Harlie is an order processor from Albany, New York who got her first store credit card at 18. Without a strong understanding of the long-term impact, she gradually accumulated $18,571 in credit card debt throughout her twenties. Eventually, the monthly payments turned into a stressful burden that overwhelmed her budget and put limits on her future.
Enrolled Debt: $18,571
Started: March 2023
Monthly Savings: $421 (⏷ 61%)
The Beginning of Harlie’s Debt Journey
Harlie got into debt at 18 when she signed up for a store credit card while Christmas shopping. She admits she didn’t think about the future consequences, and was excited to be able to buy things on her own. Using credit made her feel independent and gave her access to things she wanted but couldn’t have while growing up.
As her debt grew, her monthly debt payments consumed most of her paycheck. This left her with little to no money for essentials like groceries or gas. While she initially started using credit cards for non-essential purchases, now she was forced to rely on them for essentials.
“By the time I had figured out how much I was paying… I had to turn around and use those cards to buy groceries, get gas. I was always making a minimum payment and then turning around and hoping I had $40 to get through the rest of the week.”
Realizing She Needed To Ask for Help
Harlie tried various things to get out of debt, including consolidation loans, budgeting, and finding better jobs, but nothing seemed to work for her. The breaking point came when she was denied a car loan because of her debt and had to turn down a job because she didn’t have reliable transportation. Exhausted, she decided it was time to reach out for help.
“I had over $18,000 in debt and it felt stressful. It was constant stress. There wasn’t room in my mind for a single other thought. It just consumed everything. I wasn’t able to relax. I wasn’t able to have fun. I wasn’t able to see a future for myself outside of the debt.”
Personalized Support With Accredited Debt Relief
Although she had heard about debt relief services before, she was hesitant to trust them. Her decision to take the step with Beyond Finance came after a phone call with a Consolidation Specialist who shared his own experience getting out of debt using the same program.
“It was just so relatable, and knowing that someone else that I was talking to had been through that just made it more realistic that this situation could finally come to an end, that I had the potential to get through it”.
Planning for Her Future
Since enrolling with Beyond Finance, Harlie’s financial stress has completely disappeared. She saved $421 a month on her eligible monthly payments and the extra money has allowed her to do things she never thought possible, like grocery shopping without worry, contributing to a 401k, and being able to handle emergencies without using credit.
Now, she can plan for her future, including retirement, buying a house, and starting a family.
About This Testimonial
Harlie is a real client who was compensated for sharing her story with us. She saved 61% on her eligible monthly payments. We determined her monthly savings by subtracting her program payment from her self-reported payments or tradeline minimums.