Personal Debt Stories
Stories of people overcoming challenges with credit card debt.
Americans have record-levels of credit card debt. We owe $482 billion to credit card companies.[1] Although every financial situation is unique, common themes run through the financial challenges that people face. These personal debt stories come from real clients of Consolidated Credit. They’ve shared their experiences with credit card debt in the hopes that it can inspire others facing similar situations.
If you’re struggling to eliminate credit card debt, it’s time to turn the page on your debt story today. Call 1-800-774-0313. A certified credit counselor will review your options for relief and help you find the best way to get out of debt in your situation. Turn the page on your debt story today.
Paying Off Debt While on Social Security and SSI
Lauren was unsure if he could pay off his debt while living on Social Security and SSI payments. Then he joined a debt management program.
From Young and Broke to Older and Wiser
Dawn was living large on a hostess’ salary, but the lavish lifestyle caught up with her. Read her story to see how she took control.
“How Could I Let This Happen to Me?”
Your feelings about debt can have a serious impact on your ability to recover quickly. Learn how the psychology of debt could be paralyzing you from acting.
Avoiding a Second Bankruptcy
Filing for bankruptcy is difficult, and Michael was considering filing twice before he got help from Consolidated Credit. Learn about his debt solution.
Maria Overcomes Two Leading Causes of Credit Card Debt
After a divorce and her mother’s cancer treatment, Consolidated Credit helped Maria eliminate $35,000 in credit card debt through credit counseling.
Maria – Recovering from Financial Abuse
Coerced debt happens when a partner runs up debt in your name without your consent. It ruins your credit and keeps you stuck. But there are solutions to help people recover from this financial abuse.
Walter – Paying Off Over $30,000 in Credit Card Debt
When household emergencies and vehicle repairs drove Walter’s debt up to $35,000, he knew he needed help. Consolidated Credit showed him how to pay off over $30,000 in credit card debt fast with a customized debt management program.
Sonya – Taking on Too Much Credit Too Fast
Sonya took on too much credit card debt too fast before she even turned 18, leaving her to juggle bills throughout her life. Learn how she took control.
Ronnie – Better Results with Credit Counseling
Going through credit counseling gave Ronnie a way to eliminate over $50,000 in credit card debt while teaching him how to stop using credit cards.
Paula — Finding Financial Peace of Mind
Credit card debt stress can overwhelm you when your balances are high and minimum payments don’t make a debt. See how we helped Paula take control.
Wanda S. – Challenges with Debt from Early Retirement
When Wanda was forced into early retirement with no money to pay off $50,000 credit card debt, a debt management program helped her take control of her finances and balance her budget so she could enjoy her golden years.
Linda P. — Discovers It’s Not Hard to Live Credit-Free
Linda thought living without credit cards would be impossible, but with the help of Consolidated Credit and a debt management program, she developed better credit habits to break the cycle of debt.
Kelly – Specialized Help for a Special Needs Family
When a special needs family faced a $66,000 credit card debt problem, Consolidated Credit was there to help them find a path back to financial stability.
Margaret – When a Giving Heart Gives You Debt Problems
Margaret was happy to play Mother Theresa to friends and family whenever they needed help, but when it led to debt problems she called Consolidated Credit. See how a debt management program helped her eliminate the debt she built up by loaning money to friends.
Deotha – From Reluctant to Relieved
After being burned by another credit counseling agency, Deotha wondered is Consolidated Credit legit? She did some research and put her trust in the process, and now she's debt free. Read Deotha's story to see how she went from reluctant to relieved.
Paola – Putting Grad School on Plastic
Paola focused on her studies during grad school, but without any income she built up credit card debt covering books and her daily expenses. Learn how Consolidated Credit helped Paola eliminate her college credit card debt so she could move forward debt-free.
Miriam – Retail Therapy Turns into Debt Problems
Miriam picked up a bad retail therapy shopping habit in college to relieve stress. But she ended up with a debt problem that stressed her even worse. Read Miriam's story to learn how to quit retail therapy so you can take control of your financal life.
Cheryl – From Holding Hands to a Helping Hand
When Cheryl quit her job to take care of her mother and then her father, her finances took a turn for the worse. See how Consolidated Credit helped her regain control and rein in her run away credit card debt.
Cynthia R. – Two PhDs Can’t Trump Medical Debt
The average cost to raise a child with autism can run up to $60,000 per year, and often parents end up footing most of that bill themselves, particularly when it comes to alternative treatments. See how Cynthia's family took control of debt caused by out-of-pocket medical expenses.
Rebecca – First Divorce, Then Debt Problems
Rebecca’s divorce cost her $10,000, but the cost was even higher when she was forced to move. Learn how Consolidated Credit helped Rebecca find a solution to eliminate her debt after divorce so she could finally be free.
Socorro – When Life Happens and Creditors Sue
After Socorro lost her job and couldn't keep up with her payments, she got sued for credit card debt. Learn how a debt management program from Consolidated Credit helped her avoid court judgments that can lead to wage garnishment, liens and bank account levies.
Susie – Distraction over debt almost ends in tragedy
Debt problems can weigh heavily and consume your thoughts. For Susie, this condition almost cost her her life. Read Susie's story and see how Consolidated Credit helped her pay off the debt and find better ways of coping with financial stress.
