When you carry thousands of dollars in debt it can start to feel like your whole financial life revolves around it. Making sure there’s enough in your account each month to cover your minimum payments while also budgeting for basics is a tedious cycle.
Luckily, you don’t have to stay stuck in that loop forever. There are debt consolidation options that actually help you make progress so that paying off your debt becomes a realistic goal instead of a far off dream.
If you’ve been worn down by years struggling with debt, you may think that any “solution” beyond the traditional minimum payment method is too good to be true — and we don’t blame you.
Breaking out of that thinking is easier when you look at real life success stories from folks who have paid-off thousands in debt and reclaimed their financial freedom.
A Filmmaker from California Who Paid-Off $27,574
Matt S., a lifelong creative from Orange County, graduated from Beyond Finance in December 2024 after eliminating more than $27,000 in debt in under two years. Before enrolling, he was paying up to $1,000 a month toward credit card interest and saw no end in sight. Beyond cut his payments nearly in half while providing education, budgeting tips and tools that helped him stay motivated and on track.
Beyond doesn’t just get you out of debt — they give you the tools to stay out.
Debt Amount: $27,574
Started: January 2023
Graduated: December 2024
With the right support, Matt discovered how to budget smarter, stay disciplined and push extra payments toward his debt to graduate faster than expected. He describes the feeling of graduation as “electric” — a turning point that gave him both pride and lasting peace of mind.
Life After Graduation
Since completing the program, Matt has built a five-figure emergency fund, financed a new car and taken a month-long family trip across Europe. Free from the burden of debt, he’s been able to focus on growing his film production company, attend multiple film festivals and enjoy everyday joys like cooking, working out and spending time with loved ones.
A Federal Employee from Maryland Who Paid-Off $33,298
Roy A., a federal HR professional from Maryland, graduated from Beyond Finance in July 2024 after eliminating more than $33,000 in debt. Before enrolling, he was spending nearly $3,700 a month on debt payments, much of it lost to interest. Beyond helped him reduce his monthly payments to $1,600*, giving him breathing room and a clear path to becoming debt-free.
Beyond Finance allowed me to keep living my life. I didn’t have to skip a beat or give up the things I love.
Debt Amount: $33,298
Started: July 2023
Graduated: July 2024
Beyond Finance helped Roy discover better ways to manage money, stay disciplined and move through his program with confidence. He recalls feeling skeptical at first, but after paying off his first account, he knew he had made the right choice. He describes graduation as an emotional moment, comparing it to being a “valedictorian” — proof of his determination and resilience.
Life After Graduation
Since graduating, Roy has been able to enjoy the life he built with his husband of six years and their two dogs. He celebrated turning 40 with a double trip to London and Paris with friends and later traveled to El Salvador. Free from overwhelming payments, he has been able to keep traveling, enjoy time with loved ones and continue the lifestyle he values without major sacrifices.
Beyond helping him pay off debt, the program gave Roy empowerment. He now feels in control of his money instead of the other way around. He calls the journey the hardest — but also the most rewarding — financial challenge of his life, teaching him not just how to manage money, but how to use it wisely as a tool for freedom, joy and stability.
A Therapist from Pennsylvania Who Paid-Off $14,194
Sharise N., a licensed clinical social worker and mental health therapist from Pittsburgh, graduated from Beyond Finance in July 2024 after paying off more than $14,000 in debt in just over a year. When her husband lost his job, the couple struggled to keep up with expenses and Sharise found herself barely covering minimum payments. She feared one financial setback would push them over the edge. Beyond Finance gave her the relief, structure and encouragement she needed to turn things around.
Things started to become better and I could feel this stress lifting when there was a plan in place. I just felt so good knowing that I wasn’t in this alone.
Debt Amount: $14,194
Started: June 2023
Graduated: July 2024
From the very first conversation, Sharise felt supported. A Beyond representative spent two hours walking her through the process, patiently answering questions and offering empathy — something that resonated with her deeply as a therapist herself. Once she had a plan, she noticed an immediate shift in her stress level and began to feel hopeful again.
Life After Graduation
Today, Sharise has money left over each month, contributes more to retirement, and is preparing to become a homeowner within the next few years. Just as important, she has transformed her relationship with money — embracing a “cash diet” and celebrating a full year without using a credit card. She and her husband are able to pay bills on time, enjoy life, and maintain their lifestyle without overextending themselves.
Sharise calls getting out of debt one of the most important steps anyone can take, noting how it impacts every aspect of life — mental, emotional, spiritual, and financial. For her, graduating wasn’t just about paying off balances, but about gaining clarity, confidence, and a brighter future.
A Retired Navy Veteran and Cancer Survivor from Idaho Who Paid-Off
John and Lucie W., high school sweethearts from Idaho, graduated from Beyond Finance in June 2024 after paying off nearly $39,000 in debt. Before enrolling, they were overwhelmed by medical bills and shrinking income after John retired early due to health issues and Lucie was diagnosed with breast cancer. They feared losing their home and were paying close to $1,800 a month just trying to stay afloat. Beyond Finance lowered their payments to about $500*, giving them the breathing room they desperately needed and a clear path forward.
What happened to us — being able to find you to pull us out of that hole, was basically a godsend. No other way to put it.
Debt Amount: $38,918
Started: December 2019
Graduated: June 2024
For John, a Navy veteran and former business owner, Beyond’s transparency and guidance set them apart. He had gone through bankruptcy once before and was determined never to do it again. With Beyond’s help, he and Lucie could keep their home, reduce stress, and focus on Lucie’s health while still maintaining stability. He says what meant the most was having a “light at the end of the tunnel.”
Life After Graduation
Since graduating, John and Lucie have continued to beat the odds. Lucie overcame breast cancer, and though she later faced additional health battles, she remains strong and resilient. Together, they’ve been able to stay in their home, replace long-overdue appliances, and even repair their roof. They also financed a new Jeep Grand Cherokee and are planning a month-long road trip across the South, with stops in Texas, Tennessee, and Georgia — including a special visit to Graceland, Lucie’s dream destination.
For John, retirement finally feels like it should. He looks forward to fishing again in Idaho’s rivers and lakes with his dog, Dixie Rose, and cherishing time with Lucie. Beyond Finance not only helped them reduce debt but also restored peace of mind, stability, and the ability to keep building memories together.
A Former Teacher from North Carolina Who Paid-Off $73,020
Annemie L., a former teacher and now bank programmer from Wilmington, North Carolina, graduated from Beyond Finance in May 2023 after paying off more than $73,000 in debt in less than a year. Before enrolling, she was overwhelmed by medical expenses, moving costs, and a salary that was lower than promised. Her monthly payments had reached an unmanageable $2,000, leaving her exhausted and without hope. Beyond Finance lowered her payments to $1,200*, giving her room to breathe and a path to freedom.
Anything extra was money in my pocket and in my savings finally. It was a huge life-changing thing.
Debt Amount: $73,020
Started: August 2022
Graduated: May 2023
From her first phone call, Annemie felt understood. Beyond’s team explained that she wasn’t alone in her struggle, which gave her the courage to take a leap of faith. With reduced payments, she regained both energy and optimism, feeling a sense of financial security for the first time in years.
Life After Graduation
Now debt-free, Annemie is saving money, enjoying financial stability, and finally preparing to launch a business she has dreamed of since childhood. Instead of hustling just to keep up, she can invest in herself and her future. Supported by her loyal golden retriever, Cutie, she describes life after Beyond as full of possibility, hope, and joy.
What Are Debt Reduction Options?
A debt reduction option is any strategy that helps you reduce or reorganize debt so you can pay it off faster and save money over time.
Depending on your financial situation, this may involve:
- Consolidating debts into one payment
- Building a structured repayment plan
- Lower your eligible monthly payments
- Getting out of debt faster than alternatives
The goal? Make your debt less stressful and easier to pay off — for good.
Learn More About Options Like Beyond Finance
Talking to a Debt Consolidation specialist at Accredited Debt Relief is a great way to learn about options like Beyond Finance.
As a leader in the debt consolidation industry, Beyond Finance has helped 700,000+ people disrupt the never-ending cycle of debt.
About these success stories:
These are real clients who were compensated for taking the time to share their experience with us. *Clients typically save $480 on their monthly payments. Monthly savings were calculated by subtracting their program payment from their self-reported payments or tradeline minimums on eligible accounts.