Client Exclusive: How We Helped Brendan S. Overcome Debt and Regain His Confidence
Have you ever checked your bank account and had a wave of anxiety come over you because your balance is nearing zero? Or maybe you had to decline a dinner invite because you can’t afford it? Struggling to get your finances in order while managing expensive debt payments is exhausting and embarrassing.
We recently chatted with Brendan S., a real client who knows that feeling well. Although he earns a great income and loves his job, high debt payments left him living paycheck to paycheck.
Debt Amount: $23,439
Started: July 2023
Monthly Savings: $592 (⏷ 62%)*
Meet Brendan: A Business Manager Who Needed a Financial Reset
Brendan manages a small business in Charlotte, North Carolina. Like many working for a small business, he wears a lot of hats and is driven by a genuine passion for his work.
How Brendan Got Into Debt
Brendan’s relationship with debt began in his early twenties when he lived alone for the first time. He told us that trying to “fit in” with friends inspired him to buy “the coolest clothes or the latest watch” on credit.
Initially, he thought using a credit card would help him build good credit. Instead, that first $500 purchase marked the start of a long debt journey.
High-Interest Meant His Debt Wasn’t Getting Smaller
Eventually Brendan had about five credit cards, with minimum payments just under $1,000, yet made minimal progress on the principal.
At the time, Brendan was really embarrassed by his debt. Because he grew up in a family where good financial habits were valued, he felt he had to hide his situation from them and others he cared about.
“I would put my $300 payment towards [my balance] and the interest was maybe $210. So, I barely made any headway with payments. I felt like I got stuck.”
Turning Things Around With Beyond Finance
Brendan’s debt-free journey began when a radio advertisement piqued his interest in debt solutions. He quickly found Beyond Finance online and talked to a Consolidation Specialist on the phone.
The shame Brendan felt began to fade the moment he connected with a real person at Beyond Finance. To his surprise the conversation felt less like a formal call and more like talking with a friend who understood and wouldn’t judge him.
“I’m so glad that I made that call. I really appreciated how we could speak as if we were friends! To actually have a real-time conversation with someone who not just understands where you were but where you can be is really life-changing.”
Brendan Cut His Eligible Monthly Payments in Half!
Enrolling with Beyond Finance significantly reduced his monthly payments and financial anxiety. He went from paying $940 a month to $348 – a 62% decrease! These substantial savings have been a game-changer for his financial goals.
Brendan’s Advice for Others: “Ask for Help”
Brendan’s advice is simple: “Don’t wait. Don’t hesitate to ask for help.”
He stresses that an initial call is empowering and connecting with someone who understands is a great way to ease your anxiety, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the service.
“Beyond handles everything and it’s very streamlined. It’s almost like having your hand held the whole way. It’s really not frightening.”
An Exciting New Future for Brendan
Since starting his program, Brendan loves watching his progress in the app and his monthly savings allow him to work toward other goals, like growing his retirement account.
Best of all, this experience has reshaped his relationship with money. He now views it as a tool and feels confident going after big financial goals.
“It’s helped me realize that money is a tool. I feel like I’m able to tackle different financial goals that I hadn’t previously thought about.”
Brendan S. is a real client compensated for sharing a real experience. Individual results may vary.
*Brendan saved 62% on his eligible monthly payments. Saving amounts are calculated based on self reported payments or tradeline minimums minus program payment.