Making It Work: Advance America Celebrates Everyday Wins, Financial Resilience

When we launched our five-week Making It Work Celebration this fall, we set out to do something simple but meaningful: Celebrate the everyday wins that matter most to our customers. 

From Sept. 8 to Oct. 12, customers across 23 states shared their stories for a chance to win daily cash prizes. And something beautiful happened. Our customers and team members reminded each other what everyday resilience truly means. 

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Sharing everyday moments that matter 

At the heart of this celebration and sweepstakes was a simple but powerful idea: Honor the small victories that make the biggest impact. From paying off a bill early to helping a neighbor in need, Advance America customers shared how they make it work in real life. 

To bring that spirit to life, each store displayed a Make It Work Moments board — a tangible place to share moments of joy and recognition. 

Each week, we posted a new prompt, inviting customers to share their stories and celebrate wins on the in-store boards and on social media. And they didn't hold back. 

They told us about: 

• Health victories: Customers celebrating remission, overcoming congestive heart failure, and choosing wellness.
• Family milestones: New grandchildren, perfect attendance awards, and the pride in being the best parent they can be.
• Daily resilience: DoorDashing to pay bills, getting kids where they need to be on time, and refusing to give up no matter how tired they are. 

It's a blessing. I could use it for food and [my daughter’s] birthday. 

– Kelly T. Sweepstakes winner

One customer noted that the Make It Work Moments board made her day better. Another was so moved that they put a team member's name on the board as someone who helps them make it work. 

These aren't just transactions. These are lives being supported, one small win at a time. 

The winnings are going to help with bills, groceries, and new shoes for my kiddos. 

– Nakesha B. Sweepstakes winner

What customers shared on social 

Throughout the celebration, customers were encouraged to share photos and stories online using #UMakeItWork. Dozens of these submissions were featured across Advance America’s social media profiles and in-store displays, highlighting moments of perseverance and hope. 

I make it work by being as polite to other people as I possibly can be when I'm out and about. I'm also always there for my beautiful cat. 

– K. Hendricks

From small-town shop owners to busy parents and first-time borrowers, these stories reflected a shared truth: everyone has their own version of “making it work,” and every story deserves to be celebrated. 

What our team discovered 

This campaign has generated a lot of positivity in us. The desire to remind ourselves every day to be grateful. To love each other. To unite. To have empathy. 

– Daneysi Diaz Advance America team member

The celebration reached impressive milestones: 71,593 entries, 6,000 new Facebook followers, and over 2.1 million views across social media. But this wasn’t about trying to go viral. It was about recognition — acknowledging that our customers are the MVPs of their own lives. 

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They're moms and dads, grandparents and mentors, entrepreneurs and caregivers. They wear multiple hats, show up every single day, and they make it work. 

But beyond the prizes and posts, Making It Work strengthened community ties and reaffirmed our commitment to supporting customers in meaningful ways. Over 80 branches volunteered 564 hours and gave back $10,000 to their local communities. That's not just a campaign. That's a commitment. 

Being able to step into [our customers’] lives, even if only for a moment, put the cherry on top of the work we do day in and day out. 

– Nikki Johnson Advance America team member 

The advice that matters 

When we asked customers what advice they'd give others trying to make it work, their wisdom was clear: 

• Stay persistent and don't give up.
• Budget and take it one day at a time.
• Put forth the effort — something good will happen.
• Keep going until you've reached your goal.
• Understand where you are in life — don’t live above your means.

[I’m] proud of myself to be able to give back to the people who were there in my time of need. 

– Melissa B.

The Making It Work spirit lives on 

While the 2025 Making It Work Celebration has officially ended, the spirit behind it continues — in every customer who finds creative ways to overcome obstacles, achieve goals, and support their communities. 

And we're honored to be part of their journey.