Get To Know Ashley C.
Ashley is 26 and lives in Utah, where the mountains are just minutes from her front door. She recently got married and is starting a new job as a Composite Bond Technician. In her free time, she and her husband love camping, skiing, and backpacking — anything that gets them outdoors.
After becoming debt-free, Ashley is stepping into an exciting new chapter: moving into a new home, planning a trip to Japan, and building a life rooted in financial stability.
It’s not just about paying off debt. It’s about changing how you manage your money so it doesn’t come back. I learned that financial habits matter just as much as paying off debt.
Debt Amount: $15,002
Graduated: December 2025
Savings: $400 a month*
How did the debt begin?
I got into debt right out of college. I was working and trying to cover school expenses at the same time, but it just wasn’t enough. I started relying on credit cards and loans to get by.
At that age, I didn’t fully understand how serious it was. It just felt like a way to make ends meet. But before I knew it, I had built up a lot of debt — and no clear way to pay it off.
How did the debt affect your life and well-being?
It was extremely stressful. After college, I was working at a bait and tackle shop and struggling just to make rent. I was living paycheck to paycheck and constantly worried about money.
There were days I couldn’t even eat because of the stress — my stomach was in knots all the time. I was trying to pay things down, but every time I made progress, something would come up and I’d have to rely on credit again. It felt like I was stuck in a cycle I couldn’t break.
How did you know it was time to get help?
I realized I couldn’t keep going like that. I had tried consolidating on my own, but it didn’t work — I still had access to credit cards, and it was too tempting.
I sat down and thought, “I can’t keep digging myself deeper.” I needed a real plan — something structured that would actually help me get out of debt for good.
When I found Accredited Debt Relief and saw that I could roll everything into one payment, it felt like a way out.
How did the first call make you feel?
It was honestly one of the most relieving conversations I’ve ever had.
They didn’t pressure me — they asked what I could realistically afford. When we landed on a payment under $400, they even suggested splitting it between paychecks, which made it so much easier to manage.
By the end of the call, I felt a huge weight lifted off my chest. For the first time, I felt like I had a plan — and someone who actually understood what I was going through.
What is the best part about working with Accredited?
It significantly changed the affordability of my life. I was paying almost $800 a month towards debt. After I got into the program, it dropped to half of that and split my payment into two to coincide with my paychecks.
I portioned some money into savings, and then I was able to cover groceries and the occasional go out. I stopped having to miss out on so many opportunities to enjoy life because I was just working so hard and trying to pay for debt.
How have your financial habits changed?
I learned that financial habits matter just as much as paying off debt.
Now, I constantly check my accounts and plan ahead. If I can’t afford something, I don’t buy it. I save for it. I’ve learned to ask myself, “Do I really need this right now?”
I also treat credit completely differently. My husband and I use a credit card like a debit card, only spending money we already have and paying it off immediately.
It’s about awareness and control. That’s what really changed everything for me.
How did it feel when you graduated?
It felt amazing, like everything finally clicked into place. More than anything, it felt like relief. Like I could finally move forward.
What was waiting for you on the other side of debt?
So much. My husband and I are moving into a new home, which wouldn’t have been possible before. We were able to save money for a down payment and feel confident taking on a mortgage.
We’re also planning a trip to Japan that was completely paid for with savings, not credit cards. That’s something I never thought I’d be able to say.
Even the small things feel different now. We can take camping trips, visit national parks, and go out to dinner without worrying about how we’ll pay for it later.
And instead of spending the money I used to put toward debt, I started saving it. That made it easier to transition into bigger financial goals like homeownership.
About this testimonial
*Ashley is a real graduate who was compensated for taking the time to share her experience with us. Clients typically save $480 on their monthly payments. Savings were calculated by subtracting her program payment from her self-reported payments or tradeline minimums on eligible accounts.