financial coaching conversations (with client privacy always protected). My goal is simple: to help people make informed financial decisions that create lasting financial stability.

Real coaching. Real stories. Better financial decisions.♥

Inspired by a real financial coaching session. Client details have been modified to protect privacy.