>> 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$"... Is everyone ready to embark on a once-in-a-lifetime experience?

>> I was told we were signing up for coupons.

>> You also want to grow your business, too.

>> What business?

>> Teachers Pay Teachers is a website.

>> Like you buy lesson plans.

>> Yeah.

>> On top of it all, the cost of living in L.A. has just rose.

>> No one is going to give you money without a sound business plan.

>> We're actually one of the few credit unions that can work this kind of structure.

>> I didn't realize it was possible.

We could have a home for our kids to grow up in.

Thank you.

>> 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?

♪ ♪ ♪ >> Hello, everyone, and welcome back, families and coaches, to the amazing Dollywood here in the awe-inspiring Smoky Mountains of Tennessee.

How have the last few months been for everyone?

>> Good.

>> Good!

>> Does everyone have updates and scoop to share?

>> Yes.

>> Yes.

>> Yes.

>> Over the next few days, we have time set up with each of you so you can spill the tea.

[ Laughter ] Why don't you go relax in the DreamMore resort while I talk to the coaches about you behind your backs?

[ Laughter ] Don't worry.

We'll only talk finances.

[ Laughter ] Then we'll bring each of you in for a checkup and see how you've been doing.

See you soon.

Bye, guys.

>> Bye!

♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ >> I'm excited to be back here in person with all of you.

It was interesting, I think, at the beginning, watching everyone and seeing their faces, knowing this is going to be an experience that they really don't know what every step is going to look like.

I saw some of them look -- >> They were like, "Okay, you're in my house.

You're in my space."

>> Yeah.

>> "You know, I understand.

I'm putting myself in your hands.

But be kind."

>> Yes.

>> It's a different level of commitment, right?

>> Yes.

>> Because most of the work has to be done by them.

>> Yeah.

>> Yeah.

>> We can't do the heavy lifting.

We can guide them and kind of really get them to tell the truth.

>> It has been like, "You have to pull this together."

>> Yes.

>> And I think many of us are a little delusional about where we are with our finances, and that comes from not wanting to face it.

So, I think many Americans identify with, like, avoiding the bills and not opening the envelopes and hoping things just fall off their credit report.

>> Mm-hmm.

>> But, you know, there were some conversations where, you know, it was like, "I have a few credit cards."

And then we find out, hmm, there's over ten credit cards, and they're all maxed out.

So, those moments -- tough love.

>> [ Laughs ] I'm thinking about what it would have been like to sit on the other side and go through this process.

It's a bit unnerving.

They have to bare all.

And we're talking about finances, which is something that people struggle to talk about.

They have to do it in a way that they're giving you this access... >> Yeah.

>> ...to very personal information.

>> Very taboo.

>> Yeah.

>> It's a very taboo subject.

>> And, by the way, other people are in the room.

Like, this is uncomfortable.

>> They were really brave.

>> Yeah.

>> Really brave.

>> Very courageous to take this step.

>> I'm excited to hear their stories today.

>> I am, too.

>> Yeah.

>> When do we see them again?

>> We're going to see our first couple now.

>> Hello.

>> Hey, there.

>> Hello.

>> You look so nice.

>> Oh, thank you.

>> Tell us a little bit about where you started in this process.

>> Yeah, we were struggling, definitely, living in Los Angeles.

It's just gotten really out of control... >> Mm-hmm.

>> ...to make it there.

And I lost my job pretty much through COVID, and we're just in this big transitional place.

>> Tell us what brought you through this and where you've been able to track to.

>> It was such a gift, honestly, to work with you because to get that type of support and that one-on-one, that's what we needed so much was to have just someone just like take a snapshot of where we are.

>> Mm-hmm.

>> Be like, "It's doable, it's possible, and let's just move a few pieces around and so you can find your clear path."

>> They had similar goals but different ways to approach them that were causing a little bit of conflict with them, as well.

And then they want to buy a house, and they didn't know whether they should stay because it's really expensive in L.A. And they were looking for other opportunities, right?

>> We've gone through a lot, and we're still in our fertility journey.

>> Yeah.

>> And obviously when you're going through pregnancy... >> Yeah.

>> ...you know, which is our grand hope that, you know, I can work, cover everything while she's doing pregnancy... >> Yeah.

>> ...and taking that off the plate of having to work and having to support.

But me supporting you financially so you can focus on making the baby.

>> So, have you actually, have you made the move?

Did you pick up and go?

>> Well, we took a trip, and we're getting in the rhythm of looking at houses, which is kind of fun.

Here's one of us.

Say hello.

We're looking at houses.

>> Checking houses out, guys.

>> Yeah.

>> First beginner potential house.

Go, Austin.

>> And these are the homes in Austin that you're looking at?

>> Yeah, exactly.

>> Oh, that's really cool.

>> Our choice to move to Austin just feels right, and it was so fascinating.

>> Yeah.

>> What was the hardest step to take in this journey?

>> I would probably say showing our finances.

That's always the most difficult.

>> Yes.

>> Being completely transparent.

>> What I find fascinating is how just people do not talk about finances.

>> Yes.

>> Like, in my family, no one in my family shares their salary.

>> Yes.

>> It's just something you don't talk about.

>> Yeah.

>> But I feel that when I start talking about it, it's just information.

>> Yes.

>> It's like, "Okay, I hear where you're at," and it feels almost liberating, right?

>> It's powerful because what you shared is what so many people have trouble doing.

>> Yeah.

>> Starting at that point of let me just see what it is -- right?

-- so that I can start the journey to see where I'm trying to go.

So, this has been very exciting, and you all are making so much great progress.

It was great to be able to reconnect with you again.

>> Of course.

>> No, thank you, and thank you for all your help.

>> It's a pleasure to see all of you.

>> I appreciate both of you, and I appreciate working with you in this.

>> Oh, thank you so much.

We really enjoyed it.

>> And if you ever need a musician for hire, I play tons of... >> [ Laughs ] >> Billy Joel.

>> Yeah.

Well, good.

Thank you all so much for being a part of this journey.

>> Thank you so much.

>> See you soon.

>> Thank you so much.

Bye.

>> Bye.

>> Wow!

Good job, Louis.

>> Thank you, Patrice.

>> Lovely, lovely couple.

>> Yes.

>> A wonderful couple.

I'm actually certain that they're going to get everything because they're willing to put in the work and the effort... >> Yes.

>> ...and they're talking to each other.

So, I'm excited about their future.

>> I'm excited to see who's next.

>> Oh, who do we have?

>> Well... >> What's the deal?

>> We have Hannah and Juliette.

>> Oh, they're mine.

>> Oh, good.

>> They're mine.

Hey.

>> Hello!

>> Hi!

>> Hi, guys.

>> It's good to see you all, and it's good to see you again.

We're excited to share with you.

Well, since the last time I saw you, Jean, my sales on Teachers Pay Teachers have really taken off.

>> Ah!

Amazing.

>> And a part of that reason -- I started posting on social media more.

And so, I've been generating more and more traffic to my website, which has increased my sales.

>> What are you guys talking about?

>> Yeah.

>> I want to know.

>> [ Laughs ] >> Yeah, so, my niche is LGBTQIA history.

>> Okay.

>> So, we found Hannah a mentor who could work with her to, like, boost the curriculum into the stratosphere.

>> Okay.

>> And I've been able to plan my social-media content around how to incorporate it into an elementary classroom, because queer history is civil rights history, and it's part of our American history.

And it's so important for all people to know that piece of our history.

And it's nice because the work is done.

So, now it's passive income.

So... >> Yeah, yeah.

>> Yeah.

>> Making money in your sleep.

>> There you go!

[ Laughter ] >> So, I have a tough question, right?

But it's a good one.

I'm going to turn away from her as I ask.

How is it like working with Jean?

>> Oh, my gosh.

We're in a very vulnerable state, you know?

We are opening up the books.

>> Everything's out, right?

>> Yeah, like the library is open, and Jean's going to read us.

[ Laughter ] You know, she is going to say like, "Okay, cut this."

But it wasn't like that at all.

It was like Jean was so kind and, like, so loving to us.

>> I think growing up in, like, my family culture, it was like you didn't talk about money.

So, like, the reframing it away from being shame-based to being something like, "No, you did something, and that's what got you here, and now let's just try and course-correct."

It just turned that shame around and made an understanding of why you spend the way you spend or whatever.

>> It's like if we would be more comfortable with talking about money, we could become more comfortable with money.

What would you say was the biggest lesson throughout this process?

>> I think the biggest lesson for me, I didn't know where my money was going.

>> Yeah.

>> We've been tracking our finances like a hawk.

And so, it's like that awareness piece is, like, really, really life-changing for us... >> Yes.

>> Mm-hmm.

>> ...is knowing where our money is and knowing where it's going.

>> We were doing it by the month, and then when you focus in on weekly, it's like you get these small wins... >> Yes.

>> ...that keeps you on track for your whole monthly budget.

>> It's empowering.

>> So, so powerful.

>> Yeah, so empowering.

>> It's empowering to know.

>> It seems like you all have started an amazing journey with, like, a lot of great wins that you've had along the way.

Jean, you've put them on a great track.

>> I'm smiling so... [ Laughter ] >> Thanks to Jean.

>> Yes.

>> I'm so...I feel like "kvelling" my mother would say.

[ Laughter ] Because I'm really proud of you guys.

>> Thank you.

Get ready, because we're just... >> We're just getting started.

>> Yeah!

[ Laughter ] >> This experience has changed our life for the better.

It's made me be more aware of what's coming down the line rather than just putting out fires financially.

>> It's amazing.

>> They're doing a great job.

They really are.

>> Oh, they are just -- they were ready, you know?

And you have to be ready to make these changes.

If you're not ready, it just doesn't happen.

>> Exactly.

>> Who's up next?

>> So, next up we have Michelle.

>> Ahh.

>> Yes, Michelle.

>> Hey, Michelle.

>> Hi, guys.

How are you?

>> Good.

Good to see you.

>> Yes, good to see you again.

>> Yes.

What's been going on?

>> So much has been going on since I last met with you.

I was able to register my business with my CDFI and LiftFund, and I'm looking for purchasing a van, an ADA-accessible van.

>> So, you have to tell everyone about what you're creating here.

>> I'm starting a medical non-emergency transportation system.

>> Okay.

>> I'm going to have it we're taking, you know, the elderly to their appointments, doctor's appointments or grocery shopping or anything they need to do.

>> Why this?

What was in your background that made it be "This is what I want to do"?

>> So, I was a bus driver for years, and I recently just relocated to Florida from New York.

And, you know, Florida is the Sunshine State, where everybody goes to retire.

>> Mm-hmm.

>> I felt like this would be a good, like, you know, a good, little program for them to have an opportunity to still get out.

Even if it's, like, just going to the park or anything, I'm able to just get them out.

>> I know one reason, though, that you were starting the business is because we need to transition out of Section 8.

>> Yes, ma'am.

We came to the conclusion that no matter how much extra hours I did, overtime or anything, it would never put me over that hump.

Like, the amount that Section 8 contributes to me, I would never be able to get that at a regular 9:00 to 5:00.

So, it was stagnating me, wasn't allowing me to, you know, move up.

I want to own a home.

But, you know, being on Section 8, Section 8 limits you, you know?

>> Mm-hmm.

>> It's like if you do this, then this is going to happen or...

So, I was limiting myself.

>> Was it scary to let go of Section 8?

>> Yes, it's scary because you don't know how this business is going to come out.

You know what I'm saying?

So, if my business don't succeed and I have to go back to a 9:00 to 5:00, and I already realize a 9:00 to 5:00 is not sufficient enough to get me off that Section 8, I'll be back at square one.

>> And she's a single mom, too.

So, even with, like she said, all the additional hours she would have to work, well, she's in a new city and the only person responsible for picking her children up... >> Yes.

>> ...and dropping them off and doing the activities and all that stuff.

So, it's also the flexibility to be with the kids.

I'm so proud of you.

She looked scared last time I saw her, okay?

>> I was scared.

>> And she looks happy today.

Well, I'll tell you what.

It is exciting to see where you are on your journey.

You're making incredible progress.

We cannot wait to see where this business is going to go.

>> I'm excited, yes.

>> Thank you for coming by.

>> Thanks for coming -- so proud of you.

>> Thanks, Michelle -- great job.

>> Bye.

>> Great work.

>> Oh, my gosh.

I'm so proud of her.

This is -- like, you guys, she was so afraid of the idea of her being able to do her own thing.

But she's talented.

I'm really excited for her and for her kids, who get to see her example.

>> Absolutely.

>> I agree.

>> And we've got one coming out?

>> Yes, we do.

>> Who's next?

>> We have Patricia coming next.

>> Okay.

>> There she is.

>> Hello.

>> There she is!

>> It's nice to meet with us.

I like it.

>> Hello.

>> So, tell me, what has the journey been like for you?

>> It's been absolutely incredible, beyond what I expected.

The CDFI has been absolutely amazing.

They have helped me to get started on renewing the home, hired contractors for me.

>> So, what was going on with the living space with your house?

>> Oh, the home was very distressed.

It was very distressed.

We only had one restroom for all of us, which is six of us... >> Oh, wow.

>> Oh, my goodness.

>> ...that was working.

And we didn't have any heating or cooling.

>> Yeah.

>> Very difficult.

>> What happened to put you in this position?

>> Well, it was a multitude of very difficult events in my life.

I had a horseback accident.

>> Oh.

>> And so physically, I was not able to get out there and work.

And then I was divorced and then the pandemic.

So, there was -- >> So, just like one thing and another and another.

Oh, my goodness.

>> So, like, I was getting over one and then -- so, yes, very difficult.

>> When I met Patricia, there were some really big things going on, but she wasn't, she was making them feel like they weren't that big a deal.

But she knew that they were big things.

I don't think your children were really aware of really all the things that were really going on financially.

>> Yeah.

No, I think that I did -- as a mother, I did really well in not letting them feel it the way that I was feeling it.

>> Yeah.

>> I think that that's our job, right?

>> Yeah.

>> As parents.

That was the one thing that I was like, "Why am I so -- why is there this, like, stigma of shame, of asking for help?"

>> Yeah.

>> You know?

And there's people out there that do want to help, people that are financially successful that do want to help.

There's no shame in asking for help.

>> Opportunity knocked at your door.

I'm kind of interested in hearing what it felt like for this opportunity to come.

You know, with everything that you were navigating, it's like, "Whoo, I have a shot.

I have a chance."

What did that feel like for you?

>> It felt like a big, humongous burden had been lifted off, that prayer had been answered, and that all the perseverance, everything that we went through, all the effort, all the difficulties, you know, were over.

>> And so, Patricia, what's going on with work?

>> Lots of good things.

I've started working as an art coordinator, and recently I sold a painting for $1,500.

>> Wow.

>> Yes!

>> That's a big deal.

>> Tell them what you were really selling them before.

Like, you were giving them away, almost, right?

>> Yes, I was giving them away.

I was giving my classes away because in that community, you know, it's very difficult for families to afford the classes that I was giving.

>> But I tell you what.

This has been amazing.

>> I am a different person before we started this adventure, completely transformed.

I see life in a whole new way.

>> Wow.

>> I'm really proud of her.

Some people don't do breakthroughs.

They break down.

>> Mm-hmm.

>> And they break down.

And she could have broken down.

And so, I keep going to the same thing that we keep saying, that she was ready for it... >> Yep.

>> ...and she was willing to accept the help.

>> Mm-hmm.

>> Now, who's next?

>> Well, next up, we have Charles and Tiffany.

>> You guys are going to love them.

Let me just say that they are so fun.

They are a faith-based couple down from Louisiana.

And there was some tough-love conversations.

So, I'm really interested to see what they've put in place since we last talked.

>> Hi!

>> Hey.

>> Look at you!

>> I'm going to jump in with, like, a really taboo question to start with.

What's it like working with Patrice, Charles?

Because I remember you starting up.

You were looking like, "I don't know about this process."

>> Yeah.

>> At first I kind of felt like challenged but in a negative sense.

>> Uh-huh.

>> But after hearing what she said, I was thinking about all the teachers that I thought were the worst teachers.

But as an adult, I feel like they're the greatest teachers I ever had.

That was because they challenged me the most.

>> Wow.

>> And so, I know that you can't get progress without being honest.

If you had to grade our credit awareness, knowledge, and practice... >> Mm-hmm.

>> ...I was at a D-plus.

>> I also want to say, though, they are very giving.

>> Mm-hmm.

>> They are very generous people.

And so, it wasn't just "We're just making these decisions..." >> Right.

>> "...for material gain."

They were supporting a lot of people.

A lot of the church members needed support.

And these two tapped into their credit cards.

>> Yeah.

>> Wow.

>> ...to help others.

>> That's amazing.

>> Wow!

>> But that is the tough part, right?

Being caring and loving about people.

And it's not just what I'm obligated to do because I'm a pastor, but it's what I love to do as a person.

>> Right.

>> And just those particular times were just so difficult.

And it was like, "I know I should say no."

Like, "The credit-card balance keeps telling me to say no," but the needs were just, you know, so intrusive.

>> So, how have you come along with that?

I know that we talked about setting some boundaries and knowing why, right?

>> Knowing why.

>> Because you have kids.

How are you going to tell them, "You watch me give to everyone else.

Now I have to tell you no"?

>> It's still tough.

I'm gonna be honest with you.

>> Mm-hmm.

>> But it's also the motivating factor.

It's like, I don't want to take care of the world and then it was said of me that I couldn't take care of my own house.

We were very fortunate to be paired up with Patrice, but having an opportunity to meet the other two coaches, as well... >> Yeah.

>> ...was really beautiful because they became a part of our journey, as well.

>> Tell us about some of the progress that you all have made and what's happening right now for you.

>> You know, since going to the CDFI, we were able to consolidate all of our bills.

And let me tell you, seeing a zero balance on those credit cards... >> Yes.

>> Yes.

>> Because of that, we reduced our debt-to-income ratio, and my credit score went up 30 points.

>> Yes!

>> Yes!

>> Yes!

>> And I saw the same jump in my credit score.

And I've also talked about changing the structure of the services that I offer at our church.

>> Mm-hmm.

>> And so that has allowed us to bring in extra income on events that we've already had and then line up the summer... >> Yes.

>> ...with some future events that I'm excited about because it's adding to our church, and it's adding to my family, too.

>> How great is that?

>> Yeah, it is amazing.

>> So, what's the next step for you?

>> We have always rented, but now, since our credit score is higher, the CDFI have worked with us.

They have already approved a home loan.

>> Wow!

>> What?!

>> Yeah.

>> Yes!

>> This is wonderful.

I'm so glad to see the progress you all are making.

>> Well, thank you all so much.

>> And we'll see you soon.

>> See you soon.

>> Alright!

>> You can do good and do well at the same time.

>> Absolutely.

>> We've got other people who are doing well.

>> Yes, we do.

>> Yes!

>> Who's coming up?

>> We have Jared and Lauren coming in.

>> Oh, okay.

They're mine.

>> Nice.

[ Laughter ] >> Hey, guys.

>> Hello.

>> How you doing?

>> Nice to see you guys.

>> Good to see you, as well.

>> So, you all got a chance to work with Jean.

>> Jean was fantastic.

We really enjoyed it.

>> That's good.

>> But tell everybody what -- I mean, you guys have made some really significant moves in the last couple of months.

>> So, I have started working remotely, doing data-analysis work on the side, and that's been so wonderful to bring extra money into our home and keep up some of my skills.

And -- >> Can I just say I'm so proud of you for that?

>> Aw, thank you.

>> No, seriously, that was a hard decision, right?

>> Mm-hmm.

>> We had a very long discussion about the fact that you've got this advanced degree, and you really, you know, could be earning significantly more money from home in this remote environment.

So, it's great that you're doing it.

>> It was such a fulfilling experience... >> Yeah.

>> ...to realize I still have this incredible skill set that I don't want to let wither and fade away.

And there are other opportunities for me to grow it.

And Jean helped me see that with some remote work, online opportunities.

And as I've been doing that, it's really fun to show our kids, "Hey, Mommy's got to work now."

So, they know that Mommy contributes in other ways in addition to the demanding work of, you know, helping you become a decent human being.

>> I love the flexibility of the job market right now, though -- the fact that you can literally craft a career that makes sense for you... >> Exactly.

>> ...in this season as a mother with another passion that you're pursuing.

>> And, Jared, you -- I mean, let's just put it out there, right?

Your parents aren't here, Lauren.

So, we can have this conversation.

You were done living in that house.

>> I did not grow up with the same family situation.

So, having Nana and Papa there for my kids is really important and really meaningful to me.

There's a lot of things that are really nice that I really enjoyed, but yes, very much looking forward to our own place, our own home.

>> Mm-hmm.

>> Creating and making memories for our family.

>> So, where are you with that, with that decision?

I know you were looking around.

>> So, we've been doing our home searching.

>> Uh-huh.

>> We viewed properties, went on tours, made some offers, got rejected, made another offer, got another rejection.

>> Yeah.

>> And made an offer and got accepted.

>> Yes!

>> Congratulations.

>> Congratulations.

>> Thank you.

Thank you.

>> That's exciting.

>> That's amazing.

Tell us about it.

>> I actually have a picture of the house on my phone -- well, a video.

>> Well, we did a little video of us out front.

Okay, here we are.

We're in the first townhome.

We're going to walk in down the opening hallway.

>> Wow.

>> Wow.

>> Fantastic.

>> Congratulations.

>> Thank you.

>> Awesome.

>> When the coaches tell us that we're making the right choices with our finances and with our money, it feels like I'm no longer just a little kid guessing and trying to figure out what to do.

It's like I'm okay.

We have made some good decisions, some good choices, and they were there to validate that and guide us the rest of the way.

>> I'm looking forward to seeing you guys create those new memories in your home.

>> Yes.

Yes, thank you.

>> Me too.

Thanks for coming.

>> Bye.

>> Bye.

Thank you.

>> Bye-bye.

>> I'm excited for them.

Just picturing their kids in their yard.

>> I know.

>> And him creating the memories.

>> Next time on "Opportunity Knock$"... >> Everyone, raise your glass.

Here's to a great journey.

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

Cheers.

>> Cheers!

>> Cheers!

>> We have this "Opportunity Knock$" fund, and we have to decide how we're going to get this money out.

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

>> I also have to vouch for Michelle.

>> They make a very good case.

>> Mm-hmm.

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

>> 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.