Chris with mom, Sue Davis, and his new iPad

We sat down recently with Money Club member, Chris Davis, to discuss how being part of the club helped him become more knowledgeable about managing his money. (Learn more about Money Club in our last newsletter.)

 

Chris joined the club late but that didn't stop him from saving $150 in his Individual Development Account (IDA), which he put toward the purchase of an iPad mini. His iPad allows him to stay connected with the friends through social media and texting apps. He also uses his iPad for fun and is a pro-Candy-Crusher and selfie-taker (we left with hilarious photos of ourselves in psychedelic colors with warped faces). Chris has an intellectual disability as well as ataxic cerebral palsy which affects his fine motor skills. While his iPhone granted access to similar apps, the iPad's larger screen proves much easier to use. 

 

Chris credits the Money Club with something much greater than the opportunity to play games and chat with friends, though, and that is financial knowledge. His favorite thing about the experience, he says, was learning to save effectively. While Chris may always need assistance in managing his money, he is now able to take a more active role in decision-making.  

 

As someone who's always listening to music and likes to stay up-to-date on what's happening with his favorite artists (in fact, he has even worked as a volunteer at local radio station Wired 96.5), Chris's newest goal is to save up for stylish and professional Meek Mill 24k Gold Headphones. With his new found understanding of budgeting we have no doubt that it won't be long before Chris is sporting his very own pair.

  Learn more about our Mini-Loan Program below:

Along with our low-interest loan program, we have a mini-loan program to provide funding for people to purchase lower-cost assistive technology. Chris's iPad is the perfect example, but there are lots of other types of assistive devices that fall into the mini-loan category. For instance:

• Adaptive sports equipment
• Portable ramps
• Hearing devices
• Environmental controls (alarm systems, automatic lights, door openers)
• Stair glides
• Wheelchair and scooter cushions and batteries
• Seat lift chairs
• Computers and/or specialized software/hardware

Our mini-loans come with no interest, low monthly payments, and longer repayment terms than most lenders. We work hard to make our loans available to anyone who needs one, regardless of age, disability, or health condition.

But what truly sets us apart is that we leave the control up to the borrower: You choose what type of AT you want and which retailer you'd like to use. We're here to support you through the process.

Know someone who might benefit from one of our loans? Or maybe there's an organization that should know about us for referrals... Pass it on!

Learn more about our Mini-Loan Program...

Marian Baldini