Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Erica Anderson. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Erica thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Alright, so one thing we think people don’t talk about nearly enough is investments – either time or money. What’s one of the best or worst investments you’ve made and what did you learned from the experience?

One of the best investments in my business was a three-day conference in Atlanta that helped me to finally envision a new level at which I wanted to grow my company. This particular training stood out because the prior year I’d reached out to the coordinator of the training asking if there were any less expensive training since my business was fairly new at the time, and I couldn’t afford to invest at that level. Fast forward and this was the first all-expense paid trip that my business funded! It was a huge testament to the growth I had seen in a year.

I was introduced to different entities such as business credit, and how tapping into it could help fund my dreams. We had discussions around automation and learning to delegate. At this time in business, I was struggling with letting go and doing everything. The ultimate goal was to earn my time back. This was a major milestone in that journey.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

I’m a country girl from the “dirty south.” I was born and raised in Jackson, MS, and a proud alumnus of thee best HBCU, Jackson State University.

My journey into the credit and financial education industry began during my sophomore year of college. I needed a reliable car. Like most college students, I’d known very little to almost nothing regarding credit, however, a conversation with the salesman suggested that I’d need a cosigner. I began the journey of asking family members to assist and cosign. I was met with, “Oh honey, they will decline you with my credit.” “Oh baby, I wish I could. My credit is horrible.” It was one decline after the next. Needless to say, it was the first time I’d ever seen my credit. After much thought and no choice, I attempted on my own. Surprisingly I was APPROVED for my first reliable hard-earned car. The interest rate was through the roof of course. But who cared? I got what I needed.

It was at that moment that I learned the importance of something so needed yet many didn’t understand. It was my way of never being met with “no’s” again. I became immersed in understanding credit and how to correct it. This began my journey in credit restoration.

You shouldn’t have to wait until a major decision needs to be made before viewing or understanding the one thing that could keep you from getting out of the increasing rent rates or getting into a reliable car, or even helping to eliminate your debt.

At Maintain My Credit, we aim to reach as many households as possible. We want to break the cycle of not understanding credit. Our primary goal is to educate families on leveraging credit to start businesses and fund ideas. To reduce and eliminate debt as young adults enter the world. To do our part in helping end the miseducation of minorities.

We offer personalized credit repair and education to heighten a person’s understanding as a consumer in a credit-driven economy. There are no “one and done’s.” It doesn’t have to be fancy. We make credit SIMPLE. We follow clients through the journey of better credit. We don’t simply REPAIR. We educate on making good financial decisions while maintaining these habits. Our goal is to plant our feet into the heart of communities. Educate the struggling, low income and underfunded areas of the city on the importance of credit and how to manage it.

In addition to the 1 on 1 services we offer, I am most proud of the FREE services my company offer. From credit audits, webinars, finance and educational tools as well as e-books and our recent DIY free credit repair. We truly offer services that go beyond our products and are curated to every financial situation.

Can you open up about how you funded your business?

As a small business owner, I often hear stories where owners pull from means such as saving accounts, or throw all of their life earnings into starting their business. I was fortunate to not have to do that.

I’ve been blessed to work a corporate job since college. Throughout my journey, I’ve learned to let my corporate career be a vehicle to fund my business. I had to decide if I was going to be committed to my business, and this journey that anytime outside of corporate hours I would devote to building my business. Budgeting and financial spreadsheets were my friends.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

I’m always honest, and I meet people where they are. I approach credit with a very simple concept in mind. My goal is if I communicate with different individuals, I want them to walk away with the same message. I stay consistent in my delivery and I make it make sense. I also show results. The proof is my biggest driver of clients.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.maintainmycredit.com
• Instagram: maintainmycredit
• Facebook: maintain my credit
• Twitter: maintainmycredit