About Consolidated Credit
Debt Management Story: T.M. Colorado Springs, CO
Since joining the Consolidated Credit Counseling Services program, I've changed many of my spending habits in order to stay within a well-defined budget. I've also embarked on a financial lifestyle change that will prove as beneficial to me in the future.
Before joining CCCS, I didn't really have a budget because I had so many lines of credit and became comfortable just using credit cards to dine out regularly and charge all sorts items that I didn't really need, such as extra clothes, electronics and unnecessary house wares.
When it came time to pay the monthly bills, I made the mistake of transferring balances back and forth in an attempt to avoid having to pay off balances right away. I just told myself, "Oh, I'll pay that account off next month," but months turned into years and my debt grew even more.
When my minimum payments began to rise, I started to feel trapped and started researching debt management options. I was excited to learn about CCCS and was relieved to have finally found a reputable program that could help me dig myself out of the mess I created. The staff members were so helpful in getting me started, which helped alleviate some of the stress that had built up over the past few months.
I began the CCCS program in June and while it was a big readjustment at first, my only regret was that I didn't join sooner. Not only did I put an end to my reckless spending habits, I also developed a strict monthly budget that shows me exactly where all of my money goes.
It's embarrassing to think that I can't even remember all of the purchases I made on credit cards, yet the amount of debt I owed could have been used as a hefty down payment on a new home.
Being able to make one monthly payment to all of my creditors at once has been a huge sigh of relief each and every month. And thanks to reduced rates, I know that I'm actually making progress on my debt, instead of just paying finance charges.
Since I no longer use credit cards to make purchases, I've finally learned to appreciate the true value of my money. I have a new sense of ownership that I never really had before. By making cash-only purchases, I'm forced to evaluate every single purchase beforehand in order to determine whether or not it's really necessary and if it is, that I'm getting the best possible value available.
Before being a client of CCCS, I had become the poster child of typical American consumerism and created a lifestyle based on the "buy now, pay later" mantra.
But now, I'm so much more mindful of where my money is going and always weigh the pros and cons of each and every purchase. I'm now a regular coupon-clipper, whereas before, I used credit cards to buy things full price. I also read weekly grocery store ads online to take advantage of discounts on regularly consumed items.
I've also canceled all magazine subscriptions and other monthly services that are not necessities. I rely heavily on frugal-living blogs and the CCCS newsletters for new ideas on how to save money, be creative and stay within my budget when it comes to things like food, gifts, house repairs and more.
Much of my new way of living relies on staying at home and cooking as many meals as possible (versus dining out). But when my boyfriend and I want to go out, we make sure to take advantage of special deals and promotions. Discounted online restaurant gift certificates and coupons make going out less intrusive on your checking account! I've also signed up for mailing lists of different retailers and eateries to take advantage of special/limited-time only discounts. I've become so savvy when it comes to finding the best value for my money.
It's very empowering and well worth the extra savings. And extra savings means extra money to put away into my savings account!
Taking control of my debt also motivated me to take control of other areas of my life. I've focused on eating healthier and becoming more active, which has led to a 50-pound weight loss!
Thanks to the services at CCCS, a great deal of stress has been removed from my life, which has allowed me to become a healthier, happier person. It's a great feeling to have, especially during the holiday season.
Although I still have a ways to go before my debt is paid off, I'm confident that I've made the right choice in choosing CCCS to reach my goals. I'm thankful to have learned so many new techniques to help me better manage my finances and create a sense of pride in the purchases I make. This new knowledge will continue to help me, even after I'm debt-free. It may have taken me over 25 years, but I've finally learned the value of a dollar.
