Personal Debt Stories (Page4)
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.
How to Get Out of Debt with No Extra Money
When faced with a series of layoffs and emergency expenses to pay with no savings in the bank, Leslie and her family turned to credit. But when $76,000 of debt was too much to eliminate on their own, Consolidated Credit helped them regain control....
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Client Profile: Rose S.
When Rose helped her adult son get established in a new apartment, it ended up causing problems for her bottom line. Rose’s story isn’t unique either – parents often end up in debt trying to help their kids. Here’s how we helped Rose regain control....
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Client Profile: Troy W.
When Troy got divorced, he chose to take all of the marital debt because it was the right choice for his family and, in theory, his credit score. But when the debt proved too much for him to pay off alone, Consolidated Credit was here to help....
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Client Profile: Esther D.
You might think growing up in a frugal household would lead to good credit habits, but for Esther it had the opposite effect. A childhood of hand-me-downs led to a $32,000 credit card debt problem as an adult....
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Client Profile: Carlos E.
After Carlos returned from his last Iraq deployment in 2012, he hit a slippery slope with debt as lenders rewarded his steady income with a series of loans and credit cards. Consolidated Credit helped Carlos change his habits to take control....
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How to Get Out of Debt that You’re Hiding from Your Spouse
Matilde hid her debt from her husband for good reasons, but it still created an $80,000 secret that weighed on her heavily. Learn how Consolidated Credit helped her regain control so she could reveal how bad the situation was to her husband....
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Client Profile: David D.
David didn’t mind going back to work after he retired, but when his wife fell ill and they were reduced to one income, he found himself paying off $47,000 in credit card debt on a limited retirement income at 71. ...
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Judith D. – Battered but Not Beaten
Often women living with abuse feel trapped because they don’t have the money or financial means to get out . Read Judith’s inspiring story of how she escaped domestic violence and the debt incurred as a result, to build a new life....
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Client Profile: Life Kept Piling On Debt For Yvette.
Between divorce, home repairs, and a few medical bill co-pays, Yvette found herself drowning in over $40,000 in credit card debt. After she consolidated, she’s able to enjoy an extra $1,400 in her budget....
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Client Profile: Anthony M.
Retired Air Force electrician Anthony M. never had any problems with his finances or credit until a nasty divorce left him without assets and with too many bills. See how we helped him take control and rebuild his credit so he could move forward....
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When Getting By Gets Out of Control
When Renee got her first credit card at 19, she wasn’t using it to splurge – she only charged what she needed to get by until she got out of school. Four years later, she was left with high-interest debt and a hard financial lesson to learn. ...
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Finding a Solution When You Can't Pay Down Debt on Your Own
When a husband and wife are both teachers, money can get tight. While Janet's family managed to get by on a shoestring budget, unexpected home repairs left them with a mountain of credit card debt. We helped Janet get back to stability....
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Consolidate Credit Cards to Bring Order to Your Financial House
When Bilkisu returned to Nigeria to help her family through a crisis, it caused a crisis back in Pennsylvania for her own finances. Her helping hand led to problems and she had a hard time getting back on the right path until we helped her achieve stability....
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What to Do When Overspending on Adult Children Leads to Debt
When asked to name the one thing that caused her debt problems, Donna blames spending too much money on "stupid stuff." And, really, don’t we all have that problem? See how we helped Donna learn smarter spending habits to avoid debt....
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Client Profile: Studying abroad in London caused Lauren to nearly lose her financial freedom before it began
When Laruen studied abroad in London, the last thing on her mind was her finances. But living in the moment left her facing some tough realities with debt when she got home. See how we helped Lauren to stop living paycheck to paycheck....
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Client Profile: Robert has been through it all, but nothing can stop him from paying his debt
Payday loans are advertised to offer a quick fix when you face financial challenges, but they often cause more problems than they solve. When Robert faced interest rates up to 1000% APR on $4,000, he knew he was in trouble and needed help....
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Mark Finds a Great Alternative to Bankruptcy
After going through bankruptcy in 2004, Mark couldn’t believe he was back to face even more problems with debt, but he was. Instead of declaring bankruptcy and ruining his credit again, Mark opted for credit counseling to get a fresh start....
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Finding a Way Out When Do-It-Yourself Debt Consolidation Fails
When your income depends on others because you work in a service industry, things can get tough when the tips simply aren’t coming in as quickly as you need. See how we helped Carol take control of her budget to get ahead....
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Amber's Debt Started Started in Europe But Followed Her Home
As Amber traveled Europe during school while living in England on an exchange program, her credit here in the U.S. started to suffer. Between student loan payments and credit card debts from her travels, she faced with serious debt problems. ...
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Marcus Says There's No Better Feeling than Celebrating Freedom from Debt
At the start of 2014, we caught Marcus walking into our office to make his last program payment. He talks to us about what it feels like to go from a complete financial meltdown following the 2008 recession....
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Living Large on Credit Cards Leads to $35,000 in Credit Card Debt
Keeping up with the Joneses isn’t new, but today’s culture glamorizes a lifestyle of living large that drives people to spend. From luxury cars to treating friends to expensive meals, Kamal spent on credit like there was no tomorrow. ...
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Overspending on 23 Credit Cards Almost Cost Diane Her Marriage
Retail therapy and shopping binges were a daily occurrence, but after amassing $18,000 credit card debt Diane’s marriage was in crisis. With a husband threatening divorce and her family hanging in the balance, Diane knew it was time for a change. ...
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What to Do When Living Beyond Your Means Catches Up to You
An addiction to the finer things is problem Michael can understand. Buying gems to have his jeweler make unique one-of-a-kind pieces left Michael with debt problems that are all to common. See how we helped him rein in luxury spending....
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Consolidated Credit Offers Preventative Care for Debt Stress Syndrome
Health problems can lead to debt problems, which causes more stress that lead to even more health problems. It’s a vicious cycle and one that Barbara understands personally. When debt affects your physical health, you have to take action. ...
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