Meet Kiera Washington!
Kiera Washington is on an inspiring journey toward financial confidence and independent living — a journey that began with a single decision to learn more about managing her money and planning for her future.
On April 4, 2025, Kiera attended the Mini Money & ME program hosted by the Casakids Family Resource Center in Roswell, New Mexico. At the time, she was living with her mom and quietly wrestling with a fear many young adults face: Am I really ready to be on my own? She wasn’t sure she could afford to move out, and the uncertainty around budgeting, bills, and day-to-day expenses made independence feel overwhelming.
A few months later, on July 24, 2025, Kiera participated in the Train the Trainer class for Casakids staff. That’s when her learning deepened — and her mindset began to shift.
As Kiera worked through the lessons, she started to see her income in a new way. One of her biggest “aha” moments came when she realized she could divide her paycheck with intention: using her first check to cover larger fixed expenses like rent and utilities, and her second check for smaller bills and everyday needs. For the first time, money felt manageable instead of stressful. She wasn’t guessing anymore — she had a plan.
Kiera was especially excited about the “Smart Shopping” session, a topic not included in Mini Money & ME but featured in the Train the Trainer program. Learning practical strategies for comparing prices, avoiding impulse purchases, and making informed buying decisions helped her see how small habits could make a big difference in her monthly budget.
Armed with new skills, practical tools, and growing confidence, Kiera did something she once thought she couldn’t do: she moved into her very first apartment.
Now in 2026, Kiera’s story continues to inspire others at Casakids and beyond. She not only applies these budgeting strategies in her own life, but she also shares what she’s learned with others who are on similar paths toward independence. Her experience is a powerful reminder that financial education is about more than numbers — it’s about empowerment, confidence, and the courage to take the next step.
Congratulations, Kiera, on learning how to budget, plan, and step boldly into your independence. Your journey is truly awesome — and just getting started.
Sara Money, Director & Developer of the Money & ME Program.
Would you like to earn a FREE Money & ME Workbook & Kit? Write and share a story about your Money & ME program! You can focus on how you structure your program, a participant success story, the perspective from the trainer….your choice. Please share how Money & Me is helping people gain control over their money and their lives.