My Financial Journey and Mission to Help Military Families

As a retired Air Force veteran with 20 years of service, my husband and I always considered ourselves “good with money.” We paid our bills on time and avoided debt unless we could “afford the payments.” However, as we climbed the ranks and our income increased, “lifestyle creep” set in. Like so many other military folks, we began living beyond our means, accumulating credit card debt, vehicle loans, and buying an expensive house with zero down using a VA loan.

When the Air Force relocated us, we couldn’t sell our house and ended up renting it out at a loss. Then COVID hit, and we had no renters for three months before we could finally sell it. By 2019, as I prepared to retire, we faced a harsh reality: despite our middle-class income, we were living paycheck-to-paycheck with $120K in consumer debt and $3K in monthly non-mortgage payments. We were scared and needed a change.

Our turning point came through Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University at our church. This program transformed our lives. Today, we are debt-free except for our home, which we are on track to pay off within five years—18 years ahead of schedule. The relief we feel is indescribable. I share this not to brag but to show what’s possible.

My New Mission

After overcoming our financial struggles, I saw a need within the military community for financial guidance. I became a financial coach to help other military families experience the same relief and peace. At Frisby Financial Coaching, I offer a customized strategy around your financial position, your lifestyle, and your values to help you regain control of your money. Then, I show you how to use it to get the life you love, in one hands-on financial coaching session.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed or need guidance, please contact me or book a FREE 15-minute Q&A call. Whether you're in Tampa, FL, or online via Zoom, I’m here to help. I understand your situation because I’ve been there too. Let’s work together to bring hope to your financial future.

I would be honored to serve you.

~ Michelle Frisby