"When we started, I couldn't even go out to eat with a friend, my money was so messed up," Shannon said.
"If she went out to eat, she'd have extreme guilt," Humphrey added. "She knew she used the money she alloted for the water bill, and now there was no way to pay the utility bill."
Shannon filled out paperwork, including a budget, as Humphrey assisted her in paying off her original loan. The monthly payment went from $200 per month, which covered only the interest, to $88 per month. The loan was paid off in 18 months.
The process hasn't always been easy. Figuring out her household budget took some time.
"I would come in and could only account for some of my money," Shannon said. "(The budget) made me more aware of how much I spent on pop at the quick shop."
With guidance from Humphrey, Shannon said she learned how to adapt her spending habits.
"She asked if I could buy a 12-pack (of pop) and keep it at my house," Shannon said. "Before, when I would go grocery shopping, I would try to stock up for the month. Now I go once a week, and I spend less overall on groceries."
She's also learned to decipher between a need and a want, especially in a social situation when friends are spending money.
"I've learned I can go out and enjoy myself and have a glass of water, not have to have a few beers," Shannon said.
During their monthly meeting, Shannon and Humphrey review the budget, update her employment status, and also review future goals.
"I want to get a savings account started," Shannon said. "I would never have thought about saving because I like to spend money."
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But the meetings with Humphrey have helped her to see how saving will help prevent returning to a predatory lender.
In addition to helping Shannon get out of her predatory loan, Catholic Charities has a pilot program that grants small loans up to $1,000.
"Rather than go to a payday loan to get a battery or alternator fixed, we have started to give loans to prior clients to prevent them from getting another predatory loan," Humphrey said. "It's the same terms as our other loans. This is to keep people from going (to get a payday loan) in the first place."
Shanon is one of three people in the pilot program.
"You can't go to the bank for a $130 loan," she said.
Shannon said the $24 monthly payment to cover the cost of a new car battery is manageable, especially since she paid off the previous payday loan.