Employee Spotlight: How Melissa P. Draws From Her Own Experiences to Help Others Get Out of Debt
Meet Melissa
Melissa P. started as a Consolidation Specialist at Beyond Finance in 2023. Having personally dealt with over $85,000 in credit card and personal loan debt, she knows firsthand the stress and stigma that come with owing more than you afford. As a Consolidation Specialist, she has drawn on that experience to relate to clients and guide them toward solutions that will restore their peace of mind.
How Melissa’s Journey Began
“I was already dealing with debt when I got sick and was out of work during Covid,” Melissa recalls. “Of course more piled on and it kind of snowballed from there.” With mounting medical bills and nothing saved for emergencies, she found herself making only minimum payments — and watching her balances barely budge.
Recognizing the Power of Asking for Help
Eventually, Melissa realized she couldn’t maintain her payments anymore. Her debt was crippling her and holding her back from so many things she wanted to accomplish. She knew she needed a plan, so she worked with a consolidation program.
That $85,000 in debt felt like a huge weight and it was holding me back from doing the things I wanted to do. I didn’t want to ask for help, but I did — and it worked for me.
Using First-Hand Debt Experience to Help Others
In her work with Beyond Finance, Melissa has leaned on her personal debt experience. She has never led with sales pitches. Instead, she has comforted the people she’s helped by sharing her own story.
I know what it’s like to feel like a failure and this solution gives you your life back.
By conveying empathy and speaking honestly, she has helped people feel confident that they’re making the right choice — not just for today but for decades to come.
Advice for Others: “If I Can Ask for Help, So Can You”
Melissa’s biggest lesson is that no one overcomes debt alone. She has shared five practical steps for anyone struggling with debt:
- Acknowledge the struggle
“I didn’t want to ask for help,” she admits. “We’re all human.” Naming the problem has reduced its power for many of her clients. - Gather your numbers
“I had over $85,000 in debt between credit cards and personal loans,” Melissa says. Listing every account, balance and interest rate makes conversations with professionals faster and more productive. - Set small goals and be patient
Feeling overwhelmed by decades of payoff? Break it down. Melissa suggests celebrating every milestone — even paying off one card. “Each zero balance gives you confidence to keep going,” she notes. - Lean on proven experts
“If I can ask for help with debt, anyone can,” she emphasizes. She has urged people to research consolidation programs, read reviews and ask about credentials. “You deserve professionals who treat you like a person, not a number.” - Stay engaged and adapt
Debt management isn’t “set and forget.” It’s ok to check in monthly to ask questions and adjust your budget. “When I see someone struggle, I share my own setbacks,” she says. “Knowing you’re not alone keeps you on track.”
If I can ask for help with debt, anyone can. It may feel scary but I survived — and you will too.
A Future Built on Financial Freedom
Melissa is grateful that her own experience has given her the tools and insights to uplift others through her work at Beyond Finance.
Taking control of my debt has changed my life by giving me financial freedom.
About this story: Melissa is a real employee who was compensated for taking the time to share her experience with us.