Glutz, who has appeared several times on my podcast, Carey Peña Reports , says after her own divorce she learned hard lessons about starting over financially. Since she’s now an expert in all matters financial, she is determined to share her knowledge with others — including women like Nicole, who are rising up from rock bottom. SHE CALLS IT THE BUTTERFLY EFFECT “Understanding the butterfly effect a good credit score could have in building or rebuilding your life pushed me to make credit education and empowerment my main area of focus,” Glutz said. “Nine times out of 10, the women who raise their hand to start the journey towards improving their credit find assumptions and beliefs were holding them back.” Glutz began counseling Carty, who continued to expand her résumé and build both credit and self-esteem. When Glutz shared all of this with me in December 2017, I immediately wanted to help in this beautiful metamorphosis. I posted on Facebook about Carty’s story and more than 75 people asked how they could help. Community members provided a holiday makeover including hair, makeup and new clothing. Carty has also been able to get her teeth fixed. And she lost more than 100 pounds (Carty credits a donated Orangetheory membership with helping her keep the weight off and manage stress). “Not only has Nicole’s journey been heartwarming and inspirational, it has helped me realize the power of hope and its role in moving us forward in life,” Glutz says. “The most important impact is how it has affected her children, especially her little daughter.” Earlier this year, Carty and her daughter were baptized and Carty was able to complete her associate degree. Thanks to her newly restored credit, she was also able to purchase a home. “I am not a financial success,” Carty said candidly. “But I am relying on God and working hard. I am working for Music Serving the Word and am very blessed to be there. I volunteer and am teaching a Bible study to women going through difficult times.” GIVING GRATITUDE Both Glutz and Carty are grateful to have met one another. For Glutz, the ability to show people all that is possible, especially through financial freedom, is her life’s work. “Going through a divorce or any difficult trial in your life can push you in a place of despair and depression. I believe now the only real cure from this despair is to serve others and find ways to step out of the victim role and pour into someone else in need,” she said. “In many ways, helping other women has saved my life and that continues to drive me every day. I often wake up with the feeling that someone, somewhere needs to hear my message.” Carty heard the message and was ready to receive it. “The more that life gets better, the more it gets better,” she said with a smile. It’s a smile that has taken some time to repair, but is beautiful nonetheless. Editor’s Note: Carey Peña has followed Nicole Carty’s journey for more than a year. See her story and interviews with Alisa Glutz at inspiredmedia360.com . Carey Peña CONTRIBUTING WRITER @CareyPenaTV CAREY ’ S CORNER CONTINUED 20 FRONTDOORS MEDIA | DECEMBER 2018