Michelle Lewis is no stranger to extraordinary challenges — or obstacles. The 33-year-old “Titan Games” Season 2 competitor from Atlanta claims her military background has prepared her for high-stress situations, a mindset she needed not only to conquer the grueling obstacles she faced at the Games but the ethos she is depending on now to overcome a pandemic-related financial blow.
When not keeping fit, Lewis is a real estate agent. Although based in Atlanta, many of her properties are located in Texas, a state with skyrocketing coronavirus hospitalizations.
With the number of Americans out of work due to Covid-19 near 20 million, and rent freezes put in place in several cities, Lewis lost several clients. “When Covid hit, I think my income took a 65% hit.” The sudden loss in pay forced Lewis to dip into her savings account.
Lewis realized then that a recovery would be a long way off. Government mismanagement on a federal, state and local level has led to cities reopening too early and thus forcing them into lockdown for a second time. Texas was among the first to widely open its economy in May but has since had to walk back some of its reopenings as cases spiraled.
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But these setbacks have not stopped Lewis from moving forward. Blessed with a tireless work ethic and the experiences from war — after getting her father to sign for so she could join the U.S. Army at 17, Lewis was involved in three separate IED attacks while driving for an armored convoy before being honorably discharged eight years later — Lewis looked for ways to earn extra cash. Though her friends scoffed at the idea, she signed up to make deliveries for Instacart, the online delivery app that has seen an explosion in activity since lockdown began.
Recently, Lewis joined the retail investing revolution, using a commission-free ebroker. As she learned in the army and the competition in the Titan Games, Lewis understands the patience and determination needed to see her investments blossom but, as always, remains optimistic she will cross the finish line a winner.
TUNE IN: Invest In You: Ready. Set. Grow Your Future -- A CNBC + Acorns Town Hall Special
Join us TONIGHT, July 16th at 7 p.m. ET for a live hour-long special hosted by Kelly Evans and Jim Cramer, where we will bring together everyday Americans who have been greatly affected by the current health, social and economic crises. The town hall will feature advice from Suze Orman, Gary Vaynerchuk and members of the CNBC Financial Advisor Council answering questions about how to reset your financial life amid the Covid-19 pandemic. Join us.
Disclosure: Invest in You: Ready. Set. Grow. is a financial wellness and education initiative from CNBC and Acorns, the financial wellness app.NBCUniversal and Comcast Ventures are investors in Acorns.
Disclosure: CNBC parent NBCUniversal broadcasts the athletic competition series “The Titan Games”
