Miss Colorado USA Blair Griffith Loses Home

A series of challenges led the reigning Miss Colorado USA Blair Griffith to end up homeless and staying with friends.

“Financially, it became difficult for us. The home that we were in, we became evicted from [it] in November of last year,” Griffith, a magna cum laude graduate of the Art Institute of Colorado, said.

From Colorado’s 9News:

It was just one month after Blair won the title of 2011 Miss Colorado USA.

A series of life challenges led the Morrison native to her current situation. Now, for the first time, she is ready to share her story.

“I hope that people will see this and realize, ‘Wow, she is a real person,’ or ‘Hey, I didn’t think there was someone out there going through something similar as me,'” Griffith said.

Blair Griffith continues to work full-time and make appearances as Miss Colorado USA on her days off, she also maintains a blog teaching girls how to compete in pageants on a budget as small as $100. She uses any extra money she has to help with her and her mother’s expenses with the hope of one day having her own home again.

“I know that’s what I want for my life,” she said. “So I just have to stay focused on that.”

Griffith is focused on the Miss USA competition, which is scheduled for June 19 and will air on NBC.

My heart goes out to Miss Griffith and her mother for their hardship. However, what saddens me is that I’m sure she will get a lot of support and helpful resources from this story. I mean she is Miss Colorado USA! I’m sure there will be a major rush of concern for her situation. My issue is this…what about the countless other Americans who are struggling to make ends meet, living paycheck to paycheck? The families who don’t have the credibility to get a news story…who helps them? Let’s talk about financial security for a second. In this economy it’s important to have a back-up plan…if at all possible. I have a few questions to help you examine your own financial situation.

• Are you currently living beyond your means? (Champagne tastes on a beer budget?)
• Do you have a savings account with at least six months of security? (In case of job loss.)
• Are you skilled in more than one area? (Able to navigate positions within a company.)
• Do you monitor your spending and look for ways to cut costs.
• Is your income in more than one place?

If you have any great money-making ideas or ways to cut costs please share in the comment section!