Client Exclusive: How We Helped Nick C. Overcome Debt So He Can Pursue His Dream Job
Debt can be a dream-crushing burden, something Nick (a single dad from Nashville) knew all too well. After a divorce left him raising his sons on a single income, he began taking on personal loans and credit card debt just to get by. Before long, that debt had spiraled into what felt like an unfixable problem.
Luckily, Nick’s story didn’t stop there. He bravely reached out to us for help and is now pursuing his dream of going back to school.
Debt Amount: Over $17,000
Started: August 2022
Monthly Savings: Nearly $100*
Meet Nick: A Single Dad Who Can Finally Go Back to College
For most of his life, Nick has been a factory and warehouse worker. As a dad to two now-grown boys, his focus was always on providing for them and trying to make ends meet on a single income.
Now at 50, he’s not just taking control of his finances but he’s also returned to college to pursue a bachelor’s degree in social work, a dream that once felt impossible because of his debts.
How Nick Got Into Debt
Nick’s debt journey began over a decade ago after his divorce. Suddenly facing the world on a single income while raising his kids, he did what any parent would do: whatever it took to provide. Unfortunately, the cycle of taking new loans just to pay off old ones was unsustainable.
“You slowly start taking loans to pay those bills and then you get credit cards to buy groceries. It just kind of starts building and building before you realize it’s kind of out of control.”
Recognizing He Needed Help
The turning point came when Nick realized that simply working more overtime wasn’t going to solve the problem. The emotional toll was immense. Feeling lost and helpless he knew he had to find a different way out.
“I tried to work myself out of debt, just taking as much overtime as I could, but it just never seemed to be enough. Making minimum payments just wasn’t getting anything accomplished, so I started looking online to find an answer.”
Turning Things Around With Beyond Finance
Taking that first step was scary but Nick’s research led him to Beyond Finance and the initial phone call put him at ease right away. He connected with a Consolidation Specialist who was honest, direct and gave him hope.
Advice for Others: “Take a Leap of Faith and Go for It”
Nick acknowledges that the process can be a little scary but hopes others will take a leap of faith so they can have a positive experience like he did.
“What I would say to someone who’s in debt is it’s okay to be scared. It’s okay to not know what the answer is but take a chance and reach out and talk to someone. You’ll be glad that you did.”
An Exciting New Future for Nick
Today Nick looks forward to simple joys like going to the movies with friends and bigger dreams like traveling and earning his master’s degree. Most importantly, he’s excited to use his life experience to make a difference.
“When I’m debt-free… I’ll be able to actually help other people instead of just working on helping myself get out of debt”
Nick C. is a real client compensated for sharing a real experience. Individual results may vary.
*Saving amounts are calculated based on self reported payments or tradeline minimums minus program payment.