Kaitlyn Szabo
October 2018 Update
Trick or Treat! Is there anything scarier than the almost 400% average APR on payday loans in the U.S.? We can think of something… 12,000%. Yeah, that’s not a typo. 12,000%. That’s how much one recently enrolled participant was paying on an online payday loan. According to the terms, this borrower – who initially took Read more October 2018 Update
September 2018 Update
Over 100 program graduates! This month, we surpassed 100 program graduates of Exodus Lending! That’s 100 of our neighbors who no longer dread payday, watching their hard-earned check evaporate into the pockets of predatory lenders. Instead, that’s 100 people who can breathe easier, knowing their payday debt is gone, and they can focus on their Read more September 2018 Update
August 2018 Update
Welcome, Anna and Anika! We are delighted to announce the addition of Anna and Anika to our team at Exodus Lending! Anna will be working directly with our program participants as our Program Coordinator, and Anika is serving as our Outreach and Fundraising VISTA for next year. Welcome to the team! Anna graduated from Augsburg Read more August 2018 Update
July 2018 Update
Exodus Lending is Hiring! Exodus Lending is looking for someone who is passionate about helping people get out from under the payday loan debt trap. We’re looking to hire a program coordinator to manage and take part in all participant-facing activities of the organization, including outreach, enrollment, and participant engagement. Review the full job description Read more July 2018 Update
June 2018 Update
Exodus Lending in the News! Our executive director, Sara Nelson-Pallmeyer, spent this past Monday, June 4th, in Moorhead. She, along with co-hosts Mayor Del Rae Williams, Minnesota House Rep. Ben Lien and city council member Heidi Durand, held a meeting with church leaders, nonprofits, county agencies and financial institution representatives to talk about the payday Read more June 2018 Update
May 2018 Update
Raise a Glass at our Annual Fundraiser! Join us at Urban Growler Brewery on June 26th from 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm to celebrate with Exodus Lending at our annual fundraiser with a fun twist – trivia! Show off your smarts while showing up in support of our important work. Tickets are $20 until June Read more May 2018 Update
Goal-Setting
Here are some sample short and long-term goals, as well as action steps to take to help you achieve them. But first – make sure you have a budget in place to help you stay on track toward attaining your financial goals. If you need help starting and sticking with a budget, check out this Read more Goal-Setting
Money Mindfulness
According to the American Psychological Association (APA), one of the major stressors for people during the holiday season (or, frankly, any time of the year) is finances. To avoid stress, think intentionally about your money and practice money mindfulness. Defining Money Mindfulness Mindfulness is the practice of being present in the moment. Money mindfulness Read more Money Mindfulness
Isabella’s Story
Isabella* was caught in the precarious financial position of supporting both her children and her extended family. Then, she was hit hard following a minor car accident and a reduction in hours at work. The income loss and spike in expenses drained an already tight budget dry. Since her family was not able to fully Read more Isabella’s Story
Needs vs. Wants
Define Need vs. Want A need is an expense that is essential for you and your family to live and work. Typically, this includes the recurring expenditures that eat up most of our budgets: housing, utilities, transportation, food, and healthcare. A want is nice but non-essential for survival. These are items you can live without (even Read more Needs vs. Wants