Melissa Jacobs transforms her health and finances with DTE resources

Melissa Jacobs, manager, DTE Fleet Administrations & Operations, has been on an inspiring journey towards better physical and financial health.

Overcoming health challenges

In 2013, Melissa was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent surgery and treatment. During this time, she was on a large amount of medication, including medications to deal with the side effects of other medications. Eventually, Melissa decided enough was enough: “I really began focusing on healthy living,” she said.

She took advantage of DTE’s health and wellbeing benefits, including a program that provided her with a scale, blood pressure cuff and glucose meter. “I think knowing your numbers is critical to ensuring that you’re healthy because sometimes you don’t feel like something is wrong, but it still requires awareness and management,” said Melissa. “When you have those numbers, you can gauge current conditions and really target what has to be worked on to improve.”

Through a healthy diet and these tools, Melissa reduced her A1C from 7.5 to 6.4 in four months and is now considered prediabetic. She has also lost over 30 pounds. 

Improving financial health

In addition to her physical health journey, Melissa also made great strides towards better financial health. Melissa admits that she wasn’t always the best money manager, but she discovered that DTE was offering free access to the SmartDollar program and decided to try it. Through the program, Melissa learned about budgeting, setting up an emergency fund and tracking her spending. “I created a budget using SmartDollar’s EveryDollar app, categorized my spending and was surprised by how much I spent on certain things,” shares Melissa.

She was diligent in her efforts and, after a few years, was able to walk into a dealership and write a check for a new car. Melissa has been debt-free for two years and can take vacations and pay for them in cash. She credits the SmartDollar program and her diligence in tracking her spending for her financial success.

Melissa’s tips to take care

Melissa’s journey is a testament to the power of taking control of one’s health, physically and financially. She encourages others to:

1. Know your numbers. When you know your current health and financial numbers, you can really focus on those areas to improve and consciously work to change them.
2. Track your financial progress and hold yourself accountable. There is no right or wrong spending – just the facts about where the money went. This information is indispensable and will help you with budgeting and developing good spending habits.
3. Take advantage of the company’s coaches and wellbeing coordinators. They are full of knowledge about the programs the company offers and can help you jump-start your wellness journey. They are a golden resource.