Monica always dreamed about attending college, especially since she would be the first in her family to do so. No other member in her family had ever attended college and she was hoping to make that different in her family and make her dream come true. Now she is on the right path to achieve
this dream.
Monica works at Boulder Valley Credit Union (BVCU) and attends college part-time. She is majoring in Business Management. Kimberley, her supervisor, encouraged her to participate in the PIE program when she was participating in the learning workshops that BVCU provides free of cost for anyone who wants to learn more about Credit & Budgeting and buying their first home. Monica applied to the PIE program and was accepted. She started making monthly deposits, which is one of the requirements of the program, and taking financial literacy classes. Monica found the financial literacy classes beneficial and effective because they helped her to understand the importance of developing a budget and also realize the importance of spending and making careful spending choices. In addition, she also understood the “impact of credit,” how to establish it and not abuse it.
Monica graduated from the PIE program in the spring of 2012. She continues to budget and save monthly, but the amount of savings depends on her expenses. Right now her savings amount changes due to the addition of her family with the arrival of her son Gael. Gael arrived as a Christmas present last December.
Currently Monica is only a few classes away from graduating from college and she expects to accomplish her education dream next year. Monica said “It will really make a difference
for me and my family.” And she added, “When I talk to people, I mention the PIE program and its benefits, I encourage them to join!”
Asked how the PIE program impacted her life, Monica said “I would not have participated in the program without Kimberley’s encouragement and motivation. She supports the program and not only encouraged me, but she also informs anyone and everyone she speaks to that might be attending college. She displays PIE brochures in the reception area at BVCU and explains the benefits of participating in a savings program and how it could help them to graduate from college without having the burden of many student loans.”
The PIE program is excited to help individuals and families to pursue their educational goals. At the present time of completing this article (June 2013), forty-nine individuals and families have benefitedfrom pursuing their education goals. If you are interested or know someone who would like to participate in the PIE program, please contact Nino Gallo at 303-441-3998 or ngallo@bouldercounty.org.
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