The Power of Persistence—How One Member Achieved Her Financial Goals | My Member Story

Starting life over in a new country is not always the easiest way to change your life. However, Juana Molina was willing to take the leap, along with all the roadblocks and other challenges it presented. Luckily for Juana, she already had family in Utah she could lean on for help and support.

She also found support somewhere she never expected.

A new start

Fourteen years ago, Juana immigrated to the United States from Guatemala, leaving behind some of her family. She already had family members living in Cedar City, Utah, so that’s where she decided to settle.

Despite the significant change, she is grateful she found a place where family relationships are prioritized and her values are reflected.

Upon arriving in the United States with her husband and children, Juana faced challenges with her financial situation. She had always dreamed of owning a home in a good neighborhood, but that wasn’t possible due to her credit score. Fortunately, her family took them in, providing a stable home until she could regain financial stability.

Finding support and guidance

Juana knew, if she wanted to become a homeowner, she would need to start a relationship with a financial institution. Soon after coming to Utah, she joined Mountain America Credit Union after being referred by her brother, who was already a member.

It was recommended to Juana to start building her credit with a credit card. Initially, she was denied, but she kept asking questions. She knew eventually she would be able to buy a home, she just needed someone to help her.

Juana was lucky enough to find a team member who was committed to helping her improve her financial standing until she was able to take that first step of qualifying for a credit card. “Sometimes we don't know everything we can receive,” she says. “And asking questions helps you.”

Embarking on her financial journey, she prioritized finding an institution where she could communicate in her native language without feeling judged, as previous experiences had left her uncomfortable. She states, “I feel very confident when I go to the credit union because I know there is always someone who can speak with me in Spanish.”

Manifesting a dream

Once Juana had succeeded in establishing credit, she was ready to focus on qualifying to get a mortgage. With guidance from Zeke at her local Mountain America branch, Juana and her husband worked diligently to improve both of their credit scores. Their efforts quickly paid off, and soon they were visiting the branch again to close on their new home!

Juana credits this achievement largely to the support they received from Zeke at Mountain America. “I brought him some balloons because I felt very happy,” she notes. “I hugged him … because he was the first person who helped me during my process.”

In addition to enjoying her beloved garden and giving her dog, Lulu, space to roam, Juana’s favorite thing about owning her own home is being able to host her family, something she has yearned for ever since moving to the United States. “Since I have had my house, I have had several gatherings,” she notes. “The first was Thanksgiving. We celebrated it with my whole family here.”

Juana knew this was something special because it was the beginning of the life she had dreamed about. Since that Thanksgiving celebration, Juana has lovingly hosted her family and friends, and has continued to strengthen her financial security.

Passing on the lesson

Beyond achieving this milestone is the impact on Juana’s family. “For my children, and for me, it is very important that we, as immigrants, have been able to buy a house,” she says. “Because it is also the example that we are giving to them. That they can achieve whatever they want.”

Mountain America joins you in celebrating this amazing accomplishment. We can’t wait to see what happens next!