In this episode of I Am Lakeland, we sit down with Carol Pope, a seasoned personal finance writer and author of the new book Credit 101. Carol shares her fascinating journey from her roots in Detroit and Michigan to her move to Lakeland, Florida, where she spent over a decade working in the insurance and finance industries, including several years at gieco.
Carol explains how a surprise LinkedIn message from a simon and & schuster agent led her to write her first book, turning her passion for simplifying complex financial topics into a comprehensive guide for consumers. Throughout the conversation, Carol demystifies the intimidating world of credit, offering practical advice on how to improve—rather than just “repair”—your credit score. She emphasizes the emotional weight that money often carries and encourages viewers to focus on forward-looking financial habits.
Whether you’re looking to buy a home, a car, or simply want to gain better control over your financial future, Carol’s insights provide a clear roadmap for navigating the world of credit with confidence. 152
