Client Exclusive: How We Helped Kathy Y. With More Than $28,000 in Debt

Meet Kathy: A Devoted Mother and Grandmother

Kathy is a hardworking customer service representative from Michigan who has spent her life putting others first. Married with two children — her son, now 46 and a daughter she lost to a heart attack brought on by muscular dystrophy. 

I am married and have two children. I have 13 grandchildren and one great granddaughter and I love spending time with them when I am able to. I still work but can’t wait to retire.

How Debt Crept In

Kathy’s debt story is one many parents can relate to. Out of love and a deep sense of responsibility, she repeatedly took out loans to help her son cover his bills. But when those loans went unpaid and her son remained out of work, the burden began to pile up faster than she could manage.

I got into debt from helping out my son over and over with him not paying his bills. It was gradual until it wasn’t.

The Weight of a Secret

At first, Kathy kept her mounting debt hidden from her husband, hoping to find a way out before anyone else had to know. But the pressure became unbearable and she finally had to open up about the reality of the situation.

The debt had me so very stressed because I had kept it a secret from my husband. I ended up having to tell him what I had done and he was not happy, so that really stressed me out.

Recognizing the Need for Help

The turning point came when Kathy realized she couldn’t keep up with the interest charges, no matter how hard she tried. She was working tirelessly but sinking deeper into debt with each passing month. That’s when she decided to reach out for professional help.

My lightbulb moment was when I couldn’t fix all the problems and couldn’t pay anymore because of interest charges. I wasn’t getting anywhere, just further in debt.

Taking a Leap of Faith With Beyond Finance

Kathy discovered Beyond Finance on Facebook. Signing up wasn’t easy—it meant handing over her bills and trusting someone else to take the lead. But she quickly found reassurance in the support she received.

“I felt some relief [but was] scared as well. I didn’t like not paying the bills anymore and giving it all over to Beyond. The best thing about working with Beyond is all the help that I have received each and every time from friendly professionals that were there to help me.”

Making Progress Build Hope For The Future

Though the process started slowly, Kathy soon began seeing real results. Her monthly payments are now structured and manageable and she has made great progress on multiple accounts.  Seeing her progress in the app gives her hope for her future.

I am making monthly payments and hope to be done in a couple years, which is fine by me.

Kathy’s Advice for Others

Kathy wants others who feel overwhelmed by debt to know that they don’t have to face it alone. Patience and trust, she says, are the keys to making the program work.

I would advise them to consider Beyond Finance because they care about you and not just their fee. I would also advise them to be patient because it does take time. But when you consider the time it takes making just the minimum amount, it is all worth it. Just trust the process and you will do well.

Looking Ahead With Hope

For Kathy, the future is brighter than it has been in years. Once she finishes the program, she plans to retire with confidence, knowing she’s not leaving behind debt for her son to shoulder.

When I am debt free, I am looking to retire because until I graduate I need to work. I also will be so happy because I am not leaving my son with unpaid debt, which gives me peace that he will be okay.

*A quick note about Kathy’s story: She’s a real client who was compensated for taking the time to share her experience with us. Kathy’s savings were calculated by subtracting her program payment from her self-reported payments or tradeline minimums. Typical clients save $480 on their monthly payments.