“If you keep pushing forward, you will eventually pull ahead.” – Chris Brady
Jeremy and Echelle had very different thinking about money before the Financial Fitness Program came into their lives. After they got married in 2003, one of their cars needed new tires. Because they didn’t have the money to pay for the tires, they decided to just trade it in and roll the auto debt into the next loan. This became their way of thinking and they ultimately did this multiple times. By 2007, they were driving a Kia Spectra 5 that they owed $25,000 on.
“We thought if we could afford the monthly payment, we were good to go. How wrong our thinking was.” – Echelle Slade
After some bad advice, Jeremy “retired” from his job at 28 years old and became full-time with his business. This freed up his time to be a full-time dad and a part-time business owner, while Echelle was a stay-home-mom. However, they didn’t have their house paid off or their cars paid off and they still had credit card debt. They were ill-prepared and weren’t ready for the next few years. Then, 2008 hit and everything fell apart. They lost their business, they lost their home, and had one car taken back by the bank. They decided to have Echelle stay home with their 3 kids while Jeremy went back and got two separate jobs. One was a day shift and the other was a night shift. They only had one car so Echelle would wake all three kids and put them in the car to go pick him up from one of his jobs and then drive him an hour one way to his other job. That was all the time Jeremy, Echelle, and the kids had together. Unfortunately, there was not enough money coming in, so they moved in with Echelle’s parents and accumulated over $200,000 worth of debt. They didn’t understand what the Financial Matrix even was, or how they could get out of it.
“Every morning I would wake up with the stress of debt. We owed so much and it never looked like we could get out of it.” – Echelle Slade
When Financial Fitness came around, their mentors, Rob and Kenyon Robson explained the Financial Matrix to them and helped them to refocus their lives. Jeremy and Echelle said they were burnt out and weren’t sure if they could ever share their story; they felt embarrassed and didn’t feel like they could ever lead again. However, they heard the quote by Albert Einstein, “The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, expecting a different result,” and they knew they couldn’t stay on the same path for very much longer. Jeremy was burning the candles at both ends. He never slept and rarely got to spend time with his family.
Through learning some business principles and building compensated communities with their friend’s, the Robsons and the Conovers, Jeremy and Echelle started pursuing greatness again and renewing their dreams for the future. The habit of reading, listening, and associating helped their confidence soar and eventually Jeremy walked away from both of his jobs and went into real estate with Rob Robson and Kevin Conover.
The Financial Fitness Program sat on their shelf for far too long. Finally, they pulled it down and began going through it. Jeremy was skeptical of the savings account principles, but eventually was willing to try it, and now he has never looked back. They now have quite a bit in their savings and at least two years worth of living expenses. They also have a year’s supply of food and are continuing to work on their savings every month. The idea of looking at things as wants vs. needs has changed their outlook on life. They pursued the offense and defense side of Financial Fitness and in September 2014, they were able to become job optional. Their future has never looked brighter.
“It is amazing how once you start focusing on the right things in your life, how much things can improve. It is as if everything starts to fall into place.” – Echelle Slade
They love having the time now to be with their kids and with each other. Currently, they have 5 kids: 4 girls and 1 boy. They love their lives and one of their passions is to help others to become financially free. Echelle’s favorite part of what they do is helping couples get on the same page in their marriage and to stop arguing and start resolving. They have helped hundreds of couples work toward financial freedom and love the chance they have to bring hope into other people’s lives. Echelle holds a Green Box Club call with any ladies that want to get out of debt. Afterwards, she holds a Gold Box Club for people that want to get into the Beyond Financial Fitness Program. Jeremy and Echelle will continue helping others learn the correct principles for the rest of their lives.
Jeremy and Echelle have modeled what it takes to change their financial future because of what they have learned and applied from the Financial Fitness Program. Congratulations!
Brandon J Perry says
Wow what an amazing testimony. Thank you for sharing with the entire community. And I love that you utilize not just the defense but also the offense and becoming job optional.
Alberto says
Inspiring story! The best thing i like into it when i look my situations i dont own too much like them but by using the sames principles over and over they came to get rid of their debt…
My conviction goes to high level.
Thanks for the financial fitness program
John Barlow says
The Slade’s have helped my wife and I become debt free, and now they are working with us on becoming financially free. We are really excited about that!
Elaine Mallios says
That is an amazing story! So proud of you guys.
Emily Smith says
I know Mr and Mrs Jeremy and Echelle Slade personally and have watched them go through this financial journey. They are inspiring so many with their story! There have been hundreds of families– including my own– who’s finances have been complete changed because Jeremy and Echelle Slade decided to change their own. I will forever be grateful for them both!!
Shelan Salomon says
I LOVE this couple! They truly are everything this article says about them. My husband and I have been able to spend countless hours with them mentoring AND just having fun and dreaming with them. I am so grateful that we were introduced to them just a few months before my husband and I got married; meeting them truly changed the whole direction of our lives, especially financially. Not only that, but my husband has been able to spend a few days with them, in their home, around their kids, and they are people that want the best for everyone. Jeremy and Echelle believe in people’s dreams almost more than the actual people do! It amazes me. We love them a TON.
Rob Robson says
It has been one of our greatest blessings to watch this story unfold. The Slades are true champions and are leading thousands from hopeless to hope!
Yitz Weiss says
Awesome story and kudos to you guys for taking responsibility for your future!
Mary Robson says
Proud of Jeremy and Echelle! They have certainly followed to learn, do and teach! Great leaders, making a difference everyday!