Ellen R. Abramson

Ellen Abramson is living her “second act”. After a 30-year career in fundraising for the University of Michigan and the American Red Cross, Ellen carried out a plan to transition from full-time work for a large institution to a life in which she is in charge of her time and able to focus on what gives her life joy and meaning. To make this possible, Ellen and her late husband paid off $60,000 of loans and credit card debt and shed $23,000 of vehicle debt within a five-year period. She and her family live debt-free, empowered by a monthly plan for saving, spending, and giving. Ellen holds a BA from the University of Chicago, and an MSW from the University of Michigan. She is chief executive officer of her family business, and president of a personal finance consulting practice.