Graduate Exclusive! Latia I. Buys a New Lexus, Travels to Mexico, and Plans to Teach Her Kids Financial Literacy

We interviewed Latia — gamer, bookworm, and TV lover — to learn how she found her way out of more than $13,000 of debt — and into a new life filled with savings, a renovated home, and a luxury car she never thought she could afford. Most importantly, she’s giving her kids the financial education she wishes she’d had.

• Debt Amount: $13,401
• Started: September 2019
• Graduated: June 2023

I was a single mom at the time, and while my son’s dad was contributing financially at first, he lost his job. Suddenly, I was responsible for everything — daycare, food, school clothes — and I was doing it all on one income.

I was using credit cards just to survive. Daycare alone was $150 a week. I was buying food on credit, clothes on credit. Before I knew it, I was $13,000 in debt.

My payment history was 100%. But my utilization was over 99%. And eventually, I realized: I’m not going to get out of this cycle unless I make a change.

Beyond Finance gave me a safety net. They took control of my debt and helped me eliminate it. But more than that, they gave me financial literacy. Now I know how to live life debt-free — and how to teach my kids to do the same.

How did you find Beyond Finance and what was your experience like with us?

I talked with a coworker who had gone through the program, and she now had three properties, was financially secure, and working because she wanted to, not because she had to. 

I was skeptical at first — I had never heard of Beyond. But she gave me her whole story. She showed me proof. And that’s when I decided to take a chance. 

I don’t remember the name of the first Beyond rep I spoke to, but I’ll never forget his voice. He said, “My job is to help you — not sell you something.” That resonated with me.

I was looking for a release from the stress, and he gave me hope. That was all I needed to say ‘yes.’

What was graduating like and what’s happened since?

It felt like there should’ve been a ceremony! I got that final email, “Congratulations, you’re done,” and I just thought, “Wow, I made it!” I even told Beyond, we need a virtual graduation — let us celebrate together. (laughs) It was an amazing feeling.

I went to Mexico — paid in cash. I’m doing two vacations a year now, because I understand how to budget!

I got a new car — a 2025 Lexus RX 350. Tier one credit, no money down, great interest rate! They ran my credit and were like, “What do you want?” I couldn’t believe it.

I also redid my whole living space. Over the years I saved up and turned it into a proper apartment. New floors, and I had a kitchen installed.

My financial habits have absolutely changed. Even though the debt wasn’t totally my fault, I still look back and see some things I could’ve avoided — like buying a $3,000 couch when I didn’t need to. But that’s hindsight. Now I know better. 

I plan for things. I budget monthly, even for vacations. I know about utilization now. I ask questions about APR. I didn’t know any of that before.

The house I’m in belongs to me, my parents, and my sister, and now I want to buy a vacation home. It’s generational wealth — something my kids can inherit. Eventually, maybe we’ll buy more. I want to build income streams and keep growing.

Beyond Finance gave me a safety net. They took control of my debt and helped me eliminate it. But more than that, they gave me financial literacy. Now I know how to live life debt-free — and how to teach my kids to do the same.