As a single, working mom of two, Adelita first joined WANDA in 2021 after her stepmom sent her a flyer about the program. She was optimistic that participating in WANDA would help her build a better financial future for herself and her family. However, later that same year, tragedy struck when her children’s father passed away from brain cancer, leaving Adelita to navigate an incredibly challenging time. Despite earning her bachelor’s degree in Communications from San José State University in 2021, she was mentally and emotionally drained from the year’s upheavals. Though she initially joined the program, she ultimately chose to postpone her participation to focus on her family’s immediate needs.
Fast forward to 2024, and Adelita is back with renewed determination! As a member of the 2024 WANDA Cohort, she’s thriving and making remarkable progress with her budgeting and saving habits. One of her key strategies is to prioritize saving every payday—she immediately transfers money from her checking account to her savings account before spending a dime. This proactive approach keeps her savings secure and helps her stick to her monthly budget with clarity and confidence.
Adelita’s financial journey extends beyond herself—she’s passing on valuable lessons to her two sons. Her eldest, recently discharged from the U.S. Army, has already established strong savings and spending habits, thanks to her guidance. Meanwhile, Adelita is working closely with her younger son, who still lives at home, to set up his own bank account and instill healthy financial habits early on.
Through the program, Adelita has learned to reflect, plan, and take actionable steps toward her financial goals. She’s now focused on saving for retirement and feels empowered by the financial knowledge she’s gained to improve her career prospects, earning potential, and overall stability for her family. Adelita’s resilience and dedication are setting a powerful example, proving that it’s never too late to take control of your financial future.