Thomas Angelico

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

At the time I reached out to Soldier On, I was on a fixed income with poor credit. I didn’t feel like I had many opportunities to enjoy life, I was in a great deal of debt and felt that this was how my life would continue forever.

SUCCESS STORY
Meet: Thomas Angelico

A U.S. Army Veteran who increased his credit score by over 200 points working with the Soldier On Financial Counseling team.

From the beginning, my Case Manager Joshua was there to help guide me with the right support services immediately. I felt this organization and my case manager had my best interest at heart and would do what they could for me. I was living in a very small bedroom that I was renting, with poor credit and light in sight. Joshua was able to help me find affordable housing, renting a room at one point with a shared bath and kitchen but it was only temporary. His continued encouragement and guidance helped me take the time to understand and seek the help I needed to get back on track, offering me free unlimited financial counseling with Soldier On.

I started working with my financial coach in May 2024, I was not sure how they could help, my income was limited and my credit score was below 600, I had no idea how to resolve all my debt. I began meeting My Coach monthly reviewing my budget, savings, and debt management. Having an expert who helped me understand my credit score was the confidence I needed. My credit score gradually increased by over 200 hundred points in over a year and a half. This last month I was informed my credit score was 811

How has it improved since working with Soldier On?

What would you like to accomplish in the future? What are your long-term goals?

I hope to purchase a new home. That is my biggest goal at this time. My financial Coach Jacob guided me in rebuilding my credit score. I have never owned a home and now I have the opportunity since my income has also risen.

With my new Credit Score, I would like to become a first-time homeowner, utilizing my VA home loan benefits, an idea I never thought possible 2 years ago but is now a reality.