>> 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$"... >> Where are those credit cards?

>> In my heart, they are cut up.

>> I would like them to be cut up in your hands.

>> My idea was to become a coach, like a transformational coach.

>> So you're gonna start your own business doing this.

>> That's the idea, yes.

>> In order to get off a Section 8.

I would have to add that on top of what I already make.

>> You guys will do those things and then we'll meet again.

>> Jean started setting us up for success, and now it's like we have to take some initiative.

>> Yeah.

>> 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?

♪ ♪ >> I think it's time to get on this meeting.

>> It's time to face the music.

>> Yep, we do.

>> [ Laughs ] >> I feel like, like everything else, it's not going to be as bad as we think it's going to be.

>> We'll see.

>> We have our virtual meeting today with Denise from Balance, our financial coach, and I'm looking forward to it, but I'm nervous because I don't want to get yelled at.

>> Hi.

Hi, ladies.

How are you doing?

>> Good.

>> Good.

>> I'm an accredited financial coach, and I am here to help answer some of your questions.

>> So, we're trying to get better with managing our money.

Like, the big question that we're trying to solve is, where is all our money going?

So, I have overdrafted my account because, like, honestly, I don't know.

Because I'm getting paid every two weeks.

>> One of the things that helps with that, of course, is sitting down and doing a budget together.

Are you guys at that stage yet?

Do you regularly use a budget?

Let's start there.

>> I'm really good at listing everything, like, "Okay.

This is what's going to come out in the next month," but then I get angry text messages from my bank account saying my account balance is low.

>> Let's talk about how you pay those bills.

Do you sit down and do it together?

>> No.

>> Um, we have a couple different accounts.

>> Yeah, it's, like, kind of like this puzzle.

>> All right.

Well, certainly I can understand some folks like to keep at least one separate bank account just because that gives you a little bit of individualism, right?

You have a little bit more control over one account or another.

But it is a great idea, once you've started combining all those expenses to combine the bill-paying process into one account, one joint account.

>> We're really happy that we're figuring out an easier way to manage the household finances, that it's going to be coming from -- all from one account.

>> Have you sat down with each other and sort of talked about the different financial goals that you have?

>> Yeah.

>> Yeah, we do have some goals.

>> One is growing our family.

>> We have a 2-year-old daughter already, and so we're thinking about having another one.

>> That's a fantastic -- a life goal.

I think one thing that might help is to build a practice of tracking your expenses so that we can apply surpluses to the smart goals.

Then you can really start to put some timeframes, and you're gonna have a better grasp on where you're at throughout the month with your balances in your account so that you can avoid paying those overdraft fees.

But it's just much more easier, much more organized, and you become much more intentional with the way you're spending your money throughout the month.

if you're spending all of your necessities and variable expenses out of one account.

>> Yeah, that sounds doable.

>> Yeah.

I feel like I'm getting really good advice from Denise.

And I'm loving that she's telling us we can still have line items for the fun stuff, so we can actually do a little bit of living, too.

Thank you so much for talking to us today.

>> I'm happy to help.

>> All right.

Have a good night.

>> All right.

>> Check.

Did that, and now we have... >> Like eight more other things to do.

>> Yeah.

[ Laughs ] It won't be that bad.

♪ ♪ >> Today I'm meeting with Score.

I'm meeting with a woman, a mentor.

Her name is Laurie, and we're doing it virtually online.

And we're going to talk about my business and how to get it started.

>> She talks to me all the time about the business that she wants to do someday, and that someday is happening right now.

>> Hi.

My name's Fiona Emlee.

I went on the Opportunity Finder and came across Score, and I made an appointment with you.

>> Hi, Fiona.

My name's Laurie Marinette.

>> So sorry.

The gard-- Sorry, Laurie, the gardeners are just right outside right now, so I'm really sorry if you hear all this noise.

>> That's okay.

So why don't you start by telling me why you chose this business and this sector.

>> I believe someone who has gone through an experience can help others with the same experience, right?

And so I have been on a pretty intense IVF journey for six years, and I recognize there's no support to help women going through this process.

So I stumbled into a technique called EFT Tapping, and we can talk and tap on the pressure points of the body and help release trauma, release stress, release, I mean, all kinds of things.

And it's helped me considerably going through this next round of IVF.

With this experience of fertility, I'm now -- It's -- It's really made me think of how I could help others going through this similar experience.

Because what I've noticed in all of these clinics and all of these places I've been to now, there's -- there's no help, there's no emotional help.

You know, you're -- you feel like you're just a number.

>> So because you're here to start a business and not just to help people, we have to talk about ways to monetize that and how do you make money doing this.

>> Right.

>> So are there really no other people in the market who are doing that, first of all?

And second of all, how do you add value?

How are you going to differentiate your services?

>> That's a good question.

I think the difference is, it's not traditional, like, therapy, like just talk therapy where you're just talking and talking.

This is actual tapping on these meridian points on your body that can actually help relieve the stress.

>> The questions that I've been asking you are questions that you will have to ask yourself as part of the business planning process.

>> Okay.

>> And so there's really two ways to write a business plan, and one is called a lean startup version, which is like a one-page abbreviated thing.

And then there's the traditional business plan, which can be up to 12 pages.

It goes into detail.

But I always recommend for people to start with this one-page template because it really is just a one-shot.

It asks you some very basic questions like I just did.

Your homework would be to take that one-page sheet and to go through it and see how much of it you can answer for yourself.

So the whole exercise is designed to get you to look at opportunities you may not have thought about or maybe challenges that you haven't really thought about in the beginning.

It's daunting but probably not as daunting as it may have seemed to begin with.

>> No, this is incredible.

You've done an incredible job of explaining this and breaking it down.

And, actually, it's exciting me to have more direction, to be able to zoom in on -- on what my target is and to really organize it.

Laurie -- she's giving me a lot of information and a lot of homework.

I've never done this before.

I've been, um... Yeah, I've had a lot of avoidance.

[ Laughs ] But these are specifics.

This is really becoming real.

[ Chuckles ] >> It is.

You're officially started, Fiona, so congratulations, and good luck, and off we go.

>> Thank you so much, Laurie.

>> Bye-bye.

♪ >> Whew!

All right.

♪ ♪ [ Knock on door ] >> So, Patrice is coming over again today.

>> Hello!

How are you?

So good to see.

>> The first time she came, I was super nervous.

Didn't know what to expect.

This time, I'm ready for her.

She's like a friend of mine, and I'm -- I'm excited that she's coming back.

>> Well, what's been going on?

>> A lot.

>> Yeah?

>> I've been working on the homework you gave me.

>> Are we feeling hopeful?

Are we feeling -- >> Definitely, definitely.

I've been pulling it together, the need and why I want this transportation business.

Is it gonna be helpful in my area?

So I've been doing all of that.

>> Okay, good.

>> Writing everything down.

So the second homework assignment that you gave me was trying to figure out what I needed to do to get off of Section 8.

>> Yeah.

>> A lot.

>> Okay.

>> I would need to make $61,000.

Right now, I'm in the 32,000 range.

>> So, hopefully you see that your job, no matter how many extra hours you work... >> It's never gonna get me to that number.

>> It's not going to do it.

>> I realize that now.

>> Yeah, but what you can create on your own, sky's the limit, right?

If we do this business right.

>> Yes, definitely.

And the third homework assignment, the Opportunity Finder tool led me to my CDFI.

>> Yes!

So, I actually had an appointment with them, and they were able to send me so much money.

>> What kind of money?

What are we talking here?

>> Refinancing my credit cards.

So with just credit cards alone, saving me about $100 a month.

>> Mm-hmm.

>> But the big kicker is, they also refinanced my car... >> Yes!

>> ...which is very big for me.

And that saves me about $200 just off the car alone.

>> Good.

This is money that goes towards the business.

>> Right.

>> So now we need to move into, like, action plan.

We want to move this thing forward.

So, I believe that when we write things out, there's so much power in it -- how much money it's gonna take.

So I really need you to find someone, like, here that can help you bring it together into a succinct business plan.

>> You know, I have my plan and I have my vision and everything, but how do I go about this when I don't have anything?

Like, I need a van, and I'm gonna need money, right?

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

>> Okay.

>> But the reason we need to really flesh the plan all the way out is so that you can take advantage of the opportunities that are out there, right?

So when you really go into detail, then you can create a plan, present it, possibly, back to the CDFI, because they actually make small-business loans.

>> Oh, okay.

>> So the plan needs more detail.

You have, let's call it, a skeleton.

>> Okay.

And now we need to do the work to put some meat on the bones.

>> Okay.

>> I'm gonna send you back to the Opportunity Finder tool so that now you can find someone to really help you fine-tune that business plan, because that's the next step.

>> Okay.

Because, Michelle, you're cute, girl, but no one's gonna give you money without a sound business plan.

And we really want to make sure that you are working with someone who's done this many times.

This is what they do.

They know exactly what you need, and they can walk you through every step to make sure that you're prepared.

When you ask for that loan.

>> We'll definitely see.

>> I'm so proud of you.

>> Yes, and I appreciate everything that you're doing.

>> Thank you so much.

>> I'm so glad to be here with you.

>> I appreciate you.

Having someone believe in me feels good.

I felt like I've never had anyone believe in me, or if they did, they didn't actually tell me.

I have Patrice who's telling me, who's pushing me on, saying, "I know you can do it.

I know you can do it."

And I don't want to be a disappointment, so I'm going to do it.

Hopefully I'll see you again soon.

>> Yes!

I can't wait.

♪ ♪ ♪ >> I need a business plan, and you need a business plan, right?

>> That's what she said, so that's what we're gonna do.

>> Yeah.

So... >> I don't feel like being in trouble no more.

>> To me, that's -- I don't think you were in trouble, but I think it's gonna be a challenge, though.

>> With the church, I love having the church.

>> Mm-hmm.

>> I love the work that we do.

>> Right.

>> But you know me.

It's always been hard on the financials.

Even when I was working for other people, it was always just a tough conversation to have, a difficult thing to get comfortable in, so... >> Right.

>> We gonna get this plan out, and then we just see what she says, so...

They have a couple of business plans.

>> Okay.

>> Options for you and then for me, too, so check these out and see if this kind of works... >> Okay, that's fine.

>> ...for what we want to accomplish.

So, using the Opportunity Finder, it was just like the first time.

It was very -- a very user-friendly tool.

A lot of templates.

There's just roadmaps and information, things that you should include, things you shouldn't include.

It was very helpful in just pulling one together.

Since we doing homework... >> Yeah.

>> ...uh, I think it's time to cut up them credit cards.

>> Okay.

Okay.

You're ready for that?

I'm washing dishes, and it's great.

We're talking about homework.

You know, we're on the Opportunity Finder tool, and then bam!

He mentions the credit cards.

>> Right now, it says I can't spend them anyway.

They just taking up space.

Just go on and cut them up.

>> Well, you know, that was part of our work assignment.

So you want to do it, like, right now?

>> If we don't do it right now, then it'll be three years later and we still gonna be talking about doing it.

>> All right, let's do.

>> Let's go.

>> Get the cards.

Let's go.

I'll get the scissors.

I am not ready.

My goodness.

I'm a little afraid to cut the cards at this time.

I guess you can call it PTSD, you know, because we went through a hurricane, and we had that available.

And so even though it may have not been a great idea, it was there.

Okay.

So we got 11 cards here.

This just really makes me remember about my mom when my mom, you know, found out that she just -- she really wanted to just make some changes in her life and, you know, and so she asked my dad to help her make those changes.

And he said, "I'll make those changes.

Let me help you."

And I remember he did a barn -- a bonfire outside, and he had her to put the cards in the bonfire.

So I guess this is our -- We don't have fire, but there you go.

There's one.

Do you want to do one?

>> No, you want yours -- You want yours back.

>> Let me show you how to cut a credit card.

>> [ Laughs ] Really?

>> I'm ready.

I'm ready to get it over with.

I'm trying to close the chapter on every bad habit and anything that's interfering with us going forward.

So I'm ready.

Let's do it.

Now time to put that in the trash and put all the other crazy stuff behind us.

This is us making our moment.

Shredded credit cards.

Now, can we have some shredded tacos or something?

>> [ Laughs ] >> That sounds good.

I think Josiah would like that.

♪ ♪ ♪ >> Hello, Juliette.

>> Hi, Rhonda.

It's nice to see you.

>> I am really excited to get started on our work together.

>> Thanks.

I'm excited, too.

>> Great.

>> With the Opportunity Finder tool, we were able to set up appointments virtually for my career coach.

>> Tell me a little bit about what you do now.

>> Sure.

So, right now, I'm a school social worker.

I just really don't know what to expect.

I've literally never talked to a career coach before.

I have my master's in social work and have been working with students with specialized education.

And so I've been doing counseling for students but also outside services.

You know, like crisis management, project management, and really, like, bridging some gaps.

>> Just so you know, I also have my MSW.

>> Oh, awesome.

>> I understand the options that are available.

It is an incredibly flexible degree.

>> Rhonda's really helpful.

I'm hoping that she can point me in, like, good directions, especially since she also shares that she has a master's degree in social work, as well.

>> Tell me what your goals are.

Are you wanting to completely change careers?

Are you looking for a different job?

Tell me a little bit about where you're at and what you're looking for next.

>> Sure.

There's not really a lot of, like, upward mobility or any mobility in my job at all.

I'm hopefully looking for a little bit of a salary bump for my family expenses.

>> Are you focused on working with a certain age range?

>> I'm not set on that.

I feel like I've worked with almost the whole gamut of ages at this point, and I've found things to enjoy with each age group.

>> Because some people, there's something magic about working with a specific age.

But it sounds like, for you, it's working with people that's more important than what height -- [ Laughs ] >> Right.

Yeah.

>> ...stage of development they're in.

So, couple of things here.

As you're thinking about making this transition, are any kinds of doubts or fears or concerns coming up for you?

>> Yes.

[ Laughs ] >> Tell me more.

>> [ Laughs ] I mean, I've been comfortable.

I know what I know.

So, like, taking that step into something I might not have experience in or I might not know so much.

I think that's, like, the scariest piece for me is -- is starting over.

>> There's so many options, and part of our work is to narrow those things down.

But where would you like to be in a year?

>> I think this is where I'm kind of stuck because I don't know.

Like, I don't know what's possible.

Could you, like, name a couple jobs that you think might be out there?

>> We could go social work in another setting.

So in a hospital setting.

Private practice is an option for you.

I am a career coach that I got with my MSW.

So something similar to that could be something that you could do, as well.

So let me ask you how important making a difference in the world is to you.

>> Very, yeah.

Like, very important.

>> Okay.

>> I'm just, you know, between this rock and a hard place where it's like, I want to keep helping, and I want to keep making a difference.

And, also, you know, just balancing, like, my own family and, you know, responsibilities.

>> There are so many ways to make a difference in the world.

And that is my heart and soul.

And I want you to leave here knowing that you can make a step where you can still do the type of work you want to do but be better compensated for it.

And I will help get you there.

>> Great.

I really appreciate it.

The meeting went really well.

Rhonda showed me what jobs are available, where my passion and my value, my mission align.

>> So good to talk with you.

And I'm looking forward to our next steps.

You'll be hearing from me soon.

>> Great.

Thank you.

I'm looking forward to what's coming next with Rhonda and what could be available for my career.

♪ ♪ >> I'm back at Suncoast.

I have an appointment with Galene, and I hope Galene could help me with my business plan.

I want her to help me put these ideas on paper.

>> How are you?

>> All right.

I'm Michelle.

>> I'm Galene.

>> Nice to meet you.

>> Have a seat.

I see that you're really new to this area.

>> Yes.

>> Yeah.

And you're a recent member in our CDFI.

>> So I actually found the CDFI using the Opportunity Finder tool.

I put in the stuff I was looking for.

I was looking for someone to help with a mortgage, to help with a business plan.

And it popped up, the CDFI, Suncoast, and that's what brung me in.

>> Well, we are definitely happy to have you.

We're happy that you are a member.

So we have a business innovation and solution center where we offer technical assistance and workshops to small-business owners, which means we can help you develop your business plan, we can help you with cash-flow management.

So tell me, have you started your business yet?

>> No, I haven't started my business yet, but my financial coach advised me that, before I could start my business, I would need a business plan.

>> Oh, that is just the best way to do it.

I believe in planning, investing, and then executing.

So you are right on target.

So once you decide to start a business, you want to get registered with the state of Florida.

>> Okay.

>> What services and products would you offer?

>> I wanted to, like, provide transportation to people to get to their, like, medical appointments or, you know, older people who really don't have forms of transportation, maybe a wheelchair ramp.

>> Okay, nice.

All right, great.

And why did you decide to start your business?

>> I've never really seen a medical cab out here.

>> You said you're targeting senior citizens, disabled?

>> Yes.

>> Well, all of this information that you're talking about is exactly what you would put on your business plan.

>> Oh, okay.

>> You would include, you know, "What is my vision?

What is my mission?"

And have you thought about what your mission statement might be?

>> No, I haven't.

>> Okay.

And a mission statement could be something as simple as "Providing transportation for our most vulnerable populations."

That could be a simple mission.

>> So my meeting with Galene is going great.

She's giving me so much information.

She's giving me pamphlets.

So when I do write it down, I have a format to follow.

I know what, you know, what they want in a business plan.

>> So, is this something that you think you can do?

>> Yes, ma'am.

>> Okay, good.

I'm here to support you as you write down your business plan.

I would love for you to come back for me to review and give you pointers.

Does that sound like a plan?

>> Yes, it does.

>> Okay, good!

>> I'm definitely gonna go work on this, and I will definitely be seeing you again.

>> Yes.

I'll see you in a few weeks.

>> Yes, ma'am.

Have a great one.

>> Drive safely, okay?

>> Yes, nice to meet you.

♪ >> Next time on "Opportunity Knock$"... >> Stop laughing.

>> I can't!

It's too funny.

>> You were gonna look up a CDFI.

Tell me what happened.

>> They actually helped us save $1,000 a month.

>> What?

>> Yeah!

>> No way.

>> Thank you so much for sending me your business plan.

I think your next step is possibly a small-business loan.

>> Sorry.

[ Laughs ] >> You didn't know we were gonna make you cry today, did you?

>> I wasn't expecting this.

>> Have you thought about doing something nice for your parents?

>> 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.