Sylvia’s Story: Home Ownership in the Future

Meet Sylvia, an HR Manager for the Clark County School District in Nevada. She’s a Las Vegas native who lives with her husband and two adult sons.

What did your upbringing teach you about finances?

Nothing! That’s why I’m in debt now. I don’t think I was ever taught how to save or how important your credit score was. Really, what I learned from my parents was how easy it is to come into debt. Saving money wasn’t a conversation in our household growing up.

What have been the highest and lowest financial points in your life?

As far as accumulating credit card debt, I’m working on paying off the smallest amount then moving on to the next one. I want to get credit card debt out of the way to boost my credit score, and then I can focus on other things like owning my own home.

I’m also deep in debt with student loans that I’ve been paying off for who knows how long. Actually, I’m still finishing school. In December, I’ll be done with my master’s program in human resource management.

I’ve grown in my work. Career wise, I’m moving in the right direction. Hopefully, I’ll get a better job or promotion. At my current job, we haven’t had raises in nine years or increases in salary based on cost of living. To keep losing money isn’t feasible, you know?

A black woman wearing a gray long sleeve shirt sits on a rock wall next to jackets

What’s the best piece of financial advice you’ve received?

Save money regardless of how much you earn. Make sure you’re putting something aside.

What are your goals for the future?

I want to pay off my debt and become a homeowner. In five years, hopefully I’m where I need to be.

What does money mean to you in your life?

You need it to live, but I take it day by day. You need it for the things you want.

Take Charge of Your Savings
Earn rewards for creating a brighter future
Sign up to save more

Recommended Articles

Janna’s Story: Freedom to Travel

Meet Janna, a licensed social worker who lives in Texas and loves to travel. What do you do? I work for 2-1-1 Texas/UnitedWay HELPLINE, doing outreach and education about 2-1-1 services. I love my work. Every day is different, and there are different topics and coalitions that the community focuses on. I actually heard about… Read more

Daisy’s Story: Dreaming of a Purple House with Chickens

Meet Daisy, a part-time lecturer and breastfeeding peer counselor, living in San Francisco with her 5-year old daughter. What do you do for a living? I currently have two jobs and might pick up a third. I lecture a weekly class at San Francisco State University and I also have a part-time job as a… Read more

Allison’s Story: No Such Thing as Over-Prepared

Meet Allison, a Data Analyst who lives in Winooski, Vermont with her three roommates. What do you do? I am the Manager of Data Analytics for a home health and hospice agency. I’ve been here for a year and a half, and really love my job. I have a lot of autonomy, and I get… Read more