Kristin Fine has gone full circle from borrower to donor with Hebrew Free Loan of Austin. Courtesy: Hebrew Free Loan of Austin

By Hannah Lapin

Life often presents unforeseen challenges, putting one’s resilience to the test. For Kristin Fine, a resident of Austin, her experience with Hebrew Free Loan of Austin (HFLA) became a transformative journey, guiding her from a period of financial uncertainty to a place where she not only conquered obstacles but also found the strength to give back, joining HFLA’s esteemed “Full Circle Club.” 

In the midst of welcoming a new baby, navigating a career switch and grappling with the ensuing financial strains, Fine found herself in a financial whirlwind. Childcare costs, described by her as like a second mortgage, added an extra layer of stress to an already challenging time. She turned to Hebrew Free Loan of Austin, seeking a lifeline. 

Embracing the importance of financial literacy during this tumultuous period, Fine realized that seeking a short-term personal loan would only perpetuate the cycle of financial struggle. With this realization, she turned to Hebrew Free Loan of Austin, seeking a lifeline during a critical time. 

What made HFLA stand out for Fine was the unique connection to her community. The knowledge that fellow Jews were involved in providing support kept her anxiety at bay. She notes, “The added layer of comfort knowing that Jews were doing it was really nice.” Having a loan leader as her main contact and the opportunity to speak with other board members provided a human touch to the financial assistance process. 

The financial examination conducted by HFLA, where Fine submitted her bills and expenses, proved invaluable. Board members spent time going through her financial details, helping her identify areas of overspending. In her words, “I sent them my bills and expenses; they spent time going through them and telling me what I was overpaying.” 

The personal touch extended with the loan leader who signed the loan documents, turning the loan process into a more personal and meaningful experience. Fine reflects, “The person who signed the loan documents lived in my neighborhood, and we met in person.” 

As Fine’s career began to flourish in recent years, she couldn’t help but appreciate the crucial support provided by HFLA during tougher times. This gratitude fueled her desire to give back to the community that had once uplifted her, saying, “It was so helpful to me, so I wanted to give back.” In a deeply powerful statement, Fine transitioned from a former borrower to a donor in last year’s end-of-year Eternal Impact campaign fundraiser. This act of generosity stands as a testament to the profound impact of Hebrew Free Loan of Austin, illustrating how a once-supported individual can, in turn, support others in need when they find themselves in a position to do so. 

Fine’s journey underscored the importance of financial literacy, a skill often underestimated until one is confronted with money woes of their own. She acknowledged, “You don’t really realize how much you don’t know until someone shows you. You don’t know what you need to know.” This realization sparked her desire to continue seeking financial advice, especially in significant decisions, like buying a house, which loomed on the horizon. 

In a society where money is often considered a taboo subject, Fine recognized the need to overcome this discomfort. She found solace in the Hebrew Free Loan process, understanding that seeking financial assistance was not a sign of weakness but a proactive step toward empowerment. 

Looking ahead, Fine envisions ongoing support from the HFLA community as new financial decisions arise. As she contemplates buying a house, she sees the opportunity to reach out to board members for their opinion and advice, stating, “For example, I have been wanting to buy a house; it would be so nice to reach out to the board members and ask for their opinion or advice on that.” 

Fine’s journey from borrower to donor with Hebrew Free Loan of Austin exemplifies the transformative power of community support. Her story showcases how overcoming the initial discomfort of discussing finances can lead to empowerment and a desire to pay it forward, creating a full circle of support within the community.