>> Major funding for "Opportunity Knock$" is provided by the National Council for Financial Opportunities, a nonprofit dedicated to reducing poverty and creating economic mobility by breaking down systematic barriers, increasing equitable access to capital, and making opportunity accessible to all.

Its programmatic areas of focus include financial resiliency, financial accessibility, and income adequacy.

Additional funding provided by Balance, a national nonprofit financial counseling agency.

And by Callahan & Associates, which facilitates collaboration between financial cooperatives.

Previously on "Opportunity Knock$"... >> Hi, Jean.

How are you?

>> Oh, no.

Here she is.

>> Do you sit down and do a budget together?

>> Not really.

>> Not really.

>> Okay.

>> Thanks to Jean, we've been tracking our finances like a hawk.

>> Yeah, I want this transportation business and get off of Section 8.

>> Well, you have the beginnings of a plan.

>> In order to get off of Section 8, I would have to add that on top of what I already make.

>> She looked scared last time I saw her.

>> I was scared.

>> California's gotten so expensive.

There's no way we can get ahead here, you know?

>> I feel stuck.

>> You've had problems getting pregnant?

>> Yeah.

>> There are times where there's been some kind of predatory lending.

>> That time of support and that one-on-one, that's what we needed so much.

>> I didn't grow up with means.

>> In the past several years of our marriage, it just feels like we're treading water.

>> You guys have made some really significant moves.

>> We lost our house.

We lost both of our cars.

And we lost our son all in the same year.

>> Do you ever plan on getting a salary?

>> That is the tough part, right?

Being caring and loving about people.

The credit-card balance keeps telling me to say no.

>> Yeah.

>> As a parent, you don't want your children to feel the pain, but we are in foreclosure.

>> You just want the American dream, right?

It's really within your reach.

>> Why is there this, like, stigma of shame of asking for help?

>> Every day, millions of Americans must make the choice between rent and food.

"Opportunity Knock$" has matched three expert coaches with six struggling families to give a personalized financial experience that even you can benefit from.

Through this journey, we will see that the American dream is possible with the right advice.

Will the obstacles they face prove to be too much for these six families?

Or will the coaches help them open the door when opportunity knocks?

♪ ♪ ♪ >> That's pretty cool.

>> It's like s'mores but more fun.

>> Can you say, "Hi, birdie"?

>> I'm going to put a paintbrush somewhere around here.

>> I'm gonna bring this home to my daughter.

♪ ♪ >> Everything is so wonderful.

>> Cheers!

>> It looks so good.

Cheers.

>> Pleasure to meet you.

>> Pleasure to meet you.

Patricia.

>> Patricia.

>> Fiona.

>> Fiona, nice to meet you.

>> I'm James.

>> Where you all from?

>> Well, we live in Los Angeles.

>> Oh, okay, Los Angeles.

>> Yeah.

>> I lived in Los Angeles for a little while.

>> Oh, really?

>> Yeah, yeah.

>> Nice.

>> It's been really fun to be here with other families, learning about their stories, seeing how much we have in common, and just seeing also just how everyone has had a journey to get through some type of hurdle with their financial... >> Yeah.

>> ...you know, stuff.

>> So, y'all, we have this "Opportunity Knock$" fund, and we have to decide how we're going to get this money out -- who deserves it, who's made progress.

Who should we get this to, and what should they do with it?

>> Oh, boy.

This is big.

>> Yeah, they're a few families, I mean, that really need the money, right?

>> Mm-hmm.

>> I think I want to sort of put in my 2 cents for Juliette and Hannah, as well.

>> Well, there's more than 2 cents that we got in the bucket.

>> And, also -- alright, let me put in my many cents... >> There you go!

>> ...for Juliette and Hannah.

>> Hey, everybody.

>> Hello.

>> I saw you guys for, like, a hot second, but it's nice to finally meet everybody.

I'm Juliette.

I'm a school social worker from Philadelphia.

This is my wife.

>> I'm Hannah.

>> Hi, Hannah.

>> Hi!

[ Laughter ] It's so nice to meet you.

>> I mean, what's more admirable than trying to add to your family, and they're trying to do it in the right way, by paying off their student-loan debts, by building savings.

They may need a larger home.

I mean, you guys don't know.

These Philadelphia row houses, they are small.

And adding to the family is expensive because every single trip that they make to the sperm bank is hundreds of dollars.

>> I'm a teacher in Philly, too.

>> Oh, what grade do you teach?

>> Third.

>> Third grade.

>> Yeah, they're so sweet, so funny.

>> That is wonderful.

>> That is my favorite age.

I love that.

>> I know.

I love them, too.

And, like, when they start getting to fourth, fifth grade, I'm like, "Oh, it smells like middle school."

[ Laughter ] >> Look, my heart is with these folks, and I would love to see some of the money go to them.

>> I'm Fiona.

This is my husband, James.

>> Hi, everyone.

>> We're from Los Angeles.

>> Okay.

>> California.

>> California.

>> I'm close to the families I worked with.

I had James and Fiona, who have been trying to have a child for the longest time.

>> We've been trying to have kids for a while, and we're still trying.

So, it's been quite a journey.

But it's why we're here, too.

>> Gone into debt for them and spending a lot of money and paying a lot of interest.

They've been wanting to get out and move and start a new career.

>> I'm sure most of you probably know that L.A. is extremely expensive, so... >> Yeah.

>> You know, we were even, you know, quoted as with loans, but they're like, "You can get this loan, but you'll never be able to afford a house in Los Angeles."

So, it's just the idea is we wanted a career change.

And so, we got the debt consolidation.

>> Yeah.

>> And then we're trying to get a loan for a house in Austin.

>> Yeah.

>> So, that's where we're looking to move.

>> Oh.

>> They've really invested a lot of time in trying to do well and do good, also.

So, I would vote for them.

>> I'm going to have to vouch for Tiffany and Charles.

>> I am Tiffany White, and this is my husband, Charles.

>> My name is "The husband of Tiffany."

[ Laughter ] >> They were so gracious during the pandemic and during all the hurricanes in Louisiana.

They went into debt to help their parishioners.

>> You go down the list.

We have two kids, Christian and Josiah.

Christian is 13.

Josiah is 11.

>> Okay.

>> I'm also a schoolteacher, as well.

>> Teachers.

>> I'm a music teacher.

>> Nice!

>> I teach pre-K through fifth grade, all 700 kids.

>> Wow!

>> Yes.

>> I think it would be such a blessing for them to get this money.

So, I'm going for them.

>> I don't really think that there's anybody needier than Patricia.

>> It's good to finally meet all of you.

>> You too.

>> Nice to meet you, too.

>> I'm a mother of six.

That's my first and most important job.

>> Amen.

>> And yes, they're all mine.

[ Laughter ] >> I've been to her home.

Her kids live there.

They need a tremendous amount of work.

You know, she went through a divorce, lost a job.

>> I also teach creative mindfulness art.

And it's a very, very different type of teaching art.

>> Yeah.

>> Good to see that there's a lot of teachers here.

>> Mm-hmm.

>> Yes.

>> Yes, I see that.

>> So, it's been an amazing experience, I can tell you that, for sure.

It's been very transformational.

>> Wow.

>> Yes.

>> There's tremendous need there, as well.

So, yeah, I think my families deserve the money, as well.

>> They make a very good case.

But let me just explain why I really think that this money should go to Lauren and Jared.

>> We live in North Carolina right now.

Previously, we lived in Utah and decided to move back east to be with family a little closer.

>> They have worked incredibly hard.

And you watch that transformation that she went through to start really increasing her earnings.

But they're moving into a new house.

I moved into a new house enough times to know that something is going to go wrong... >> Yes.

>> Absolutely.

>> ...that you don't expect.

I'd like them to have that money in reserve.

>> Now, I also have to vouch for Michelle.

>> Hi, Michelle.

>> You're a teacher, and I'm a school-bus driver.

>> Oh, my gosh.

>> Do you have any kids?

>> Yes, I have three kids.

>> Okay.

>> I have a set of twins and then another little girl.

>> Twins!

>> Yes.

>> Wow.

>> I mean, Michelle is a single mom who's trying to change the trajectory of her family.

>> What age are your kids?

>> My twins are 13, and then I have a 10-year-old.

>> Oh, wow.

>> That must be fun.

[ Laughter ] >> A lot -- it's a lot.

>> She doesn't come from a background where anyone has been an entrepreneur.

>> Right.

>> So, for her to be able to take this idea, show her kids what's possible, and turn it into a thriving business, it could change her life.

It could change her family's life.

>> Anybody who has twins on the first time around, I'm like... >> Should stop.

[ Laughter ] >> I wasn't gonna say that!

>> And it was a girl and a boy.

>> They are tough stuff.

>> It was a perfect girl-boy set, but... >> I feel like with all these parents and everything, we have a 2 1/2-year-old, and so... >> I feel really bad.

>> "A," we hadn't mentioned it, but also we're gonna need some tips and tricks.

[ Laughter ] So, like, it's our first go at it.

So, if anybody has any, like, potty-training tricks, we are right there.

>> I think I'm the encyclopedia of all that... >> I know.

I can feel it.

I was like, "Ooh."

I want six.

You have six.

>> Yeah, you guys have more years in the game.

[ Laughter ] >> We feel passionate about everybody who's been a part of this process because everybody's made progress.

>> They've all worked hard.

>> Yeah, they all have.

>> They were interested.

They committed.

They did the work.

They met with their CDFIs.

They implemented so much of what we all talked about.

So, I don't see how it's possible to tell someone, "You didn't do enough."

>> Actually, I would love to know, Charles, like, did you find the spirituality of this program that was coinciding with your ministry?

Did you find any correlations between this experience?

>> On some level, every one of us always still needs the support system.

>> Yeah.

>> Right?

Whether it's to successfully maintain where we are or to push us to that next level, you know?

So, yeah, I saw a lot of correlation.

That's probably why I had a difficult time with my coach.

>> Oh, my goodness.

[ Laughter ] >> You know.

And I'm jealous of all of you who didn't have my coach.

[ Laughter ] No.

She is amazing.

She is amazing, but it was just kind of like -- >> Tough love.

>> Yeah, it was that real tough-love thing.

>> And she did it with a smile.

That's what -- >> Yeah.

>> Like, she's smiling.

>> I'm normally the guy in her position, and I'm the one giving the tough love.

I'm hardly ever the one having to receive it.

>> Yeah.

>> And so, that's been one of the more unique parts of the journey.

>> I think one of the things that really saved us with that is because the more we started talking to Patrice, we realized that we had similar stories.

You know, I had a boy-girl twin, and we lost my son.

And so, when we lost our son, we also -- because the doctor bills, and he was such a phenomenon, they, you know, we went through a whole, like, seven months keeping him alive, and we end up losing our home.

We lost both of our cars, and we lost our jobs.

And so, you know, a lot of the financial struggle that we went through, it was because life hit us.

>> Yeah.

>> It wasn't that we just were making all these bad decisions.

>> Mm-hmm.

>> It's just sometimes life hands you something that, you know, you can't help it.

>> Let me ask you guys.

The pot's pretty big.

Do we have to give it to one, or can we split it up, or what can we do?

What are we gonna do?

>> Yeah, what are the rules here, Ro?

>> Being a teacher, I feel like you -- you just -- it's so many tropes about you don't do it for the money.

And it's like, "Well, I still want to pay my bills."

[ Laughter ] >> So many times.

>> Your laugh makes me laugh.

That's wild.

[ Laughter ] >> Sitting at this dinner table with all of this amazing, delicious food, and I look around the table, and, like, nobody's really eating anything.

We are all curious just to get to know each other.

You know, once we started telling our stories, the rest was history.

>> I think it's hard to put yourself out there when you're like, "This is important, but I don't know if anybody else thinks it is."

>> Yeah.

>> Right, you talked about the transparency, and, like, talking about "Here's all our finances.

Here's all the debt that we brought into this relationship" and all that.

Is that something you feel you've experienced before, or is this kind of like a groundbreaking -- being that open about it in this kind of setting?

>> Yeah.

So, we don't really keep secrets.

We never really fought about money, and we don't have like -- neither one of us has, like, a shopping problem or something.

Like, I wasn't hiding shopping bags or anything like that.

[ Laughter ] But it was through Jean's program.

All of our accounts got put into, like, a spreadsheet, and then you would tag what that expense was.

And so, it was like for the first time, like, both of our stuff was all together in one spot, and then we could see exactly what was being used for childcare, what was being used for household expenses or food or... >> Right.

>> Yeah.

I thought we knew everything.

And then I was like, "Oh, my gosh, we still have" -- >> I didn't know where my own money was going, yeah.

>> I was like, "You're still paying that gym membership that we're not using" or, like, whatever it was.

>> We're not using it, yeah.

>> James, Fiona, like, L.A. to Austin -- that sounds like a really big move.

How did you guys decide on Austin?

>> Well, it's funny because we moved to L.A. for our dreams.

I moved, as a musician, to be a piano-bar entertainer, and then she moved to be an actress.

But then it's a great, you know, move for your dreams, but then 15 years later, we're like, "We want to move for a family."

>> Yeah.

>> "For a house," you know?

And so your priorities change.

>> Yeah.

>> I mean, that's similar to our move from Utah to North Carolina.

Family was a huge motivator for us, to be around family -- my family lives out there -- and also to raise our kids where they can be around their cousins and things like that.

That was really important to us, and we want to get a home, too.

That was a huge part of our journey was getting on the right track to having our own place instead of living with my parents.

>> Yeah.

>> Yeah.

>> I mean, it could be a job anywhere at this point, but I think we're going to focus on Austin and -- >> I think that's good because I actually just relocated myself from New York to Florida.

>> Oh, wow.

>> Nice!

>> So, that was, like, a big change.

>> Yeah.

>> Going through this with people who have similar experiences as me allows me to see that I'm not alone and allows me to know that I'm able to do it, looking at their journeys.

>> What's the most transformational thing that happened in your journey?

>> We actually made an offer on a home and got accepted.

>> Oh.

>> Whoo-hoo!

>> Congratulations!

>> That's huge.

>> That's huge!

>> I love that we now have the opportunity to talk with these families that have been through the same experience as us because I get to hear, "What are your coaches telling you?"

Our coaches have told us this.

Like, let's all help each other out so we get more and more knowledge to accelerate our financial independence.

>> Yeah.

>> So, we've made a decision.

>> We've made a decision... >> Yeah.

>> ...right?

>> I'm going to go check on the families and see how they're doing and let them know that we're ready, alright?

>> Okay.

>> Sounds great.

>> Thanks.

>> Oh!

>> We'll see.

>> Everyone, raise a glass.

Here's to a great journey.

I hope the best for each and every one of you here today.

Cheers.

>> Cheers!

>> Cheers!

>> Whoo!

>> Whoo-hoo!

[ All talking indistinctly ] [ Laughter ] >> Hey!

>> You all are looking like you're having a great time.

Everybody's smiling.

>> Yes!

>> You good?

>> Yes.

>> Well, we've been talking about you behind your backs.

So, your ears should be burning.

[ Laughter ] Only about finances, like I promised.

And we're just about ready to meet with each and every one of you again.

>> Alright.

>> See you later.

>> I feel like the money fairy.

>> Yeah.

>> The money fairy -- I kind of like that.

>> Yeah.

>> Hello.

>> Hello.

>> Nice to see you all again.

>> Good to see you.

>> Hey, Michelle.

How are you?

>> Hey, Michelle.

>> Hey, Michelle.

>> Michelle.

>> Good to see you.

>> Hey, all.

>> Hi!

>> Hey.

>> Hey.

>> Hi!

>> Good to see you all.

>> How are you guys?

>> Good.

>> Good to see you.

>> Good to see you again.

>> Good.

Good to see all of you, as well.

>> Yes.

You've been on quite a journey, right?

>> Yes, we have.

>> It's been a whirlwind.

>> Yes.

>> You should feel good, right?

>> Yes, I do.

>> Yeah.

You were able to move out of your parents' home, right?

>> I feel like it's all kind of shocking.

>> Yeah.

>> Mm-hmm.

>> I think we have some more questions for you... >> Yeah.

>> ...just as we continue to track through what your journey has been like.

>> Patricia, I've spent a lot of time with you, and I've seen all the things, you know, the need in your home and with your family.

>> How are we managing that on a monthly basis?

Are we starting to put stuff in savings regularly?

>> Well, yes, we're trying to put things in savings, but that's why we are pressing to move into our own home, because we're still renting.

>> We have some more questions for you I think Jean wants to talk about.

>> Yeah, just a few more questions.

>> Well, before we get into that, though, I want to dig into the numbers.

>> If somebody gave you a nice, little lump sum of money... >> Let me just ask a question.

If we were to say we're going to give you $15,000, what would you do with that money?

>> First thing I want to know is, if you got $5,000, what would you do with it today?

>> And if we awarded you, let's just say $30,000, what would you do with it?

>> Would definitely go towards our debt, as well as we'd love to have it also towards our house, as well.

>> Yeah.

>> Shop around for those vans I've been talking about.

>> Take care of my family.

>> Watch it grow, invest.

>> We are looking forward to buying a house.

>> Help our daughter's future.

>> I love how all of this sounds.

We have this Opportunity Knock$ fund, and then we've been talking about who to share that with and how much.

And so, Michelle... >> You want to tell them or should I?

>> I was going to.

I'm like, "This is really good stuff," you know?

I think you should tell them.

>> Good news, better news for you, but I'm going to let Ro share it.

>> I'm excited to tell you... We've decided that we want to share some of it with you.

>> Oh, gosh.

>> Sounds like to me, though, she might need more than $5,000.

>> She needs more than $5,000.

>> $5,000 not enough, right?

>> It's not $15,000.

We're going to give you $30,000.

>> Oh, my gosh.

[ Laughter ] >> Doubled it.

>> We're giving you $30,000.

>> Oh!

Whoo-hoo!

>> We're going to give you $30,000.

$30,000.

Yeah!

No.

$5,000 isn't going to get this done for you.

So, how about $30,000?

>> $30,000?

>> Yeah.

>> That'd definitely help me.

>> Give you $30,000.

>> What?

>> $30,000.

Yes.

Won't that make quite a difference?

>> I think Charles is stunned.

>> Yes!

Processing right now.

Isn't that exciting?

>> Yes!

>> Yeah!

>> That's amazing.

>> That makes the move to Austin a lot easier, doesn't it?

>> Yes!

Yes, it does.

>> Thank you so much.

Wow!

>> Thank you.

>> You don't need to be quiet.

>> I know.

>> That you use the money for your home.

>> That will make a huge difference.

>> Thank you.

Thank you very much.

>> $30,000.

>> $30,000 that we're giving to you.

>> So, when Jean asked you, "Do you have any money for a down payment for a house?"

what did you say?

What do you say now?

>> Yes!

[ Laughter ] Thank you, guys.

>> You are welcome.

>> Oh, excited!

Wow!

>> Well, thank you, guys.

I appreciate it so much.

>> You're welcome.

>> Definitely thank you, Patrice, for everything you've done.

>> Absolutely.

>> We feel very lucky.

There's a lot of people that probably, like, deserve or need.

You know, I don't know why we're the ones... >> Fortunate ones?

>> ...sitting here today, but thank you very much.

I've always told myself, "Got to break the cycle.

You got to break the cycle.

You got to break the cycle."

My parents had it very rough, and my siblings and I in turn had it very rough.

>> I will say this to you also here, because it was just kind of an opportunity to knock at your door.

It's that simple, right?

I believe everyone gets that moment when it's the right time, and this is your time.

>> I feel that I have broken the cycle, and I've never, I guess, admitted or acknowledged that I've done that.

So, yeah.

Thank you.

[ Sniffles ] [ Both laugh ] >> Thank you.

>> We're just glad to have been a part of that with you.

>> Thank you so much.

>> You guys deserve it.

You really do.

>> No, it's been a big gift.

I really appreciate it all.

Thank you.

>> Putting yourselves in our hands.

>> We were at this place where we just needed a break.

We needed some type of a miracle, something to come in and help us, like, give us the courage... >> Yeah.

>> ...to jump somewhere else and to, like, take care of some extra things.

>> Yeah.

>> It was a miracle.

It was a godsend.

>> We're very excited.

>> Yes.

>> It's so good seeing you joyful, and we know that that business is going to succeed.

>> Yes.

>> And you're going to keep on this journey that you are making progress on, right?

>> Yes, sir.

Being gifted $30,000 feels amazing.

It's definitely going to allow me to do everything I need to do.

>> We're really grateful.

>> Yeah.

>> Yeah.

>> Thank you.

>> Yeah.

>> Absolutely.

>> To be gifted that amount of money is going to, like, set us up... >> Better.

It's like you can breathe a little bit, thinking about giving Mae a sibling.

I think that was immediately where I thought.

>> So, we are big, big fans of Jean.

>> Thank you all so much.

>> Thank you guys so much.

>> You're welcome.

>> So welcome.

>> I think the most amazing thing about being gifted $30,000 is that it's like it gives you a chance to start over.

It gives you a chance to actually put something away and not really have to worry about it or touch it but to have a safety net, you know, to actually say, "I have that tucked away, and I'm okay if something happens."

Yeah.

>> We'll sit down together and figure out what's the highest investments.

But if we can use it to pay down some of that loan that you got, because I want you to focus on that sacred space.

From there, that's where the roots will be.

And that's where the wings will come for your children.

>> I'm at a loss for words.

Thank you all so much.

>> You're very welcome.

You deserve this.

Let yourself enjoy it.

You deserve this opportunity.

>> Thank you.

>> I need to hug you.

>> Yeah.

[ Laughs ] >> Thank you.

I would love a hug.

I don't think that I could done been this without Louis and his guidance, his mentorship.

I really felt at the beginning, it felt very scary.

Felt like falling forward, to be exact.

But I feel that I have, I have landed on safe ground.

>> I don't know about you guys, but my heart is full.

>> Yeah.

>> I just feel so grateful to have been a part of an experience where we could impact so many different families... >> Yes.

>> ...from so many different backgrounds and upbringing and experiences and habits.

But all of it has led to them being more confident... >> Yes.

>> ...more aware in recognizing their patterns and what was keeping them back, right?

But now they have an opportunity to just go on and do amazing things, and we got to be a part of that!

>> Yeah, yeah.

>> It was truly a gift.

And what I love about all of these people who we had a chance to be with them -- and I'm so glad that I got to spend time with the people that you were coaching and got to be a little bit of a part of your experiences, too, because it really rounded the whole thing out.

But what I love about all of them is that they are going to pay this forward, right?

You can just see it.

They're going to take what you taught them.

They're going to take what you taught them.

They're going to pass it along and not only teach their kids but teach their communities.

>> They're going to help a lot of other people.

So, I am beyond excited and passionate to follow up and follow through with them, as well, to find out where they go, right?

>> This is not over.

>> Not over at all.

>> It's not over.

>> It's just the beginning, right?

It's just the beginning.

>> I think that we've done a great job together, you know, helping opportunity to knock at so many doors.

And I look forward to just seeing how this continues to make progress.

But I think we all deserve a big pat on our backs, right?

So, there you go.

I'll give you yours.

[ Laughter ] ♪ >> We make a great team, guys.

>> Yes, absolutely.

>> Absolutely.

♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ >> ♪ Oh-oh-oh-oh oh ♪ ♪ Oh-oh-oh-oh oh ♪ ♪ Oh-oh-oh-oh oh oh oh ♪ ♪ ♪ >> Major funding for "Opportunity Knock$" is provided by the National Council for Financial Opportunities, a nonprofit dedicated to reducing poverty and creating economic mobility by breaking down systematic barriers, increasing equitable access to capital, and making opportunity accessible to all.

Its programmatic areas of focus include financial resiliency, financial accessibility, and income adequacy.

Additional funding provided by Balance, a national nonprofit financial counseling agency.

And by Callahan & Associates, which facilitates collaboration between financial cooperatives.