Graduate Exclusive! Annemie L. Saves Money and Prepares to Launch Her Own Business
We interviewed Annemie to find out about her journey and how life’s been since graduating from Beyond Finance in May of 2023.
- Debt Amount: $73,020
- Started: August 2022
- Graduated: May 2023
Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
I live in Wilmington, North Carolina with my dog, Cutie. I was a teacher for 6 years, but I’m currently a programmer at a bank.
Anything extra was money in my pocket and in my savings finally. It was a huge life-changing thing.
How did you find yourself in debt?
I got into debt when I moved to accept a new job — they told me I’d get a certain salary, but when I started, it was much lower. I was young and naive, already signed the contract, and had a new apartment.
Then, I found out I had a brain tumor and needed a service dog. The medical expenses and everything else just added up really fast.
I kept feeling like I just had to work harder, get more jobs. It was outrageous amounts that I was trying to pay off. And the monthly payments were $2,000 each month. It was insane. I had no energy for any kind of life, and I was like, “there’s no way I’m meant to live like this.”
How was your experience with us?
Your people on the phone helped me realize that it’s not just me — that the world of credit card debt is just like that. I took a leap of faith and went forward with Beyond Finance, and I am so happy I did.
It went from a $2,000 payment to a $1,200 payment. I was actually able to live on the money that I made. Anything extra was money in my pocket and in my savings finally. It was a huge life-changing thing.
I finally felt a sense of hope and financial security that this is going to be okay, that we’re making steps in the right direction.
What’s happened since you graduated?
Now that I’m debt-free, I’m in a place where I’m able to save money. The extra jobs I do, I can put right in my pocket. I have enough money now that I’m investing in my own business soon!
I’ve been doing a lot of research for that, which wouldn’t have been a possibility before — I would have been stressing out. I’ve been trying super hard to start this project that I’ve had in my heart since fourth grade. So, I’m finally in a position where I can make that dream come true because I can invest in myself. My life’s great!
Real client compensated for a real story.