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Susan Rich’s commitment to building homes, communities and hope has a very personal foundation. Having been a single mother for many years, she understands at her core what raising children on one income is like. More than anything, that drives her belief in Habitat for Humanity Seminole-Apopka’s mission, one that has only grown over the years. Susan shares that belief wherever she goes, inspiring her employer, One Florida Bank (OFB); colleagues; friends; and family members (yeah husband Mark!) to take the philanthropic journey with her. One might say she has infused them with her passion to provide affordable homeownership in Central Florida. Susan’s journey with us began in 2015. Merging her dedication to helping women and families and amazing vigor, she jumped right in to build houses, serve on Board committees, and participate in raising money and womanpower for Women Build, involving her then-bank employer. Devoting many hours to support Habitat’s belief that everyone deserves decent housing, Susan took that dedication with her to OFB in 2019, as Executive Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer. Did we mention she was also elected Board Chair that year and has since served two terms in that position? Susan was the impetus for the OFB Community Builders Program. The program supports deserving families in the Central Florida community having access to quality, affordable homes and, gratefully, does this alongside Habitat Seminole-Apopka. A wonderful relationship has developed that melds the local, community-minded bank with a nonprofit that builds strength, stability, and self-reliance through shelter locally. In fact, most Future Homebuyers who turn to our “Hometown Habitat” are products of the area. They want to stay here, but want decent, affordable housing in which to raise their families. Susan is also at the forefront of OFB’s monthly volunteer “Build Days", has served on our Board for nine years, serves on the Board of Habitat Florida, and uses her knowledge as a member of both our Finance and Homeowner Selection Committees. (She’s unstoppable and we love it!) Thanks to Susan’s passion, One Florida Bank was the Presenting Sponsor for the 2023 Women Build, with a generous $30,000 donation and is doing so again right now in 2024. That wasn’t enough for Susan, who raised another $11,930 from everyone she knows last year and is attempting to top her own total this year! In fact, during her nine years of fundraising and team leadership for Women Build alone, she has personally raised more than $60,000. In addition, Susan has enlisted yearly contributions from One Florida Bank. (Talk about donation and fundraising opportunities!) Susan is a Habitat ambassador both in the workplace and in the community by bringing the issues of access to affordable homes and the long-term impact of homeownership to the forefront of discussions at OFB. Too, she promotes the free, online Financial Academy and Habitat’s other financial offerings. Presently, five senior team leaders and several community members serve on our committees thanks to Susan. We can’t do what we do without supporters like Susan, who expresses her heart in so many ways. Is there any wonder why she was honored as our Official Habitat Cheer Captain and wears that heartfelt badge with pride? Want to hear more amazing stories like Susan’s? Follow us on Instagram!

In today's fast-paced world, managing personal finances effectively is more crucial than ever. Having a solid budget in place is essential whether aiming to pay off debt, trying to build your savings account or putting away money for a down payment on a new home. A personal budget empowers you to take control of your financial future, providing a roadmap to achieve your goals and aspirations. The information, tools and resources provided in this article will help you master the art of how to budget & get what you want. What is a budget and why do I need one? At its core, a personal budget is a financial plan that outlines income, expenses, and savings goals over a specific period, typically monthly. The primary objective of a budget is to ensure that you're living within your means, spending less than you earn, and allocating funds to your priorities. By tracking your income and expenses, you gain insights into your spending habits and identify areas where adjustments can be made to achieve financial stability. How do I create a budget? It helps to have a written budget plan to effectively track your income and expenses. Get started with this online budgeting tool. First, you will calculate your total monthly income, including salaries, bonuses, and any other sources of revenue. Next, list all your expenses, categorizing them into fixed (e.g., rent, utilities) and variable (e.g., groceries, entertainment). Be thorough and include discretionary expenses such as dining out and shopping. Once you have a clear picture of your income and expenses, subtract your total expenses from your income to determine your discretionary income—that is the amount left for additional spending or, better yet, for increasing your designated savings amount (More on that later). You can find a wide range of free tools and resources on the Habitat for Humanity Seminole- Apopka website. Try out the budgeting and savings calculators, test your financial wellness and learn how to use credit to improve your credit score. With a little bit of effort, you will learn a lot and improve your financial future. Follow us on Facebook for more great information and keeping up with the latest tips and tools. ↓ Tips for creating your budget Use these key concepts to help stay on track with your budget and maximize your income: 1. Pay yourself first: Before you give your money to others, pay yourself by deciding on an amount each month you can put into savings. Savings is not what is left over after you finish your budgeting process. It’s where you begin your budget. This can be any amount as long as it is consistent each month. Whether it is $20 or $2,000, if you pay yourself first, you automatically choose saving over buying something you may not really need. 2. Prioritize your spending: Identify your needs versus wants and allocate funds accordingly. Focus on covering essential expenses first, such as housing, food, and utilities, before allocating money towards discretionary items. 3. Set realistic goals: Establish short-term and long-term financial goals, e.g. saving for emergencies, paying off debt, or investing for retirement. Break down larger goals into smaller, achievable milestones to track your progress effectively. 4. Track your expenses: Use tools like budgeting apps or spreadsheets to monitor your spending habits regularly. Review your transactions to identify areas where you can cut back and adjust to stay within your budget. 5. Be flexible: Life is unpredictable, and unexpected expenses may arise. Build flexibility into your budget by setting aside a portion of your income for contingencies or emergencies. 6. Review and adjust: Periodically review your budget to assess your progress towards your financial goals. Be prepared to adjust as needed, such as reallocating funds or revising your spending habits to stay aligned with your priorities. Why should I have a personal budget? Mastering personal budgeting offers numerous benefits: 1. Financial Awareness: Budgeting fosters a deeper understanding of your financial situation, including income, expenses, and saving patterns. 2. Control Overspending: By tracking expenses and adhering to a budget, individuals can curb unnecessary spending and make more informed purchasing decisions. 3. Debt Management: Budgeting helps you prioritize debt repayment and avoid accumulating high-interest debt, ultimately improving financial health. 4. Goal Achievement: Setting clear financial goals and incorporating them into your budget increases motivation and accountability, leading to greater success in achieving objectives such as saving for a down payment, funding education, or retiring comfortably. 5. Emergency Preparedness: Building an emergency fund through budgeting provides a financial safety net, ensuring peace of mind and resilience in the face of unexpected expenses or income disruptions. Top 10 Tips for Saving Money 1. Yes, you guessed it. The #1 recommendation of financial professionals is to create a budget. 2. Track Your Expenses: Keep a record of your spending to identify areas where you can cut back. Utilize apps or spreadsheets to track expenses easily and identify patterns or unnecessary purchases. 3. Set Savings Goals: Define specific short-term and long-term savings goals, such as building an emergency fund, saving for a vacation, or purchasing a home. Having clear objectives can motivate you to save consistently. 4. Automate Savings: To ensure you do pay yourself first, set up automatic transfers from your checking account to your savings account each month. This way you know that a portion of your income goes directly into savings without the temptation to spend it. 5. Reduce Discretionary Spending: Evaluate your discretionary expenses, such as dining out, entertainment, or subscription services. Look for ways to reduce or eliminate unnecessary spending in these areas to free up more money for saving. 6. Shop Smart: Comparison shop before making purchases to find the best deals and discounts. Utilize coupons, apps, wait for sales, and consider buying generic brands to save money on everyday items. 7. Limit Impulse Buys: Avoid making impulse purchases by declaring a waiting period before buying non-essential items. Take time to consider whether the purchase aligns with your budget and savings goals. 8. Cut Utility Costs: Reduce your energy and water bills by adopting energy-efficient habits, such as unplugging electronics when not in use and using programmable thermostats. Consider investing in energy-saving appliances for long-term savings. In Florida, publicly owned power companies are required to offer energy-saving programs to their customers, so contact your provider to see if it offers free energy assessments and incentives to help you reduce your bill. 9. Review Subscriptions and Memberships: Regularly assess your subscriptions and memberships to determine if you're getting value from them. Cancel any services you no longer use or need to save money each month. 10. Ask for Discounts: Contact companies with which you often do business to see if they can reduce your rate. With competitive services, such as cable, Wi-Fi, cell phones, insurance and credit cards, providers are likely to offer you a better package or price if they know you are considering going elsewhere. By incorporating these tips into your financial habits, you can effectively save money and work towards achieving your financial goals. Remember that consistency and discipline are key to successful saving. What should I do if I get off track with my budget? Despite your best efforts, unexpected circumstances may derail you. Getting your budget back on track after it veers off course requires a combination of reflection, adjustment, and discipline. Here are some steps to help you regain control of your finances: 1. Assess the Situation: Take a close look at your current financial situation. Analyze where you overspent or where unforeseen expenses arose. Identify the factors that led to the budget deviation. 2. Review Your Budget: Make sure it is realistic and aligns with your financial goals. Determine which categories you overspent in and where you can make cuts to compensate. 3. Cut Unnecessary Expenses: Identify non-essential expenses that you can cut back on. This could include dining out less frequently, canceling unused subscriptions, or finding cheaper alternatives for certain products or services. 4. Increase Income: Consider ways to increase your income to offset overspending. This could involve taking on extra work, selling items you no longer need, or finding ways to monetize your skills or hobbies. 5. Prioritize Debt Repayment: If your overspending resulted in increased debt, prioritize paying it off. Focus on high-interest debt first while making minimum payments on other debts. 6. Build an Emergency Fund: Allocate funds to build or replenish your emergency savings. Having a financial safety net can help prevent future budget deviations when unexpected expenses arise. 7. Track Your Spending: Keep close track of your spending going forward. Use budgeting tools or apps to monitor your expenses in real-time and adjust, as needed. 8. Stay Disciplined: Stick to your budget religiously. Avoid impulse purchases and stay committed to your financial goals. Regularly review your budget to ensure you're staying on track. 9. Seek Professional Help if Necessary: If you're struggling to get your budget back on track or if you have significant debt, consider seeking advice from a financial advisor or credit counselor. They can provide personalized guidance and help you develop a plan to regain control of your finances. Remember, regaining control of your budget won't happen overnight. It requires patience, discipline, and a willingness to make necessary changes to your spending habits. Stay focused on your goals and take initiative in managing your finances to achieve long-term financial stability. Personal budgeting is a powerful tool for achieving financial stability and realizing your dreams. By creating a budget tailored to your unique financial situation and goals, you can take control of your finances, reduce stress, and build a secure future for yourself and your family. Start your journey towards financial mastery today by embracing the principles of personal budgeting and taking proactive steps to manage your money effectively. You can, start building your budget IQ now with free tools from Habitat for Humanity Seminole-Apopka, Banzai and One Florida Bank.

Sandra left South Florida and her marriage about eight years ago and moved to Orlando. Things were going well until the daycare where she worked closed, her rent more-than-doubled, and her car became undrivable. Her only recourse was to live with a colleague and depend on a friend to drive her back and forth to the two part-time daycare jobs she found. That started her unstable living situation of renting rooms in other people’s homes. Sandra was able to save money and build her credit score, with the goal of buying a home. But when she sought mortgage approval on the conventional market, the loan amount her income allowed would only buy an “awful” house that would “set me her up for problems!” Happily, she was hired as an Orange County Public School substitute teacher at Apopka High School and learned about Habitat Seminole-Apopka from a coworker. She applied to our Homebuyers Program, was accepted, and began her sweat equity hours. She took our Financial Academy, in addition to her mandatory classes, worked on houses, helped at a food bank, and did everything she was required to do. Sandra is a true example that, “Things happen for a reason.” Originally choosing a lot in Apopka for her home, permitting issues delayed the start of construction. Understanding her frustration, staff offered her the choice of several sites in Sanford. Hearing an address on Holly Avenue, she immediately fell in love with the name. Sight-unseen Sandra said, “That’s the one I want!” And this is the home Sandra is thrilled to be buying and into which she’ll be moving her 15-year-old grandson from South Florida to give him a brighter future. She wants him to get a good education in Seminole County and then go to the University of Central Florida for Engineering. “I now feel secure about my grandson’s future. He will always have a place…and me too,” she says. “This is the best thing that could have ever happened! It was worth the wait!”

“Mom, when are we going to stop moving?” asks Devora’s 12-year-old son. “We’re moving every year!” Devora has tried to explain to her three children that she can only rent where she can afford. Unfortunately, those places have been full of mold…and even bats! Trying to escape those unhealthy environments, as well as the rising rents, has led to constant moves. She has not escaped, though. She’s now paying a whopping $2,045 per month for a three-bedroom unit with mold. When Devora moved to Orlando in 2020, wanting to get her children out of Miami and leave an unhealthy family situation, she rented a house and found a job. With dreams of homeownership, she first applied to Habitat in 2021. As she didn’t meet the financial criteria, she was denied. Still determined, she took our Financial Academy classes and found the higher-paying position she has today as a custodian at a medical facility. She also improved her credit score and began to save money. Getting a raise within her first six months on the job, quarterly bonuses for a job well done, and working extra hours, sure helps in that regard! With her homeownership dream fueled by stark memories of living in a Miami shelter with her kids, Devora reapplied to Habitat. She was accepted in our Homebuyers Program in May 2023 and began her sweat equity hours. Emergency surgery stopped her short in July, with a three- month hiatus from work, and she credits the Habitat team and her kids for encouraging her not to give up. Devora’s children not only inspire her, but the two older ones have helped earn sweat equity hours by laying sod, painting, working community hours, and getting A grades. “It’s a family affair,” she says. “They are happy. Finally, we won’t have to move anymore!” The fact her future home is being built by Women Build 24 teams thrills Devora to no end! She can’t wait to meet and work alongside everyone, as her job allows, and wanted to make sure it wasn’t too early to tell you… “I want to thank the Women Builders ahead of time for everything!”

The nomadic lifestyle of growing up with parents in the military, and no real sense of “home,” seems to have followed Calesha into adulthood as a mom of two daughters. After a job transfer from Ohio to Tampa, she got hurt and had to depend on a short-term disability of half her income until she could work again. Then, her rent DOUBLED, and she didn’t know what to do. What she did was move her girls to Orlando at a friend’s invitation, quickly realizing the friend did not own the home but was sharing with multiple people who didn’t want Calesha and her daughters there. In August 2022, the car became their home, with just a sporadic night in a hotel. Thankfully, a teacher referred them to a church, which referred them to a shelter. They at last had a room, hot meals, and support. Calesha worked onsite and received training to help her get back into the workforce, which she did! She now works hard in internet technical support and is thrilled to do so! Calesha applied to Habitat. She was denied at first, as she hadn’t been in her job long enough; but a fire started in her to buy a house and break a “generational curse” of moving often and renting. She and her girls agreed to “do this as a family,” save money, and live in the shelter until they could buy their own home. When Calesha reapplied to us, she was accepted. Their Habitat journey has truly been a family project. Her daughters have earned sweat equity hours by volunteering at the shelter and their grades are better than ever. Recently, they were excited to help choose the lot and colors for their future home. “It’s not really me doing it,” Calesha says. “It’s we!” When the family learned theirs would be a Women Build 2024 home, they were thrilled. The fact that groups of women will raise money for and construct their home is a great model for the girls; and mom can’t wait to work alongside the teams. Talk about women supporting women. With the support and all Calesha is learning about maintaining a house and managing finances, she is more than grateful for the opportunity. “It’s a hand up. It’s hard work,” she says. “You will work harder than you thought. Just don’t give up. It’s worth it!”

Our hot-off-the-press 2022-23 Impact Report is here for your reading pleasure! We invite you to see what YOU have helped us accomplish this year to build strength, stability and self-reliance through shelter in Seminole County and Apopka. Through your generous time, talent and treasure, we have provided 16 hardworking families with their American Dream of buying an affordable home. Other neighbors began their journey in our Homebuyers Program; many in the community improved their financial literacy through our flourishing Habitat Financial Academy; more than $17 million of economic impact resulted from our construction and financial wellness programs this year; and much more! We’re not saying anymore here, or you won’t want to check out the six pages. We’ve included some super photos (maybe of you?), much appreciation, and the local outcomes of your Hometown Habitat! Thank you for helping us be such an asset to our community

We invite you to log into our Zoom Happy Hour Wednesday, March 8th from 6:00-7:00 pm to hear Lauline Mitchell, ESP, our Special Guest Speaker for International Women’s Day (#IWD23). Lauline, of BBI Construction, is President of the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC). She’ll share what the Day means to her as professional in a male dominated industry. You’ll also meet the homebuyers for our 2023 Women Build home! International Women’s Day is preceded by International Woman’s Week from March 4-7. The day was formalized by the United Nations in 1977 to create awareness and educate the world about women’s rights. In the 1980s, the day was expanded to a full week of activities that celebrate women in society and foster equality. Changing society’s attitudes is not an easy task and we are heartened that the U.N. has been fronting the endeavor. The theme for #IWD23 is #EmbraceEquity, which seeks to get the world talking about why “equal opportunities are no longer enough.” Equity recognizes that each person has different circumstances, and allocates the exact resources and opportunities needed to reach an equal outcome. (The IWD website has a GREAT explanation of the difference between equity and equality. https://bit.ly/41lxbSo) Coincidentally – or perhaps not – March is also the month for Women in Construction Week. Established by NAWIC, it is observed the first full week of March (March 5-11, 2023) and highlights the initiatives and work of women within the construction industry. The event traces the history of women in construction, their challenges, and the ways they have been able to overcome them. This year’s theme is, “Many Paths, One Mission.” So why are these observances especially meaningful to us at Habitat for Humanity Seminole-Apopka? First, 68% of our Future Homebuyers in 2021-2022 were women. Next, nearly three-quarters of all homebuyers last year were families with children, most of which were headed by working, single mothers. Thirdly, as more than 60% of single women with children in Florida live in poverty, each home purchased was a true victory. Lastly, all of our single homebuyers were women. In addition to those female-centered stats, we’re embarking on the 10th Annual Women Build, where 24 Teams of Divas will be raising money and building their hearts out to help two families realize the American Dream of homeownership! One of those Future Homebuyers is Mary, our very own WOMAN IN CONSTRUCTION. She’s a plumbing apprentice and is thrilled to be working hard on her own Habitat home alongside our women builders! Adding some icing to this construction cake, NAWIC Greater Orlando is a Women Build 2023 team; Mary is a NAWIC member and was honored with the group’s 2022 Outstanding Woman in Construction Award! Women’s Day, Construction Week, Lauline, Mary, NAWIC, Women Build, and embracing equity…what important reasons to celebrate women – in March and otherwise!

Mary Hawkins had a dream. Not only did she want to be a homeowner, but she wanted to BUILD her own home. Having a learning disability that has affected her capacity to read and write, working extra-hard to succeed because of it, and watching housing prices go “sky high,” she believed it was impossible to realize that two-fold dream. Mary, though, is smart and persistent. Those strengths, a very supportive friend, and a Facebook post, have helped the trajectory of her life to change! She obtained her long-awaited high school diploma, attended a construction trades job fair, talked with a major mechanical contractor, and started a plumbing apprenticeship there in May 2019. She’s been in work Heaven and will graduate in May 2023! Mary’s already won a coveted award from the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) and has installed the exterior plumbing for a Habitat house. To her, the award felt “like an Oscar” and she “wished” to do more on the house. Talk about a wish – and a dream – come true! She IS building her own Habitat home and others, now that she’s a Habitat Seminole-Apopka Future Homebuyer! (Her sister’s Facebook post encouraged her to apply for her Habitat journey, which began in February 2022.) “Words can’t describe how I feel,” she says. “I’m excited to have Women Build constructing my house because I’m a WOMAN IN CONSTRUCTION! That’s what we women stand for – we’re VERY powerful!” That woman power extends beyond the desire to build and buy her house. Mary wants to be a part of building up her entire community and truly hopes to “give back” to the youth. Come ask her how!

As Carletha and Eugene (Gene) Nathan recount their history of being “ripped off” when trying to buy a house, we can’t help but feel the pain. That pain has now turned to joy and disbelief as they work towards buying their forever home. The Nathans have been together for 40 years. They’ve raised five children, are the proud grandparents of 20 and the great-grandparents of six! Their dream of homeownership has been front and center for most of those years. Way back when they were both working and raising their family, they moved into a “rent to own” property. But Carletha started to get seizures and their world began to turn upside down. She couldn’t work and was put on expensive medication. Gene had to cut his work hours to be her rock; they moved into a rental property and then relocated from Orlando to Sanford, where Eugene’s mom was able to check on Carletha while he worked. Such was their saga of long-term rentals, only the most recent of which was a good experience. Carletha’s health had stabilized to the point that, after 18 years, she began working part-time in an elementary school cafeteria. Gene’s health and eyes, though, had deteriorated and he could no longer see. Surgery improved this, but he has been unable to work. Life turned 180 degrees and SHE became HIS rock these past 18 years. Still bent on buying, they put down money for a “first-time homebuyer” program, went to a class, got a fancy certificate, and…NOTHING! It was a scam, as were several other “opportunities.” “Everything we think is legit, we end up getting bamboozled,” says Gene. No wonder Carletha threw out the Habitat Seminole-Apopka postcard when it came in the mail. But, when a second card came, she thought someone above might be telling her something. The couple applied, got their finances in order, and were accepted into our Homebuyers Program. Still doubting, they asked a friend if she’s, “sure they’re for real?” The friend – a Habitat homeowner – assured them the program was “for real.” They began their journey in November 2021. How do they feel now? “This is heaven-sent. You guys are legit, and we stand behind you like you stand behind us,” says Gene. “I feel overwhelmed and joyful,” adds Carletha. “FINALLY, we’ll own a house!”

We’re thrilled to share an article from the Florida Catholic newsletter of the Diocese of Orlando that highlights Annunciation Catholic Church in Altamonte Springs as longtime volunteers at Habitat Seminole-Apopka. Our staff, Board and – especially – Future Homebuyers are extremely grateful for the hardworking souls from the church, who come monthly to build alongside those in our program putting in their required “sweat equity” hours. The volunteer group, led by parishioner Dennis Vandendriessche, gives of themselves to serve God. Read how they serve our Habitat family even more than they know!

We’re bursting with pride and appreciation! Habitat Seminole-Apopka, your Hometown Habitat, was recently awarded a $15,000 grant from CAHEC, a nonprofit engaged in developing affordable housing for sale to low-income households. They have offered their Open Doors Homeownership Grant since 2004; and only three grants are being awarded in 2022. CAHEC’s focus this year is to assist nonprofit developers, such as our Habitat Affiliate, in their weatherization efforts. We are THRILLED to be selected because of the impact and quality of our proposal, and even more thrilled that our Future Homebuyers in Florida’s historic Goldsboro community will directly benefit! The funding will help us weatherize EIGHT Habitat homes in the Goldsboro area of Sanford, from attic to ground floor. Specifically, the monies will be used to purchase insulated, glazed double-paned windows as well as heavy duty weatherstripping. This economically disadvantaged area is undergoing a long overdue revitalization; and these homes will be constructed with efforts that equal or surpass those seen in wealthier communities. All our Habitat homes are constructed to Energy Star standards, making the home energy-efficient, healthy, and sustainable. They offer cost-savings features such as the reflectively coated, double-paned windows, WaterSense efficiency/performance products, Energy Star appliances, and incorporate green building materials and practices when possible. We are most grateful to CAHEC for their generous contribution to our mission of building homes, communities and hope. THANK YOU!

Have we got good news! We invite you to read our hot-off-the-press 2021-2022 Impact Report, which gives a snapshot of what YOU have helped us accomplish this year to build strength, stability and self-reliance through shelter in Seminole County and Apopka. Your generous time, talent and treasure have helped provide 12 hardworking families with their American Dream of buying an affordable home. Other neighbors began their journey in our Homebuyers Program; many in the community improved their financial literacy through our flourishing Habitat Financial Academy, with the goal of purchasing a home; nearly $14 million of economic impact resulted from our construction and financial wellness programs this year; and much more! If we tell you the rest here, you won’t want to check out the six pages and would miss out on the photos (maybe of you?) and great local outcomes of your Hometown Habitat! Thank you for helping us be such an asset to our community.