Meet the Contestants

Ladies and gentlemen of Guadalupe Credit Union, meet your contestants for the New Mexico Savings Challenge! Over the next 11 months, these three GCU members will compete for the $10,000 grand prize against 12 other credit union members from around the state.

Athena

Age: 34

Occupation: Landscaper

What she hopes to get out of the challenge: To learn more about how to manage her money effectively, avoid debt and start building a retirement fund.

Five years ago, Athena took a big leap: she started her own landscaping business.

“When I told my mom I wanted to become a landscaper,” Athena said, “she responded, 'Do what you love and the money will follow.'” It has taken some time and a lot of hard work, but her mother's words are starting to come true. Athena's business has grown.

Of course, one of the things money follows in the landscaping business is the seasons. Athena is looking ahead to her future, but managing unsteady cash flow is an ongoing problem. And planning for retirement without an employer's help is a tough proposition. She also dreams of being financially secure enough to take another big leap and become a homeowner.

Athena is ready to dig in to win the New Mexico Savings Challenge!

Deeanza

Age: 33

Occupation: Child Support Legal Assistant

What she hopes to get out of the challenge: To get out of debt and take control of the family budget so she can teach good money skills to her daughter and ultimately a home she can call her own.

What do you do when you're a single parent, it’s already a stretch to pay the bills, and suddenly your doctor tells you you've got multiple sclerosis?

Some might lose hope. But for Deeanza, her diagnosis was a wake-up call.

“I was never taught the importance of maintaining good credit, paying bills on time, etc. I ruined my credit since I turned 18 and have struggled financially,” Deeanza said.  But after learning in August 2009 that she has multiple sclerosis, a chronic and potentially debilitating disease, she realized she needed to build a better foundation for her family.

Deeanza and her 8-year-old daughter, Isabella, are committed to taking the Challenge one day at a time, together. There are some past credit problems to repair and a new approach to money to learn, but Deeanza is optimistic. She believes they can win. And they both dream that on the other side of this journey, a home they can call their own is waiting.

Manuel

Age: 26

Occupation: Break dance instructor

What he hopes to get out of the Challenge: To improve his credit and buy a home of his own in Santa Fe.

Manuel loves break dancing, and he loves teaching kids. So it's no surprise he loves his job.

He is less crazy about managing money, but he is ready to do what it takes to feel the freedom of being financially secure. He is passionate about making a difference, both in his students' lives and in his own.

A long-time Santa Fe resident, Manuel is tired of renting and is ready to put down roots. “My goal is to save as much as possible and reduce my debt so that one year from now I could be living in the home of my dreams…not only for me, but also for my future family and their security.” In order to do that in 11 months, he knows he's going to make some sacrifices in order to save up for the down payment and shape up his credit. He looks forward to working with his coach to learn the skills he needs to make it happen.

Manuel believes he has the drive to win the challenge and make his dream come true.

What's next?

With the help of their coaches, Athena, Deeanza and Manuel will work to reduce their debt, raise their credit scores and build savings as they go for the gold.

Follow their progress through the ups and downs of taking control of their finances and even play along at home! You'll find updates, videos, tools and tips at the New Mexico Savings Challenge website: savingschallengenm.com

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