Get To Know Sara: A Librarian & Farm Mom From Oklahoma
Sara M. lives in rural Oklahoma with her husband, daughter and a menagerie of farm animals. When she’s not tending to the farm or making the long commute to her library job, she loves reading and connecting with friends.
Beneath her happy farm life, Sara had a debt problem. At first it quietly grew with new credit cards here and there, but escalated quickly after her husband retired from the Navy and her mother passed during COVID. Amidst these changes, they tried to keep up with bills, like they always had, but eventually were only able to cover minimum payments.
It felt like we were surviving, not living.
Debt Amount: $101,962
Started: April 2025
Monthly Savings: $2,451.00*
When Gas Money Blew the Whistle on Her Debt Problem
In addition to working on her farm, Sara would drive 60 miles every day to her library job. The commute was no small expense. As her family’s finances tightened, she started worrying about having enough gas money to get to and from her job. That’s when she realized her debt situation had spiraled beyond her control.
When I started stressing if I had enough money to buy gas to get to work I knew we were in huge trouble.
At first, she and her husband looked into a HELOC and a second mortgage, but they were denied. Even if they’d been approved, the interest rates would probably have kept them stuck in a long and expensive debt cycle.
That debt was insurmountable and the interest rates would never allow us to get ahead. We needed help, major help.
Looking for Debt Help and Finding Accredited Debt Relief
Sara started looking for debt help how most people do, with an online search. When she came across Accredited Debt Relief in the results she wasn’t sure what to expect, but she was determined to keep an open mind and listen to her options. What stood out wasn’t just the numbers, but the reassurance that her situation wasn’t unusual.
I’ll be honest, I was skeptical, but curious during my first phone call.
Finding Breathing Room with Lower Payments
Because Sara owed more than $100,000 in debt, her monthly minimums were incredibly high. Working with Accredited Debt Relief, Sara reduced her eligible payments from a mind boggling $3,600 to a much more reasonable $1,200. That change alone helped free up over $2,400 each month — money that can now go toward living expenses, repairs on the farm and eventually savings.
The program didn’t just help with finances, it helped restore a sense of peace. Instead of lying awake at night worried about bills, Sara was more relaxed knowing there’s a plan in place.
[The best thing about Accredited Debt Relief is] the feeling that I’m not alone, there’s a plan, and unfortunately my situation is very common.
Sara’s Message to Others
With some experience under her belt, Sara has a straightforward message for anyone who feels trapped by debt like she did: “Just do it.”
Just do it. Take the leap, trust the process and get back to living.
She’s already looking forward to what’s next — building a fund to make much needed home repairs. Most importantly, she’s eager to reach a place where money stress no longer overshadows family and farm life.
I’m looking forward to having funds to make repairs on our home, build an emergency fund and not worry about money.
A Path Toward Hope
We’re proud of Sara! Her story is one of quiet strength and resolve. Although she faced loss, economic strain and the daily grind of rural living, she found the courage to ask for help. Today she has space to breathe, a roadmap to follow and optimism for her future.
If you’re struggling with high-interest debt and barely managing minimums, know you’re not alone. Like Sara, you can explore debt consolidation options and find a program that gives you the structure and relief you need.
About this testimonial
*Sara is a real client 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.