Credit Got Me Here: How I Learned Money’s Rules (Welcome to Takeoff Season)
Once you understand how money really works—the flow of currency, credit, and leverage—everything starts to make sense. I sit down with Mariah Ivana, CEO of Evolving Financial Solutions, to unpack her journey from San Francisco kid to single mom at 22, to buying her first home at 24, to building a business that teaches people how to use credit as a launchpad rather than a liability. We trace the grit it took to get "out of the mud," the mindset shifts that moved her from self-doubt to confidence, and the practical steps she uses to repair credit, access funding, and scale through real estate. Along the way we get unapologetically real about common traps—overleveraging, instant‑gratification hacks, and the shame people carry about their scores—and how consistent education and discipline blunt those mistakes. Mariah also shares why community matters: her Evolutionaries program and mentorship are designed to create accountability, shared wins, and a pathway to homeownership. If you want a blend of no-nonsense strategy, emotional clarity, and the occasional mic-drop line about credit being the quiet engine of opportunity, we’ve got you covered—because once you know how money works, you can start making different, smarter decisions.
Transcript
I was a young mom at 22, single mom, still in college, going for my bachelor's degree.
Speaker A:She's like, whatever you do, whatever you decide to do, I got your back.
Speaker A:It was a journey to get here because in my 20s, I hated myself.
Speaker A:Like, literally, you can just do more when you have great credit.
Speaker A:When I know I can go buy that house, I can go buy that car, I can go get that business loan, get that funding from my business so I can scale my business and make more money, it just makes me feel good.
Speaker B:I just don't want to be like, in all reality, in all transparency, I don't want to be 40 and have a shitty credit score.
Speaker A:Not at all.
Speaker A:Because once you understand how money works, the flow of currency, credit, you know, just leveraging, man.
Speaker A:It's takeoff season.
Speaker B:What is the number one mistake that you see most new entrepreneurs make?
Speaker B:Hey, you guys, welcome to the Success Effect where I bring you real success tips, real conversations with successful entrepreneurs.
Speaker B:And this time, I'm taking you guys along my journey of building and scaling my own business.
Speaker B:We're talking about the wins, the losses, the mindset shifts, all of it.
Speaker B:Because on this channel, we're no longer just talking about success, we're actively building it.
Speaker B:So if you're new here, welcome.
Speaker B:If you've been a one since day one, thank you guys for being here.
Speaker B:The channel truly does not exist without you.
Speaker B:And without further ado, I do have a very special guest for you guys who hopefully will help and supply you guys with something you didn't know you needed.
Speaker B:So go ahead and introduce yourself, please.
Speaker A:Thank you for that amazing introduction.
Speaker A:My name is Mariah Ivana.
Speaker A:I am the CEO of Evolving Financial Solutions where I help everyday people unlock the keys to wealth through credit, repair, funding, and of course, real estate.
Speaker B:I love that.
Speaker B:I just got chills.
Speaker B:Okay, so I think first and foremost, thank you for being here.
Speaker B:I'll say that.
Speaker B:And then I do want you to take me through your story because it's.
Speaker B:It's one thing to read it, it's another thing to hear it.
Speaker A:Right.
Speaker B:So where did we start?
Speaker A:Where did we start?
Speaker A:That's a great question.
Speaker A:So I am from San Francisco, born and raised, and I've been all over the place, all over the globe.
Speaker A:Lived in South Korea when I studied abroad in Tijuana, Mexico.
Speaker A:Because I'm also Afro Latina, I lived in Virginia.
Speaker A:I've kind of bounced around a lot.
Speaker A:But the most impact really occurred when I was younger moving to Mexico.
Speaker A:And that shift really taught me resilience.
Speaker A:It taught me grit, it taught me hustle.
Speaker A:It taught me how to just be open minded and adapt with cross cultural bounds with the different countries, different people in different areas learning how to just adapt.
Speaker A:And then when I came back to the States, I moved to portrayal here.
Speaker A:I was there for almost like 15 years in San Francisco.
Speaker A:And that really taught me, like, not for when I didn't want to be there.
Speaker A:So that taught me how to really hustle and like get it out of the mud.
Speaker A:I'm like, I know there's a better life for me, so what do I have to do to be better and be more exposed to like other things?
Speaker A:I don't know, Like I'm just a young woman really just out here making it and being half Latina and then half African American.
Speaker A:I always felt like I wasn't enough or accepted.
Speaker A:When I was younger, growing up, I was either too Latin for the black girls or either too black for the Latin girl.
Speaker A:So it's like I never felt like I fit in.
Speaker A:So I just really created my own lane.
Speaker A:You would know me to always like be by myself.
Speaker A:Growing up.
Speaker A:I have like a small circle of friends.
Speaker A:I have a lot of associates, I know a lot of people.
Speaker A:But as far as friendships, you know, like it, yeah, not really having that.
Speaker A:But now I'm someone who is just really vested into like wealth building credit, finance, funding.
Speaker A:How can I be better?
Speaker A:How can I evolve?
Speaker A:How can, how can my story and my life experiences help other people?
Speaker A:And that's kind of like what got me here today.
Speaker A:But not really knowing.
Speaker A:When I was younger, my mom, she worked at Kaiser, she owned businesses.
Speaker A:My dad, you know, homeowner and them planting the seed, you know, exposing me to those things.
Speaker A:I didn't even think that that would turn into a business later on in my life.
Speaker A:Because I am someone who graduated from SF State with my bachelor's degree in pre law.
Speaker A:I thought that I was going to become a judge.
Speaker A:That's what I wanted to do.
Speaker A:And then I interned at the Human Rights Commission.
Speaker A:I worked for the mayor's office and I'm like, okay, this isn't for me.
Speaker A:I'm not happy.
Speaker A:I don't feel like I am fitting in.
Speaker A:I don't see enough people that look like me.
Speaker A:Representation is really real and it's important when you are trying to strive for success.
Speaker A:So I ended up becoming a longshoreman.
Speaker A:That just fell in my lap.
Speaker A:My dad was like sporadically called me, hey, got an extra ticket?
Speaker A:Do you want to do it?
Speaker A:I'm like, Sure, I didn't know what I was getting into at the time.
Speaker A:I didn't know what it was.
Speaker A:But I'm glad that I took that leap of faith, because now I'm here, and I'm able to not only thrive in that arena.
Speaker A:Seven years of sacrifice, and it was a journey.
Speaker A:But now I'm able to build my business as a realtor, as a financial expert.
Speaker A:And I purchased my first home at the age of 24.
Speaker A:And just those little things unknowingly has literally got me here doing what I'm doing today.
Speaker A:Now I'm helping other people thrive and be successful.
Speaker B:And I love that.
Speaker B:Personally, I think that your.
Speaker B:Your story itself is amazing, number one, because you are more relatable here in the Bay Area.
Speaker B:You know, people don't really like to listen to people that they can't relate to.
Speaker A:Right.
Speaker B:And I think when you speak to them on that level of platform where it's not an automated message all the time, it's not someone that hasn't been through something, like, you're very open about that.
Speaker B:And I think that builds, you know, that platform for people to come in and tell you, such as myself, like, hey, I don't really like where I'm at.
Speaker B:Like, what can you suggest?
Speaker A:Right?
Speaker B:And I think that the way that you do it.
Speaker B:Okay, so.
Speaker B:So you guys know, let's.
Speaker B:Let's give a little.
Speaker B:So I am in her program currently.
Speaker B:So this is why, and one of the top reasons I want to bring her.
Speaker B:Her education and her story to you guys, because I'm not just talking about it because she's good at what she does, and not knowing that she's good at what she does.
Speaker B:I do know she's good at what she does because I am a part of her program.
Speaker B:So this is something that we're actively building in real time.
Speaker B:And I think one of the best things that I found, you know, joining your program is how honest and transparent you are.
Speaker B:Like, even from the content, of course, somebody could talk about it, but, like, where does that confidence come from?
Speaker B:I know you built, you know, all of this by yourself, and it's expanding, but where does that confidence stem from?
Speaker A:That's a really good question.
Speaker A:I think for me, the support system that I have around me, the things that I've been through, ultimately, at this point, what else can happen, you know, like, and I've worked on myself, I've educated myself.
Speaker A:I've put myself in position to have higher learning to.
Speaker A:I've done professional and personal development, like, literally all of those variables have compounded and made me who I am.
Speaker A:That didn't come overnight.
Speaker A:I'm 33 now, so it was a journey to get here, because in my 20s, I hated myself.
Speaker A:Like, literally, like, the most recent years, last probably five years, is.
Speaker A:Have led me here.
Speaker A:But again, it's a journey.
Speaker A:So all of those things have contributed to my success, my.
Speaker A:My happiness, my confidence.
Speaker A:Just being able to show up as the woman that I am today, it's not just.
Speaker A:I don't think it's like a singular thing.
Speaker A:It's just everything.
Speaker A:And then my mom, of course, I did not build this by myself.
Speaker A:Like, when I bought my first house, she gave me half of my down payment and my closing cost.
Speaker A:So to have my mother, like, I would not know what to do without her.
Speaker A:I was a young mom at 22, single mom, still in college, going for my bachelor's degree.
Speaker A:She's like, whatever you do, whatever you decide to do, I got your back.
Speaker A:And I think me wanting to show her like you had.
Speaker A:You've had my back for so long now I want to show you that I have yours.
Speaker A:And just having a good support system, really.
Speaker A:And then, you know, when you work on yourself, you feel good, you're making money, you look good doing it, that brings the confidence.
Speaker A:You travel, that brings confidence.
Speaker A:Having good people in your environment, that brings the confidence.
Speaker A:And then hearing when, you know, like, clients like yourself, thank you for supporting me, that brings the confidence.
Speaker A:So it's just so many different things that.
Speaker A:That bring my confidence.
Speaker B:Yeah, I see.
Speaker B:I think one of the things you said, or when I saw it in one of your posts, and you were talking about the emotional feeling of having good credit, and I think that is something that a lot of people are scared of.
Speaker B:It's like, once you mess it up, you get in this mindset, you're like, I can't change it.
Speaker B:I can't fix it.
Speaker B:You know, it's already messed up.
Speaker B:And you get in that.
Speaker B:That mode to where you're embarrassed to talk about it.
Speaker B:That is such a hard bridge to go over and actually say, you know what?
Speaker B:I need somebody to help me.
Speaker B:Right.
Speaker B:And I know you hear all the stories.
Speaker B:How does that make you feel?
Speaker A:For what?
Speaker A:I feel elated that you guys come to me and trust me because there's so many other people that you can select and opt into their programs and go, you know, through their.
Speaker A:Their process of getting back financially in a.
Speaker A:In a better state.
Speaker A:So for me, it feels good that you select me.
Speaker A:Like, that brings that Brings joy to me.
Speaker A:Like, okay, well, what about me made you come to me?
Speaker A:Like, And I speak to my clients and I ask those questions.
Speaker A:They're like, well, it's a lifestyle.
Speaker A:I see.
Speaker A:Like, you're really living what you're talking about.
Speaker A:You're not just talking about it.
Speaker A:And when people tell me that, it.
Speaker A:It makes me feel good as a person, and it shows that I'm actually purposeful, I'm providing substance, I'm impactful.
Speaker A:Why would I.
Speaker A:Why?
Speaker A:You know what I mean?
Speaker A:Like, so, absolutely, yeah.
Speaker B:That's one of the things that drew me to you was like, of course, I've met you a few times and seen you at a few things.
Speaker B:But it's one thing to go from seeing you to actually witnessing and, like, living what you do.
Speaker B:And you do have the credibility behind you.
Speaker B:It's.
Speaker B:It's awesome.
Speaker B:I think that story of you, you telling how, you know, you started education in one field, but then now you're here, and it's not necessarily what you studied, but it's still.
Speaker B:It's something that's so much more impactful.
Speaker B:Girl.
Speaker B:I said all the time, like, Jesus.
Speaker B:That's how I feel.
Speaker B:Like, I think people misunderstand education.
Speaker B:Education can come from experience, and it's one of the best teachers ever.
Speaker B:Whether you fail or succeed, you're going to learn one way or another.
Speaker B:And I love stories like this because I live one of those stories that I did go to school for economics, and I should be good at financial literacy.
Speaker B:Right.
Speaker B:And I should be good at handling money.
Speaker B:But another thing that people get stuck with is just because you have a lot of money doesn't mean you know what to do with it or doesn't mean you understand what you can do with it.
Speaker B:Now, I.
Speaker B:It looks like what you can't do when you don't have a good credit score.
Speaker B:I know what it looks like now, and it is you don't want to be in your 40s, and you.
Speaker B:You can't go buy the house that you want.
Speaker A:Right.
Speaker B:And just in a matter of, what, a month, you've, like, drastically changed my whole.
Speaker B:Not just my score, but, like, my confidence in the score.
Speaker B:And it is like a profile that you're walking around with.
Speaker B:You know, when you go into a place, you're like, I don't think I'm gonna get.
Speaker B:I'm gonna get approved.
Speaker A:Right.
Speaker A:It's a mindset shift.
Speaker B:Yeah.
Speaker A:In all areas.
Speaker B:So how do you work with your clients to shift that?
Speaker A:Well, I'm like a therapist.
Speaker A:I'M a motivational speaker.
Speaker A:And then the results.
Speaker A:When you see results, I think that alone helps the clients shift their mindset.
Speaker A:And then also just being consistent, that shifts the mindset.
Speaker A:And I'm like, I'm calling, I'm texting.
Speaker A:Like, I have an actual relationship with my clients.
Speaker A:So it's not just, oh, you pay me, I fix your credit.
Speaker A:No, I'm actually building community.
Speaker A:I'm building a relationship.
Speaker A:I'm very personable.
Speaker B:Yes.
Speaker A:And sometimes a little too personal, because I need to start setting boundaries.
Speaker A:But I also know how challenging it can be because there's areas in my life that I. I struggle with.
Speaker A:So I'm not just perfect as a whole, but when it comes to my money, I am, because I've been taught these things.
Speaker A:I've also taught myself.
Speaker A:And then I also have experience where you can.
Speaker A:Like you said, you can go into a bank and you get approved.
Speaker A:Like, I know I'm gonna go get approved and make.
Speaker A:That gives you confidence, financial confidence, that mindset shift.
Speaker A:You feel like, oh, I have access to opportunity, or you should feel like you have access to opportunity or resources.
Speaker A:You can just do more when you have great credit.
Speaker A:Because it's not just the credit score.
Speaker A:It's like, everything.
Speaker A:When I know I can go buy that house, I can go buy that car, I can go get that business loan and get that funding from my business so I can scale my business and make more money, it just makes me feel good.
Speaker A:And knowing that I have that power and that authority really allows me to keep stepping and being confident in what I do and helping my clients do the same.
Speaker A:And then it's one thing to, like, fix your credit, but it's another thing where you're.
Speaker A:I have.
Speaker A:I have repeated clients.
Speaker A:You have referral clients, and then you're streamlining the client to the next phase in their life.
Speaker A:That's a journey.
Speaker A:That's a process.
Speaker A:That's huge.
Speaker A:Like, what?
Speaker B:Well, we were talking about it last night, me and my man.
Speaker B:We were talking about you.
Speaker B:And of course, he's like, it's coming time for him to sign up.
Speaker B:So he.
Speaker B:He's pretty much like, are you sure?
Speaker B:I'm like, hell, yeah.
Speaker B:We need to stay with her for at least two years.
Speaker A:Okay.
Speaker B:He's like.
Speaker B:He's like, well, what.
Speaker B:What's the goal?
Speaker B:I said, first, fix the credit.
Speaker B:Second, we need.
Speaker B:We need education, because obviously, you and I do not have the financial education to go to the next level, which would be buying, which would be being able to get the tools to educate our kids when we have kids.
Speaker B:Like, that's what I'm afraid of.
Speaker B:Because my parents have horrible spending habits.
Speaker B:They always made good money.
Speaker B:Horrible spending habits.
Speaker B:My dad, not so much, but my mother.
Speaker B:Yes, absolutely.
Speaker B:And did I inherit those?
Speaker B:Absolutely.
Speaker B:Is it worth it?
Speaker B:No.
Speaker B:Do I wish I would have learned more about financial health?
Speaker B:Yes.
Speaker B:In my earlier stages.
Speaker B:But I'd rather learn it now from you so that I have the tools to teach.
Speaker B:Because they don't teach it in school.
Speaker A:Right?
Speaker B:Not in depth.
Speaker A:And I'm glad you said that.
Speaker A:And that is really why I amplify why it's not taught.
Speaker A:Why do you guys think it's not taught?
Speaker A:It's systematic.
Speaker A:So that other people aren't thriving and being successful.
Speaker A:It's like you have the CEO at Corporate America and then you have your employees.
Speaker A:It's.
Speaker A:Now that is, you know, they call it like multilevel marketing now.
Speaker A:That's a pyramid scheme.
Speaker B:To me it is.
Speaker A:So you want everyone else down at the totem pole and only one person or a select few to be successful.
Speaker A:That's greed.
Speaker A:That's just too much.
Speaker A:Power lies in their hands.
Speaker A:So it's systematically set up that way for a reason, so that other people aren't thriving and becoming successful financially.
Speaker A:Because once you understand how money works, the flow of currency, credit, you know, just leveraging, it's takeoff season.
Speaker B:And that's what, that's ultimately what the goal is like.
Speaker B:Yes, I want to build and scale my business, but that's going to start with me fixing what we're fixing now.
Speaker A:Right.
Speaker B:And of course, I think we go through an ego moment where you're like, I don't need anybody's help.
Speaker B:I can fix this myself.
Speaker B:But sometimes you cannot fix it.
Speaker A:Right.
Speaker B:And I think we get miseducated with a lot of these influencers out there that give you, you know, like the micro mini hacks.
Speaker B:And they don't tell you what you say all the time.
Speaker B:Is this the process?
Speaker B:This is not going to happen overnight.
Speaker B:They'll tell you, like, oh, I'll give you five hacks.
Speaker B:And I'm a hack queen.
Speaker B:I love me some hacks.
Speaker B:You know, five hacks that'll get you a better credit score in 30 minutes.
Speaker B:Right?
Speaker B:That is not how it works.
Speaker B:Like, there's so much dirt out there where people are not really giving education.
Speaker B:And I think when people look at their credit, it is a journey, especially if you it up.
Speaker B:I'm just gonna say it like that.
Speaker A:Like, it's definitely a journey, but it is a good journey.
Speaker A:Don't always look at it like a negative.
Speaker A:And you know, because when we fall or we have losses, we learn their experiences, and then we know what not to do later.
Speaker A:Now, if you keep doing it, that's just insanity.
Speaker B:But repeated the same thing over and over again, expecting different results.
Speaker A:Exact.
Speaker A:Which I don't.
Speaker A:I mean, I'm not opposed to doing things a few times until you get it, but time is of the essence.
Speaker A:Learn from someone who is educated, who understands the process, who can pour into you and expedite that process for you so you don't have to keep making those mistakes.
Speaker A:Because there's levels to this.
Speaker A:Yes, it's so much that we can do.
Speaker A:So many opportunities, so much access.
Speaker A:And I'm going to keep probably saying that, but it's.
Speaker A:It's real.
Speaker A:Credit got me here.
Speaker A:Credit got me on your podcast.
Speaker A:Credit got me speaking at these events.
Speaker A:So you just.
Speaker A:You just never know who you'll meet and the things that you'll be, you know, like, open to or exposed to, because it can take you further in life.
Speaker A:So work on it now.
Speaker A:Fix your credit, leverage your credit, buy the house, invest into those properties and just keep climbing.
Speaker B:What is the number one mistake that you see most new entrepreneurs make?
Speaker A:Over leveraging so you'll get access to it.
Speaker A:And then thinking that you can, you have the capacity to manage it.
Speaker A:And when it's coming in such an abundance, it's like, oh, I can go swipe here, I can go swipe there.
Speaker A:Let me go apply here, let me go apply there.
Speaker A:So you're over leveraging your credit.
Speaker A:Don't do that.
Speaker A:Do it responsibly.
Speaker A:Show the banks that you are lendable, that you're not a high risk, and gradually incorporate smaller wins.
Speaker A:And then, you know, build on that stepping stone.
Speaker A:It's not going to come overnight, it's not going to happen instantaneously.
Speaker A:So allow yourself to go through the process and actually acquire the discipline, the financial discipline.
Speaker A:Because sometimes when the credit is fixed, and then now you have a properly structured credit profile where you can go get the funding, you're in that emotional state where like, okay, what can I buy?
Speaker A:Very impulsive with it.
Speaker A:And I see a lot of entrepreneurs and just clients.
Speaker A:And just clients in general, we get the access, we get the opportunity, and then we fuck it back up.
Speaker B:Yeah.
Speaker B:Then we get in comfort.
Speaker A:Yeah.
Speaker B:But I think that's one of the things I'm always afraid of is like, okay, once we fix it, we got to keep it that way.
Speaker A:Right?
Speaker B:But I think that comes with, you know, going through your whole program is like you are only going to learn more and more as you go through it.
Speaker A:Right.
Speaker B:I think just people don't have delayed gratification and they want it now.
Speaker A:What now the hack, that instant gratification.
Speaker B:Yes.
Speaker A:Horrible.
Speaker A:And I just think that's coming from a consumer mindset as well.
Speaker A:Like we consume, we consume, we consume.
Speaker A:We live in a fast paced country.
Speaker A:Everything is now, now, now.
Speaker A:I want it now.
Speaker A:We have to learn that things, even myself, because sometimes I'm impatient.
Speaker A:Yeah, but we have to learn that in life.
Speaker A:That's not realistic.
Speaker A:And then what comes to you as quickly as it comes, it can leave as well.
Speaker A:So just develop those healthier habits.
Speaker A:Condition your mindset to not overly do something and do it in moderation.
Speaker A:Don't limit yourself, but do it to where can.
Speaker A:Okay, can I actually withhold this?
Speaker A:Is this sustainable?
Speaker A:Do I have the capacity to keep growing at whatever level?
Speaker A:Because we can be even like in my business, like I want to be at this next level.
Speaker A:Right.
Speaker A:But do I have the capacity to get there?
Speaker A:Do I have the infrastructure to maintain it?
Speaker A:Do I have a team that can help me grow?
Speaker A:Because we're.
Speaker A:No one is self made.
Speaker A:Like we don't get here overnight by ourselves.
Speaker A:We have people that are supporting us, who pour into us, that are helping us get to the next level.
Speaker A:And everything that we do in life, it's not just finances, it's in relationships, it's in community building, it's in everything.
Speaker A:So yeah, just, just work on that.
Speaker A:Work on the mindset, work on being patient, work on not wanting to just have it right now because enjoy the journey.
Speaker A:Like what are you in a rush for?
Speaker B:I think that's easier said than done.
Speaker B:But I mean after being in the gym and like losing all this weight that I lost, it does teach you, you know, now I go to the gym to release energy and like it's not so much I want to shift the number on the scale, but I want to get that way with my credit score.
Speaker B:It's like I don't want to think about it that way.
Speaker B:I want to think about it more or less.
Speaker B:Like what muscle can I build?
Speaker B:What?
Speaker B:And that's the way I look at it.
Speaker B:Like girl, because I'm paying bills on time, that is important.
Speaker A:Yes.
Speaker B:And I have not always made the best choices and some habits have been hard to break, including, you know, knowing that the credit is there that I owe.
Speaker B:And I'm like, okay, well maybe if we do this or, you know, we do this slowly and we do it more realistically instead of me trying to pay off the whole damn thing at the same time of, like, being in debt somewhere else.
Speaker B:I think that's a lot of traps that people fall in.
Speaker B:Like, we get into it, we get this credit card, we're like, okay, cool, that's money that I can go spend.
Speaker B:That is like the number one mistake that I've made is saying I got it when I don't got it.
Speaker A:Yeah.
Speaker A:And then just like you said, it's easier said than done, which I do agree.
Speaker A:But when you work for something you actually work for and it's not given to you or it just happens so quickly, you appreciate it more.
Speaker A:And then you.
Speaker A:The mindset shift subconsciously, you're like, oh, I actually had to do X, Y and Z to get here.
Speaker A:It took this amount of time to get here.
Speaker A:Let me preserve this a little longer or let me be better at the habits or, or my, you know, my movement around what I'm doing.
Speaker A:And that's just in anything.
Speaker A:It's not just, you know, money.
Speaker A:It's just really anything.
Speaker B:Yeah, well, I mean.
Speaker B:Okay, so I'm gonna tell you my favorite part right now, like, during this journey with you is like sending people, like, screenshots of my actual increase reports.
Speaker B:And I'm like, did you see this?
Speaker A:But that's the deletions too.
Speaker B:I've been sending it to everybody because I, I want everybody to understand that we don't have to be ashamed.
Speaker B:Like, there are people out there that will help us.
Speaker B:Even if you say, like, hey, I really don't know, because I really, I don't know.
Speaker B:And you don't want to be stuck in that phase where you're just living in shame.
Speaker B:And your mindset does have to change.
Speaker B:I'm a competitive person, so likewise.
Speaker B:I don't know if it's necessarily that my whole mindset has changed yet or if I'm just.
Speaker B:I see it going up and I want it to go up again.
Speaker A:Right.
Speaker B:And that for me is like, I know it sounds so small, but it means a lot.
Speaker B:You know, I see all these things changing on my credit report and I get the notices, so it makes me excited.
Speaker A:Right.
Speaker B:And I think people need to, like I said, appreciate the small wins.
Speaker B:Like, that is a win for me for sure.
Speaker B:When we look at it, and I'm like, okay, that's an 86 point jump.
Speaker B:That's crazy.
Speaker A:That's a lot.
Speaker B:Yes.
Speaker B:Like, we went from, you know, something solo.
Speaker B:I Won't tell you guys because you guys got to join the program because, yes, she could do it.
Speaker B:But I also love the fact that you are launching your community and I'm excited to meet, you know, everybody else because that's what we need.
Speaker B:Like, I hate to say it, it is a follower mindset, but it makes it more comforting when you meet the other people that are in similar situations.
Speaker B:And you are not alone.
Speaker B:Right.
Speaker B:You know, because one thing to.
Speaker B:To have communication with you.
Speaker B:I love that part.
Speaker B:But I'm excited for the community that you're building and that launches next month.
Speaker A:Yes, it does.
Speaker B:I'm so excited for that.
Speaker B:Do you want to give us a little more detail on that?
Speaker A:Yeah, sure.
Speaker A:Participation is key, for one.
Speaker A:So all of my clients who are actively enrolled and who want to participate is not mandatory.
Speaker A:I would like participation, though, so that you guys can come on, ask for whatever you need to ask for, because you guys all really ask the same things.
Speaker A:It provides clarity.
Speaker A:It allows everyone to sit on there, sit on the zoom, get the clarity, get the education, hear from other people what they're going through, the similarities.
Speaker A:And like you said, and know that you're not alone.
Speaker A:And then now we can start running and getting to the next level in our financial journey.
Speaker A:Because I want everyone in my community to become homeowners.
Speaker A:And you're going to use me as a realtor.
Speaker B:Period.
Speaker B:Period.
Speaker A:Yes, but not just like, aside from that.
Speaker A:I want you guys to learn, become comfortable, and understand that credit is nothing to be ashamed of or to be fearful of.
Speaker A:Credit is just the ability to borrow money with the intent to pay it back.
Speaker A:That is it.
Speaker A:That is all you.
Speaker A:And leveraging your credit to start businesses, to scale businesses, to buy property, to invest into more real estate.
Speaker A:Like, I just want everyone in the community to have the mindset of winners.
Speaker A:You can do it.
Speaker A:It's not impossible.
Speaker A:It's not like you.
Speaker A:You're the first round to.
Speaker A:First round of people in the world to ever make this happen.
Speaker A:So, like, remove the.
Speaker A:The fear, you know, the limiting beliefs, and really just know that whatever you guys set your mind to, you can achieve.
Speaker A:And then there.
Speaker A:I'm sure there's other people doing other things in different industries.
Speaker A:We can help each other grow expeditiously, and we're better with numbers.
Speaker A:Like, the more of us working together, we can climb further and for a longer period of time.
Speaker A:So that's really what I'm looking for in the community.
Speaker A:And just to really educate everyone, just to become more educated financially because finances are really important.
Speaker A:Like you said, we weren't taught these things, and.
Speaker A:And it was for a reason.
Speaker A:And it's not just about obtaining an assets, about also how to maintain it, because we can get the home all day, we can start the businesses, but we can also lose it and fail and go bankrupt or be in foreclosure.
Speaker A:So the education behind.
Speaker A:Or should I say the education backed behind our.
Speaker A:You know, like, our.
Speaker A:I'm having a brain fart.
Speaker B:I don't know.
Speaker B:We're looking for.
Speaker A:Behind our actions is what we.
Speaker A:We, like, we really have to work on.
Speaker A:You know what I mean?
Speaker A:So that we can just continue supporting one another.
Speaker B:Yeah.
Speaker A:And growing.
Speaker A:That's.
Speaker A:That's my.
Speaker A:That's my mission.
Speaker B:I love that.
Speaker B:And I hope people find their why, you know, part.
Speaker B:Like, I was at a woman's empowerment brunch not too long ago, and something that one of the speakers said is, if you don't have money, you don't have a voice.
Speaker A:Right?
Speaker B:And even when you were talking about currency being a current and flowing, nobody, you know, that was, like, mindset shifting for me.
Speaker B:Like, personally, I said, you know what?
Speaker B:You're right.
Speaker B:It is a currency.
Speaker B:Like, it's a current.
Speaker B:It needs to flow somewhere.
Speaker B:So I did go back to the drawing board, and now I have a better budget since working with you.
Speaker B:And I love that you didn't throw out these little random, like, sheets, worksheets, like, promising some crazy, you know, results.
Speaker B:I love that you literally said, okay, we're gonna start here.
Speaker B:And this is how.
Speaker B:This is what I need from you.
Speaker B:And then I love when you send us little things.
Speaker B:You're like, hey, go apply for this.
Speaker B:Do this at this time.
Speaker B:Like, this is what you guys will be getting if you join her program.
Speaker B:And I love the education part of it.
Speaker B:You give out a lot of free gems on your actual social media.
Speaker A:Thanks for saying that, because sometimes I struggle if I'm doing enough.
Speaker B:Yeah, no, you're doing.
Speaker B:We were just talking about this.
Speaker B:Okay, so one of the things that people do not take advantage of is the free education, right?
Speaker B:From people that are experienced in what they need, what.
Speaker B:What they've been in, you know, like, whether it be a podcast host, credit repair specialist, and, I don't know, some kind of other business content creator.
Speaker B:When you.
Speaker B:You have that going for you, you want to make sure that I lost my whole train of thought.
Speaker A:Oh, my God, he got me off.
Speaker B:Sorry, y'.
Speaker A:All Brain farts, y'.
Speaker B:All.
Speaker A:We're human.
Speaker B:You're definitely human.
Speaker B:At least they Know it's real.
Speaker A:No facts.
Speaker A:Okay.
Speaker A:And we owed.
Speaker A:I'm just kidding.
Speaker A:Let me stop.
Speaker A:Because we're not.
Speaker B:I'm okay with this age.
Speaker B:I just don't want to be, like, in all reality, in all transparency.
Speaker B:I don't want to be 40 and have a shitty credit score.
Speaker A:Not at all.
Speaker A:That's not boss.
Speaker A:Like boss.
Speaker A:Okay.
Speaker B:Oh, and then I talk about success, and I want to be vulnerable with it.
Speaker A:Yeah.
Speaker B:And I want to be transparent with the people.
Speaker B:Like, I don't have the best credit score.
Speaker B:Not.
Speaker B:Not yet.
Speaker B:We're working on it.
Speaker A:We're working on it.
Speaker A:But we gonna get there.
Speaker B:Yes.
Speaker B:And I don't.
Speaker B:I didn't have the best spending habits, but, yes, this is.
Speaker B:It's.
Speaker B:It's because I want it.
Speaker A:Right?
Speaker B:I. I'm doing.
Speaker B:I'm following the rules, but also I am making sure that I adjust certain things, like the amount of money I spend when I eat out.
Speaker B:I'm more conscious of things.
Speaker B:I'm checking my bank.
Speaker A:I have to work on that, though.
Speaker A:I'm not gonna lie.
Speaker B:I literally never checked my bank account before we started working on it, but now I check it at least maybe twice, maybe three times a week to make sure that I'm not zeroing out.
Speaker B:That was the best.
Speaker A:So funny.
Speaker B:I'm serious.
Speaker B:It's real.
Speaker B:Like, in order for you not to live.
Speaker B:Check to check.
Speaker A:Right?
Speaker B:You need to look at it.
Speaker A:No, this is so true.
Speaker A:That is so true.
Speaker B:People will subscribe.
Speaker B:I'm people.
Speaker B:We will subscribe and forget that we have subscribed.
Speaker B:$30, $40, And it adds $20.
Speaker B:You could have four subscriptions.
Speaker B:You just paid $100 for.
Speaker A:On what?
Speaker A:Huh?
Speaker A:Like, nothing you don't.
Speaker A:Don't even need.
Speaker B:Yeah, Like, I literally.
Speaker B:Me.
Speaker B:Me.
Speaker B:And we canceled all the subs subscriptions.
Speaker B:We don't need.
Speaker B:And I forgot I subscribed to the little Instagram Real Stories because I be in it.
Speaker B:I like fantasy stories.
Speaker B:But anyways, that's beyond the point.
Speaker B:But I think once you get into this, if you really want it, you will change.
Speaker A:Right.
Speaker A:And have him subscribe to the pledge loan as well through Navy Federal.
Speaker A:Everything that you're doing, have him, like, push him to do.
Speaker B:I'm not having him.
Speaker B:He got pay for it first.
Speaker A:It's so crazy.
Speaker A:I mean, the deletions.
Speaker B:He.
Speaker A:I mean, I'm gonna have to do that anyways.
Speaker B:I know that.
Speaker B:But, like, he.
Speaker A:You like, no sign up.
Speaker A:Yeah.
Speaker A:I love that.
Speaker A:Yes.
Speaker B:The reason I say that is because I'm not the Expert number one.
Speaker B:Number two, my experience, not your experience.
Speaker A:Yeah, true.
Speaker A:This is.
Speaker A:No, this is so true.
Speaker A:And when you pay for things, you actually value, evaluate.
Speaker A:Yeah.
Speaker B:And he's so hard headed because had he signed up, when I signed up, he wouldn't be paying the extra money that he'll have to pay now.
Speaker B:But he didn't want to do it.
Speaker B:And now you seeing improvement.
Speaker B:Yeah, but.
Speaker B:Okay, and I want to talk about this too.
Speaker B:Okay.
Speaker B:So I think one of the biggest failures that people have in relationships is they don't have this discussion about credit.
Speaker B:They don't have the discussion about financial habits.
Speaker B:Yes, any of that.
Speaker B:So it's like when you don't have those conversations, the number one reason people get divorced these days is finances.
Speaker B:Always like, so we had this conversation, hence the reason I even reached out and signed up with you, besides the fact that I seen what you were doing.
Speaker B:We talked about it.
Speaker B:We need, before we get married, because let's, let's talk about this before we get married.
Speaker B:I want our credit scores to be good.
Speaker A:Absolutely.
Speaker B:And I want us to have a savings.
Speaker B:Like I, I put it, I said 10 to 20, 000 per person.
Speaker B:And this is.
Speaker B:So when we start our, our life together, there's no question about can we go purchase a home.
Speaker A:Right.
Speaker B:There's no question about how are we financially, because I've already seen you do it.
Speaker B:I've seen that you can save the money.
Speaker B:I've seen that you can go through a program and learn.
Speaker B:You know, there's so much more in between this than just saying like, hey, go fix your credit.
Speaker A:Right.
Speaker B:No, we're gonna do it together.
Speaker B:Because I had to tell you that I, I didn't want to attack him.
Speaker B:I wanted him to know, like, I'm in the same scenario.
Speaker B:Like, hey, just want to let you know, I'm gonna go sign up with my girl Mariah and let her help me educate myself on my credit and help me scale my business.
Speaker A:Right.
Speaker B:And he was like, really?
Speaker B:I was like, yes.
Speaker B:So then we opened the door for this conversation.
Speaker A:Right.
Speaker B:But how many people do you know never have these conversations?
Speaker A:Yeah, I agree.
Speaker A:Even, even myself, like in my previous relationships, like, I've always been like this, but would never have a conversation about, well, what's your credit score like?
Speaker A:Well, how's your finances?
Speaker A:You know, so that's a real thing.
Speaker A:And I think that if your spouse or your significant other isn't open to it, probably not the right one.
Speaker A:Because like you said, why are people getting divorced?
Speaker A:Mainly is finances.
Speaker A:Right?
Speaker A:And lack of communication.
Speaker A:So you guys have to be, myself included.
Speaker A:We have to be financially in alignment.
Speaker A:We have to be going in the same direction.
Speaker A:It doesn't necessarily have to be us taking the same route on everything, but the end goal should at least be similar on how we get there.
Speaker A:You know what I mean?
Speaker A:And like, we should be in alignment with what we're doing because if not, it's friction.
Speaker A:They're stressed.
Speaker A:And now I'm walking around irritated.
Speaker A:I don't even want to be around you.
Speaker A:I don't talk to me like.
Speaker B:Exactly.
Speaker A:So why even go through that when we can talk about it and then we can build cohesively.
Speaker B:Yeah.
Speaker B:And that's, that's the main reason.
Speaker B:Like, I can't wait till he joins the program so we can compete because that's how we yourself, we both got into fitness.
Speaker B:I'm very competitive, clearly.
Speaker A:She said we could compete.
Speaker B:Like we, we got into fitness together.
Speaker B:Okay.
Speaker B:That's like, he saw me when I was at £230 and we both started going to the gym.
Speaker A:That's cute.
Speaker B:Now he go to the gym more than I go to the gym.
Speaker A:But that's what it's about, like supporting each other, making sure that we evolve together as one.
Speaker A:Because once you get married, you are considered one.
Speaker A:Right.
Speaker A:So if we're out of alignment, we're out of whack.
Speaker A:We're just, it's just, it causes chaos and discomfort and I don't want to walk around irritated.
Speaker A:I've lived in survival mode for too long.
Speaker B:Yeah.
Speaker A:I'm not going back for nobody.
Speaker A:So I have to, we have to just, just, just work on us and just be better and making sure too.
Speaker A:Like you said.
Speaker A:We're not saying in a way where, like, we're demeaning each other, but I don't want to be saying it over and over and keep talking about the same things either.
Speaker A:Like, you know, like, we, we just have to do better.
Speaker A:But it's good that you guys are working towards each other.
Speaker A:I mean, working towards similar goals and helping each other advance.
Speaker A:And it's dope financially because then you guys can see each other's bank account grow and then you could spend all his money.
Speaker A:I cannot.
Speaker B:It goes hand in hand.
Speaker B:What are you talking about?
Speaker B:Yes.
Speaker B:I want to be a stay at home mom one of these days.
Speaker B:What are you talking about?
Speaker B:We got to build these now.
Speaker B:Okay.
Speaker A:I need that American Express.
Speaker B:Like, I need no limit at all.
Speaker B:No limit.
Speaker B:Whatever I want.
Speaker B:We're going to go get like, these are Habits that we need to learn together.
Speaker B:Of course.
Speaker B:You know, all jokes aside, credit is so important, especially in America.
Speaker B:Now, everywhere else, you could do whatever you want, but here, you want to make sure that you're in good financial health.
Speaker B:Because if your spiritual, physical, mental are not aligned, your business cannot run.
Speaker A:I agree.
Speaker B:And I say that all the time.
Speaker B:And financial finance is right along those.
Speaker A:Okay, I agree.
Speaker A:You.
Speaker B:You have to get those together.
Speaker B:And, ladies, if you haven't asked your man, then y' all should not be sharing bodies.
Speaker B:Literally.
Speaker A:Hello.
Speaker B:Had somebody say this to me, because when I first brought it up, I, of course I talked to my girls.
Speaker B:I'm like, hey, yeah, you know, I think I'm gonna have this conversation.
Speaker B:She's like, well, it's kind of early.
Speaker B:I said, oh, then we need to stop having sex.
Speaker A:Right.
Speaker B:Because I'm sharing my body with you, but I can't have a financial conversation.
Speaker A:No, I agree.
Speaker B:We cannot invest in anything because you could have a baby now.
Speaker B:Now I got a child, and we can't talk about credit.
Speaker A:Right.
Speaker B:Saying that's more binding.
Speaker B:I don't know.
Speaker A:I agree.
Speaker B:Why we can't put that on the pedestal Right along there with marriage and finances.
Speaker A:Yeah.
Speaker B:I don't understand it.
Speaker B:And I get it.
Speaker B:You know, for those of you that are watching and you're like, oh, well, you know, I just don't want to talk about it.
Speaker B:When are you going to talk about it?
Speaker B:After you're married.
Speaker A:Right.
Speaker B:When?
Speaker B:Now you've married.
Speaker B:Not just the person, but the bad habits that come along with it.
Speaker A:Yeah.
Speaker B:Especially if you're building a business.
Speaker A:I agree.
Speaker A:And bad habits are, like, so contagious, and it's a.
Speaker A:It becomes a domino effect.
Speaker B:Yeah.
Speaker A:When one happens and there's another and there's another, and then before you know it, you like living in chaos.
Speaker B:There's this saying that my mom.
Speaker B:My mom.
Speaker B:I love you, mom, but robbing Peter to pay Paul.
Speaker A:Oh, Lord.
Speaker A:And we're not doing that.
Speaker B:I know you've heard.
Speaker B:Everybody has heard this.
Speaker B:I don't want to live my life like, no, no.
Speaker B:And I think I want ownership like you talk about.
Speaker B:Like, you talk about your ship so much.
Speaker B:And that's what I want.
Speaker B:I want ownership without a question.
Speaker A:I agree.
Speaker B:To see, you know that our family has this generational wealth, which includes real estate.
Speaker A:Absolutely.
Speaker A:And when you.
Speaker A:When you get the asset, too, don't forget about the trust, don't forget about the will.
Speaker A:Make sure you're properly set up so that your property isn't going in probate, if something ever happens to you, like, I see that a lot in our community, especially where we're working towards success, we're trying to figure it out and.
Speaker A:And a lot of us are obtaining these things, but then we're not fully protected.
Speaker B:Yes.
Speaker A:Life insurance is important.
Speaker B:Yes.
Speaker A:How do you think people are really wealthy, truly wealthy, through life insurance?
Speaker A:And life insurance isn't there so that you can use it when you're dead.
Speaker A:It's there.
Speaker A:You can use it when you're alive.
Speaker A:You can pull out from your life insurance policies.
Speaker A:Y' all use it to buy property, use it to invest in stocks, buy the car with it, don't go to the banks.
Speaker A:Then you pay a lower interest rate.
Speaker A:So it's like all of these different things that I've learned along the way that, you know, we just don't know, we weren't taught.
Speaker A:So you can truly, like, oh, my God, I just.
Speaker A:I feel like a boss everywhere I go just because I know, like, I have my shit together.
Speaker A:Like, when you have your shit together, it just gives you like this.
Speaker A:This feeling like, damn, I'm it.
Speaker A:I'm lit.
Speaker A:Like, you know what I mean?
Speaker A:Like, I don't know.
Speaker B:So you walk a little taller.
Speaker A:Yeah.
Speaker A:You get dressed up more frequently.
Speaker A:You get your hair done, you get your nails done.
Speaker A:And that's another thing, like I talked about.
Speaker A:Like, can we normalize fixing our finances the way we fix our outer appearance?
Speaker A:Don't get me wrong, I like to look good because I'm a statement of my product, of my brand.
Speaker A:Like, I am a walking billboard.
Speaker A:But in the back end, oh, my credit's.
Speaker A:I don't have a savings.
Speaker A:Like, that's like fraud, mental.
Speaker A:That's like fraud behavior.
Speaker A:Like you're out here faking it.
Speaker A:That's.
Speaker A:I'm not with that.
Speaker B:I've been so.
Speaker B:I mean, we all have moments of those.
Speaker A:No, for sure.
Speaker A:I mean, I've had it.
Speaker A:You know what I mean?
Speaker A:But I'm just saying, like, we, we can work towards it.
Speaker A:Like, let's really, if we're going to call ourselves a boss.
Speaker B:Yes, boss.
Speaker A:Up all the way.
Speaker A:Exactly.
Speaker A:Let's level up all the way.
Speaker A:Like, you know what I mean?
Speaker A:That's.
Speaker A:That's what I'm saying.
Speaker A:Like, that's what I'm encouraging.
Speaker A:That's what I want.
Speaker A:Us, my people that look like me, that speak like me, that walk and talk like me, so we can actually go into these rooms and sit at these tables and know that we belong and we no longer feel like we have to be ashamed or people are superior.
Speaker A:No, I'm doing just as much as you're doing, if not more.
Speaker B:Yeah.
Speaker A:So I belong here.
Speaker A:Like, there's a reason why I'm here, you know?
Speaker A:And there was times where I didn't feel that way, you know, so.
Speaker A:And I know what it feels like to feel inadequate or to feel less than or to feel inferior, but now it's like, I don't.
Speaker A:Hey, if I can't sit at your table, I'll create my own.
Speaker B:And that's it.
Speaker B:If you cannot, you build your own.
Speaker A:You build your own.
Speaker B:Yeah.
Speaker A:But you learn that this is what we're doing.
Speaker B:Yes.
Speaker A:This is community.
Speaker A:This one.
Speaker A:This is what I mean by building the community.
Speaker A:Because now, yes, you're my client, but you're.
Speaker A:I'm sure eventually we'll turn into friends throughout.
Speaker A:Throughout this process, you know, and then we can help other people that are aspiring to do the things that we're doing achieve their goals.
Speaker B:Well, I also don't get.
Speaker A:Keep.
Speaker B:Like, if I know something's gonna help, like, yeah, my people, I'm gonna tell you about it, especially if I'm in it.
Speaker B:Like, I'm not a fan of people promoting things that they're not actually part of, which I find it's very weird.
Speaker B:It makes me question your credibility.
Speaker B:Like, if you're one of those people that, oh, yeah, go try this.
Speaker B:But have you tried it?
Speaker A:But have you tried it?
Speaker A:How did it work for you?
Speaker B:Yes, and I think that it's just something different.
Speaker B:Using your own testimonial.
Speaker A:I agree.
Speaker A:It's way more relatable.
Speaker B:Yes.
Speaker B:Okay.
Speaker B:And I do want to be respectful of your time.
Speaker B:So we are going to come to a closing.
Speaker A:Okay.
Speaker B:I do want you to highlight, you know, your community and highlight your program so we can link it down below and they can get all the information.
Speaker A:Sure.
Speaker A:Mariah.
Speaker A:Ivana.
Speaker A:M A R I A H. Underscore.
Speaker A:Ivana.
Speaker A:I V A N A.
Speaker A:Underscore.
Speaker A:Find me on Instagram.
Speaker A:My program is the Evolutionaries.
Speaker A:So basically, I help my clients evolve through credit repairs, since that's what we've been talking about.
Speaker A:If you're having credit challenges, you have delinquencies, inaccuracies, or misinformation on your credit reports, you can always Enroll.
Speaker A:I charge 149amonth.
Speaker A:And you'll be getting more than just a service or a product.
Speaker A:You'll be getting community.
Speaker A:You'll be getting partnerships.
Speaker A:You'll be growing mentally, emotionally, physically, financially, and you're definitely going to evolve, which is why my business is called Evolving Financial Solutions.
Speaker A:Don't let that go over your head.
Speaker A:And my community also will be dropping soon.
Speaker A:My mentorship and then also all of my clients will have the ability to start checking in more like as a whole together starting August 1st.
Speaker A:So hope to see you guys in the school and I look forward to supporting your financial journey.
Speaker B:Thank you so much for your time.
Speaker A:Thank you.
Speaker B:Okay, you guys, as always, please like, comment, share and subscribe.
Speaker B:If this episode did help, you go ahead and comment down below your favorite part of the episode and I'll send you the link to the program.
Speaker B:As always, have a wonderful Sunday by all.
