Community Highlights: Meet Ashlee Shands of Financial Haven

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashlee Shands. 

Hi Ashlee, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My story started when I became a teen mom as well as a young wife. I got married really young and ended up with three kids very early on. During the marriage, we didn’t make the best financial decisions as you can probably imagine. We were 18 and 19 years old with a little financial knowledge but not a lot. So, we obtained credit cards and other lines of credit and didn’t manage it the best. Well later on we ended up divorcing and that’s where my wakeup call began. When trying to obtain housing and a vehicle I got hit with the credit questions that I wasn’t prepared for and learned my credit history was not the best. So, I took some courses and learned how to fix my credit which eventually inspired me to help others. Financial Literacy has become my ultimate passion which is how Financial Haven, Inc was born! We teach other financial literacy and provide credit counseling services in NC. 

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Starting a non-profit is not for the faint at heart! It has taken a lot of work to really get our mission out to the public and reach our target audience. However, my team and I are enjoying the journey and I am glad we all are united by our common beliefs in the mission and values of the organization. We all have our own reasons for advocating for financial literacy so it makes easier to keep pushing when times are tough. Some of the struggles have been raising awareness for our organization and gaining access to funding to support our mission. 

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Financial Haven, Inc?
Our mission is to implement financial literacy programs in the community and to educate on budgeting, credit, and financial wellness with a focus on disadvantaged communities. Financial Haven, Inc is a nonprofit credit counseling agency that was founded to help individuals gain control in their finances by using credit counseling, financial education, and debt management plans. We take pride in enhancing lives and creating solutions for people in need of financial relief. We offer debt solutions to individuals and families that are overwhelmed with stress from credit card debt through credit counseling and education on debt management. We can help with a variety of things such as reviewing your credit report, understanding your bank accounts, or navigate different ways to grow your money. What sets us apart is that we look at a client’s whole financial picture and strive to help decrease the wealth gap in disadvantaged communities by educating the client. 

Do you have any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
My favorite childhood memory was going to Disney World. I really enjoyed seeing the characters and getting their autographs. I believe I was around eight years old and it made me believe dreams could really come true! 

Contact Info:

• Email: ashands@financialhaven.org
• Website: https://financialhaven.org/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/financialhaven

Image Credits
Aniya Bourne