Christian Collins

SUCCESS STORY

Meet: CHRISTIAN COLLINS

A veteran of the U.S. Army, Christian is working with Soldier On’s financial literacy program to improve his credit in order to achieve homeownership.

What was your situation when you reached out to Soldier On?

A few years back I was living off the grid, no housing, or bills, zero credit with no identity. What I thought was a low point in my life, I sought help. With the support of Soldier On, I was able to re-establish my life utilizing every veteran resource introduced to me at this incredibly challenging time, such as their Home and Credit Education Program. While attending a CreditSmart® module

focused on credit education I thought that it did not have any importance on my life at the time. Shortly after attending the course, I was given free personalized financial counseling and began working with Money Management International (Mark McBride). They gave me an overview of my credit report, and to no surprise, I literally did not have a credit score. MMI provided me a realistic personalized plan that focused on my feedback and goals, the first goal was how to build credit.

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I started the program in July of 2020. In a matter of months, I was able to get my own bank and savings accounts, shortly after secured a few credit cards which I manage responsibly with the guidance of the program...my credit score is now over 650! I have been introduced to so many viewpoints that are focused on MY financial situation. Every few months with our routine check-ups, my financial counselor, Mark, lists simple ideas and suggestions to continue to raise my score and most importantly my credit identity which is now opening new opportunities.

How has your credit improved since enrolling in the financial literacy program?

I will continue to have my check-ups as my next goal is homeownership. A few years ago, this thought never crossed my mind. I was living on the streets, I did not even think I would have a credit card or money saved in a bank account. My mindset has changed to where anything is possible, all I had to do was ask for help.

What would you like to accomplish in the future?

What are your long-term goals?

I want my own home, utilizing my VA benefits as every veteran should!