As your Association, we are always looking for powerful examples to share with policymakers that demonstrate how credit unions change lives. Following our recent Financial Counselors Roundtable, Dee Barretto, Financial Wellness Coach at Aberdeen, Maryland-based APGFCU, shared an inspiring member success story. We are grateful to both Dee, and APGFCU member Sharon, for taking the time to share their experience and participate in an interview.

If you have a member success story that demonstrates how credit unions change lives, we’d love to hear from you. Please contact Michelle Byrnie-Parker at mparker@mddccua.org

Sharon’s Journey to Financial Wellness

For Sharon P., the dream of homeownership was just out of reach. She had saved enough for a down payment, but her credit score, impacted by credit card and student loan debt, stood in the way.

When the opportunity arose to work with a financial counselor at her credit union, APGFCU, Sharon decided to take a leap of faith.

She admits that it was a steep learning curve, “I had no idea what a budget was.”

In July 2024, Sharon began working with Dee Barretto, a Certified Financial Counselor and 20-year APGFCU employee. Together, they began reshaping Sharon’s financial habits. Over 15 months of one-on-one sessions, Sharon embraced a new mindset, tracking every expense and making intentional choices about spending. Slowly but surely, she watched her debt shrink, her motivation grow, and her credit score increase by 100 points.

Dee was inspired by Sharon’s dedication. “She never missed a session. Sharon was motivated by her goal of paying off her debt so she could buy a home. She believed in the process, and that’s why she was so successful.”

By January 2025, Sharon was ready to apply for a Habitat for Humanity home. In April, she was approved, an unusually quick turnaround for a process that often takes a year or more. Today, Sharon is putting in sweat equity toward her future home in Cecil County and expects to move in later this year.

Her financial journey has also inspired her 25-year-old son who began meeting with Dee as well. By recognizing how much he was spending on eating out, he cut those costs in half. Two months ago, he qualified for an auto loan for a new car through APGFCU. 

For Dee, stories like Sharon’s are why she loves her work. “Financial transformation is amazing to see. It’s fulfilling to see concrete proof that what we’re doing makes sense and has an impact on members’ lives.”

As for Sharon, she’s already enjoying the benefits of her new outlook. She laughs about how she recently turned down a shopping trip with her sister: “I said, ‘No, we’re getting groceries and going home!’ Sharon continues to meet with Dee.

Looking ahead, Sharon is eager to fire up the grill in her backyard and enjoy the home she dreamed about. Reflecting on her journey, she says, “Seeking financial advice was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I encourage anyone feeling stuck to reach out for support – it can truly change your life.”