Graduate Exclusive! Matt S. Rebuilds Savings, Travels to Europe, and Invests in Self-Care

We interviewed Matt to learn how life has changed since graduating from Beyond Finance. From caretaking for his grandmother to running a film production company, Matt’s days are now shaped by creativity, confidence, and a newfound sense of financial freedom.

Debt Amount: $27,574
Started: January 2023
Graduated: December 2024

Can you tell us a bit about yourself?

I live in Orange County. I grew up around here, spent about 10 years in L.A., and came back to help out with some family stuff. I’ve been my 94-year-old grandmother’s full-time caretaker for the past 18 months.

I also run an independent film production company and do some media consulting. Because I’m a social person and need to get out of the house, I picked up a job at a restaurant — it gives me a chance to stay connected, and I like staying active.

I’m a lifelong creative. I grew up acting, I play guitar, hike, go to the gym, and I try to get down to the beach in Dana Point whenever I can!

Beyond Finance helped me press pause on the financial chaos, and gave me the space to rebuild. It wasn’t just about debt relief. It was about creating a whole new approach to life and money.

How did you find yourself in debt?

This was actually my second debt program. I completed the first one, but when a medical situation hit, every dollar I earned went to medical bills. To keep up with rent and the rest of life, I leaned on credit cards again.

This time around, I tried looking into consolidation loans first, but either I couldn’t qualify or was quoted 30–35% interest. That’s when I got a call from Beyond Finance.

At first, I wasn’t sure. But once I understood what Beyond could do, I said yes. And I’m so glad I did.

What made Beyond Finance different from the other company you had used?

The education. That was the missing piece for me the first time around. Beyond doesn’t just get you out of debt — they give you the tools to stay out. I was constantly getting emails, app reminders, and tips on budgeting, spending, and building smarter habits.

Matt in front of the Acropolis in Athens, Greece.

I also really appreciated how candid but caring the people were. They weren’t shaming me — they understood the situation and helped me see a way out.

How did your program go?

I was paying $800 to $1,000 a month on my credit cards before the program — most of it going to interest. I would’ve been paying those cards for 20+ years.

With Beyond, I was paying $400–$500 a month,* and it was actually going somewhere! Huge difference.

And once you get that first account paid off, you feel the momentum. It feels amazing to see progress happening so fast. I put my head down and pushed every extra dollar I could into the program. Beyond made it so easy to make additional payments, and every time I did, I got to watch my balance drop. It was motivating.

My original program was set for four years. I graduated in just under 2 years!

What was graduating like and what’s happened since?

Graduating felt, “electric.” There’s really no other word for it. I just felt pride and relief. I knew I was finally done.

Matt exploring a marketplace on his month-long European family vacation.

Now, I’ve rebuilt my savings. I have a five-figure emergency fund — something I’ve never had before — and I pretend like it doesn’t exist unless I absolutely need it.

Matt poses with his collaborators at a film festival. He shared during our interview that he’s able to focus more on his film production business, now that he’s not dealing with debt.

And I took a month-long vacation to Europe with my family — something I never could’ve imagined doing before! Switzerland, Germany, France, Greece — the works. I finally had the time and the financial freedom to enjoy myself.

I also financed a new car at the end of 2024. And I’ve been able to focus on my business again. I’ve flown across the country to meet clients and expand my network. I’ve traveled to eight film festivals, and I’m heading to more soon.

I can spend time with people again. I’m not constantly hustling and trying to make rent or pay off debt. I used to work full-time, DoorDash on the side, and pick up shifts through staffing apps. Now, I actually get to live.

I walk more. I cook at home. I have a gym membership. I spend time with my family. I have time to take care of myself.

Beyond Finance helped me press pause on the financial chaos, and gave me the space to rebuild. It wasn’t just about debt relief. It was about creating a whole new approach to life and money.

*Clients typically save around $480 per month on their debt payments.

Real client compensated for a real story.