Pierre Money Mart Fresh Start Contest

Pierre Money Mart's "Fresh Start" Finalists

FINALIST 1:
Name: Allison

Story: In October my husband of 13 years came home and said he is done being married and he wants his own life. He started spending our money on new clothes, eating out and going out with his friends. Because of that we could no longer afford our home so it forced our three children and myself (a homemaker) to lose our home and move in with a family of 4 from our church. I could not find a home to rent because I was a full time babysitter and no one wanted that in their homes. The day after Valentine's day my husband asked for a divorce. I decided that I needed to do something for my children's and my future so I enrolled in a career college in Seattle and moved my kids from Puyallup to here and moved in with my parents. I am going full time to school to earn a degree in Medical Assisting and will graduate in November. In the meantime, my husband put all his focus on his career, leaving all his past debt for me to repay. When I graduate in November we will be moving back down South so the kids can be with their friends again however I have not been able to save any money due to the fact that I have to keep paying off old debt so my credit doesn't get any worse so the kids and I can get into our own home. That is my story and that is what I would use the 2500.00 for, to have start up money for my family when the time comes. Thank you.

FINALIST 2:
Name: Arlene

Story: The reason I could use a fresh start is because I have serious health issues and, my health prevents me from working on my part time job a lot, I have 2 children that I'm supporting financially one in high school one I college, plus there are your normal bills for things like rent food etc, I recently begin to fall behind in my bills like I stated at the top of my story because of my health issues, then just a couple of weeks ago my car engine blew up so now I'm out of a car because it's totaled, and I'm now on the bus to get to work, not that that's a bad thing but with the health issues I have public transportation makes things harder for me I have lupus a severe joint disease with constant flares, that peak and flow. So this is my story Thanks A G.

FINALIST 3:
Name: Chad View the Video

Story: Hi, my name is H S. I am sending in this entry for my husband Chad. My husband is the most worthy person I know and I would really like to see him win this prize. I am not the greatest with words but will do the best I can.

Chad has done many wonderful things since I've been married to him but the most recent and most deserving would be the sacrifice he made for me and my family in 2005. My sister is an imcomplete quadroplegic. She was born with Spina Bifida in 1972. In 2004 her health began to decline. By 2005 the doctors were not expecting her to make it. Most children with Spina Bifida do not make it to adulthood, so the chances of her survival were even slimmer. In August of 2005 I decided that I need to be with my sister and my mom (who has been her sole caregiver) to spend what time I had left with her and to help my mom with all the extra medical care my sister required. Without hesitation my husband agreed to leave his entire family (who are all very close), give up his job where he had just received a raise, sell everything we own and move to Washington where our futures were uncertain.

In April of 2004 we had just filed Bankruptcy for the 2nd time. We were very young when we were married and had children so we made a series of bad mistakes followed by a trail of bad luck. We had a van stolen, a car broken into, both of us were laid off from work one right after the other right before our last bankruptcy. After that kind of history we have very bad credit and no money to our names except for his final pay check. We had a 3 weekend long yard sale to sell as much as we could and gave the rest away. All we were able to bring with us is the clothes and few belongings that would fit in the mini van that we rented for the move. We had no car of our own to bring with us as they were both given up in the bankruptcy. Our kids left behind their toys, gave up their animals and friends with very little complaining.

My husband has always done everything for everyone else. He will give a complete stranger the shirt off his back if he asked for it. He is a wonderful father and wonderful husband. Anyone that knows him will tell you the same. He doesn't want much. His car is about to die and we can't really afford another car payment. We have been working very hard to get our credit back in shape but it is a very long process. He wants to go back to Kentucky but is willing to stay here in Washington as long as necessary to allow me to care for my sister. I can't give him what he deserves for all that he has given up for me and my family and our children so I'm hoping that our luck will finally turn around and maybe he could win the $2500 so he can get a car that he likes and that won't over heat on him in the middle of summer. He says that "if it weren't for bad luck, we wouldn't have any luck at all". I'm hoping that this could finally change that outlook for both of us.

There is so much more I could tell you but it would take an entire book to fill in all the reasons why Chad is so deserving of a fresh start. I hope that this small glimpse is enough. Thank you for your consideration. H S

FINALIST 4:
Name: Ernest

Story: The last three years has not been one I would wish on anyone. Losing my wife from a weight Loss Surgery after 13 years and leaving me with 2 boys (7,10). I have realized that it is not easy to live on Social Security and Navy Pension. The funds can only go so far in a monthly budget. Everything you need or buy, has to go through a thorough thought of need or desire. I have been toeing the line for three years now and there is no relief in sight. I pray each day that I may get a few of my bills paid off, so I can not worry and or get behind on bills. Additionally having a child who is developmentally disabled doesn't help when treatment is constantly needed and required. I do the best I can with my situation and just wish for some relief and hope that it is around the corner or mail. I keep the faith and know I will survive and get through this eventually.

FINALIST 5a:
Name: Kim and Kasey (1)

Story: I would absolutely, positively LOVE to see my daughter get a fresh start!!!! My daughter Kasey has been off work for the last 3 months on maternity leave, and has been on a roller coaster of a ride when it comes to emotions, finances, responsibilities. She gave birth to a beautiful boy in February and has had no income during this time. She has worked extremely hard to become this responsible, respectable, productive young adult, as well as a fabulous new mother. I couldn't be more proud of the person she is becoming. She's returning to work next week, and the debt she has accumulated here and there over the last year is going to take its toll on her, as her income is barely enough to provide for basic necessities. I've done my best to help her out, but am not financially capable of doing more. This could be and would be EXACTLY the boost she needs, a "helping hand". She is so giving of herself, I can't imagine a better reward for the accomplishments she has made in the last year.

Thank you so very much for considering my daughter to be the recipient of this wonderful opportunity.

Sincerely, K N (proud Mom & Grandma)

FINALIST 5b:
Name: Kim and Kasey (2)
Story: I am a newly single mom. I have a beautiful 2 month old baby boy. He has brought so much cheer into everyone's lives. I live at home with my mom. (Who is also a single mom). She has been through so much in her life. My dad walked out on us in 2001. He left us with practically nothing to live on, and a whole bunch of unpaid bills. My mom is an amazing woman. She works a tremendous amount of hours at her job but it's never enough to pay all the bills. She is up every morning at 2 am, works all day, and doesn't get any rest until about 10 at night. When she's not at work, she's working her butt off around the house putting food on the table, doing dishes, laundry, cleaning, and trying to find ways to pay the bills so our power, water, or cable doesn't get shut off. She never has time to rest. She's also been looking for a second job. My mom has always put her kids first. If there was ever something we needed, she would do everything she possibly could to get us whatever it was. She doesn't make enough money at her job to pay all the bills. We have been without power, without water, and have also gone without a working vehicle. It has been rough. I have also been living at home while I have been on maternity leave (with no income) so she has been supporting me and my son as well trying to keep a roof over our heads. My mom has a lot of health problems that cause her to not go out in public much. She already doesn't have enough money to pay for everything, so she definitely can't afford to fix all her health problems. If I could, I would do everything in my power to help her. She has been through so much in her life and has earned every single thing she has. If I had the money, I would give it to her. Unfortunately I don't, I am also struggling financially. But my mom just turned 50 and she really deserves a break. She deserves a social life, but she refuses to even try because her health problems are so hard to deal with and embarrassing. My mom is an amazing woman; she has done everything she can to help everyone around her without expecting a single thank you. I think it's time she gets something back. This would help her out so much. Thanks for your consideration.