Meet Kassie Simmons, MBA

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Kassie Simmons, MBA. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Kassie below.

Kassie , so many exciting things to discuss, we can’t wait. Thanks for joining us and we appreciate you sharing your wisdom with our readers. So, maybe we can start by discussing optimism and where your optimism comes from?
In 2011, while residing in a rental property with my one-year-old, I received a statement towards the end of my lease, revealing that I had invested $24,000 into the rental over the past two years. It struck me that I had poured a significant sum into someone else’s property. In that moment, I resolved to stop investing in others’ properties and decided to purchase my own. However, lacking knowledge about credit, debt-to-income ratios, and real estate, I faced uncertainty about the first steps in home buying.

Determined to embark on this journey, I reached out to a real estate agent referred by a few acquaintances, leading me to a lender. Hopeful that homeownership was on the horizon, I discovered my credit score was too low to qualify. Undeterred, I began the challenging path ahead. I engaged a reputable credit repair company, moved from the rental to a one-bedroom apartment with my son, and downsized my belongings. Promised a quick credit improvement, I signed a short-term lease, only to realize the promises were empty, and my credit remained stagnant.

Refusing to surrender, I clung to hope and belief in homeownership. I relocated to my aunt’s home, where we occupied a single room. Initially overwhelmed by the downsizing, I faced emotional challenges. Despite setbacks with another credit repair company, my determination remained unwavering. With the clock ticking and a limited timeframe at my aunt’s, I delved into researching credit repair strategies. Dismissing the credit repair services, I took matters into my own hands. Within two months, I successfully cleaned up my credit and qualified for a home.

My first home hit the market, and my realtor secured a contract within a day. Despite an appraisal hiccup, I acquired the property at a $40,000 discount from the listing price. After closing on my home, I recognized a purpose in my challenging journey – to inspire others to believe in their own possibilities.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
A Houston, Texas native, I am a driven and educated professional. Having earned my MBA from the University of Phoenix, I proudly serve as the Founder and CEO of New Credit New You. Our core mission is to offer comprehensive credit education, empowering individuals to build the credit foundation required for financial freedom and the attainment of their most coveted assets.

At New Credit New You, we are guided by the principles of faith, ethics, and empowerment. Our commitment extends beyond merely providing credit solutions; we strive to impart valuable education to those we serve. Through a combination of education and credit rebuilding, we instill the belief that, through faith, God is orchestrating miracles in the journey toward financial empowerment.

New Home New You is dedicated to guiding individuals on the transformative journey to homeownership. Our mission is to empower, educate, and support clients in securing their dream homes. Through personalized guidance, financial education, and ethical practices, we aim to make the path to homeownership accessible and achievable. At New Home New You, we believe in the transformative power of home, and we are committed to assisting our clients in building a foundation for a brighter, more secure future. With integrity, expertise, and a focus on individual needs, we pave the way for a new chapter in our clients’ lives – a chapter that begins with a new home and a new sense of possibility.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Reflecting on my credit and home buying journey, three key qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge were particularly impactful:

Resilience and Determination: The journey involved facing challenges, setbacks, and disappointments. Resilience and determination were crucial in overcoming obstacles, persisting through credit repair efforts, and navigating the complexities of the home buying process. The ability to bounce back from setbacks and maintain a determined mindset played a significant role in achieving success.

Financial Literacy and Credit Management: Acquiring knowledge about credit, debt-to-income ratios, and other financial aspects was pivotal. Understanding how credit works, actively managing my finances, and learning strategies to improve my credit score empowered me to take control of my financial situation. This knowledge was fundamental in making informed decisions and ultimately qualifying for a home loan.

Research and Self-Empowerment: The decision to take charge of my credit repair process and conduct thorough research was a turning point. Learning about credit repair strategies, studying the documents sent by credit repair companies, and actively working towards improving my credit score demonstrated the impact of self-empowerment. Researching the real estate market, understanding home buying procedures, and staying informed about the intricacies of the process contributed to making informed choices.

In essence, the combination of personal resilience, financial literacy, and a proactive, self-empowered approach significantly influenced the success of my credit and home buying journey. These qualities and skills not only helped overcome challenges but also laid the foundation for a more secure and empowered financial future.

For individuals early in their journey, aiming to develop or improve key qualities and skills for credit improvement and home buying, here are some pieces of advice:

Educate Yourself: Invest time in learning about credit, personal finance, and the home buying process. Understand how credit scores are calculated, the factors that influence them, and the basics of home financing. Numerous online resources, books, and educational programs can provide valuable insights. The more you know, the better equipped you’ll be to make informed decisions.

Build Financial Literacy: Develop a strong foundation in financial literacy. Understand budgeting, debt management, and how your financial decisions impact your credit. Consider seeking guidance from financial advisors, attending workshops, or using reputable online resources to enhance your financial knowledge. Building a solid financial literacy base is crucial for making sound financial choices.

Set Realistic Goals: Define clear and realistic goals for your credit and home buying journey. Break down larger objectives into smaller, achievable steps. This could include improving your credit score by a certain number of points, saving for a down payment, or reducing outstanding debts. Setting realistic goals provides a roadmap and helps you track progress.

Embrace Resilience: Understand that challenges may arise, but resilience is key. Recognize that setbacks are a normal part of the process. Approach challenges as opportunities to learn and grow. Maintain a positive mindset and remain focused on your long-term goals, even in the face of temporary obstacles.

Seek Professional Guidance: Consider consulting with professionals in the field. Engage with a reputable credit counselor for personalized advice on improving your credit. When entering the home buying process, work with experienced real estate professionals, including real estate agents and mortgage lenders, who can guide you through the complexities and provide valuable insights.

Take Ownership: Empower yourself to take an active role in your financial journey. Monitor your credit regularly, review financial statements, and actively participate in the decision-making process. Taking ownership of your financial health puts you in control and enables you to make informed choices.

Remember, building good credit and navigating the path to homeownership is a journey that requires time, dedication, and informed decision-making. By continuously learning, setting goals, and staying resilient, you can lay a solid foundation for a successful financial future.

One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
I am passionate about empowering individuals to reach their greatest potential through financial literacy. I welcome opportunities to share my story and knowledge at networking events, business expos, or any platform where I can make a positive impact. Whether through collaboration, networking, or referrals, I believe that together, we can make a significant difference. If you have an opportunity or event where my insights could be valuable, I would be grateful for an invitation. Let’s work together, and I trust that the impact will unfold with divine guidance.

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