Homeownership
By Quaneka Willis

The Gift of Homeownership

Quaneka Willis, a single mother of three children, was receiving rental assistance through the Housing Authority of the City of Milwaukee when she decided to take control of her finances.

Quaneka Willis, a single mother of three children, was receiving rental assistance through the Housing Authority of the City of Milwaukee when she decided to take control of her finances. So, in September of 2013 she attended the Make Your Money Talk program and pledged as a Wisconsin Saver. In less than 12 months, she had maximized her savings and was beginning the process of purchasing her first home.

Quaneka said she was aware of her own lack of financial knowledge. “I knew if I wanted to be financially healthy, I had to educate myself,” she realized. “Now I understand how I directly impact my own financial health.” She continues to put into practice many of the saving concepts she learned through Wisconsin Saves and understands that all of the little things add up. “I learned about the black hole of spending, and now I use a personal coffee maker instead of buying expensive coffee and use the savings to pay myself!”

On December 19, 2014, Quaneka and her family moved into their first home. She knew this time of year was already busy for her family and said that “the gift of homeownership would take it over the top.” Quaneka continued, “At the closing I was so thankful that I couldn’t stop the tears from flowing. Then I took my financial coach’s advice and moved just enough items into the new home to have Christmas there including a Christmas breakfast with my kids.”

Quaneka has expressed her continued support of the Make Your Money Talk program and intends to be a Wisconsin Saves ambassador in the future!

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