Debt Management Program Déjà Vu

Walking the path to financial freedom for a second time.

Maintaining financial stability isn’t always as easy as we’d like it to be. In spite of the best laid plans, problems with debt happen even when you try to be diligent about preventing them. It’s a situation Janis can definitely empathize with. After 20 years of financial stability following the successful completion of her first debt management program, Janis faced a new set of challenges with credit card debt. She reached out to Consolidated Credit at the first sign of trouble.

Debt strikes twice…

“This is the second time I’ve used this service in about twenty years. You guys were very good to me back when I needed help the first time so I decided to call Consolidated Credit again.”

Early in her financial life, Janis had run into problems with credit card debt. About two decades ago, she completed a debt management program to eliminate the burden so she could achieve financial stability. But time and temptation led Janis back into debt problems.

“I wasn’t charging for anything specific this time either – just crazy stuff, clothing and things like that from department stores. I did it once and turned it around, but then I did it again.  This time, no more!”

High interest rates were the biggest challenge…

Like most people who face financial distress because of credit card debt, one of Janis’ biggest challenges was the high interest rates on her credit cards. With over $10,000 in credit card debt, interest charges ate up every payment and made it nearly impossible to eliminate her debt.

“My interest rates were above 20 percent of something crazy like that, but Consolidated Credit was able to get them much, much lower. A couple of my credit card companies didn’t want to accept lower rates. I don’t know what you guys did during the negotiation, but eventually they approved the plan and I was able to enroll. You guys are absolutely fabulous!”

That negotiation is a key part of the credit counseling process when someone enrolls in a debt management program. The credit counselor reviews the person’s debt and budget to construct a repayment plan that works, but creditors have to agree to the new payment schedule for each debt to be included on the program. When a client wants to enroll, our certified credit counselors contact each creditor to negotiate interest rate reduction and to get their signoff on the client’s enrollment.

Adjusting the program to fit her needs…

Another advantage Consolidated Credit was able to provide Janis was the ability to arrange her payments in a way that worked for her monthly budget.

“You all even let me make two payments each month. That was extremely helpful to making the payment schedule work for me. Now I have two more payments and I’ll be done.”

This is another way we can help ensure that people can stick to the program once they enroll. Payments can be set in a way that works with your budget and your other monthly bills and obligations. Even if you run into challenges and can’t make a payment on time one month, call to speak with a customer service representative. They can help you make arrangements so you can stay on the program and continue to make progress.

Rededicated to financial success…

Janis is committed to making sure that this time she stays debt free after she completes the program.

“I swear to God, I will never let this happen again.”

She’s also spreading the word about the help that the program can provide. She’s grateful for the help and paying it forward to help others in similar situations

“Thank you for being there for people who do silly things when they shouldn’t – for people who waste money when they should be saving it. Thank you so very much. I’ve recommended you to other and will continue to do so.”