Testimonials

Bill D. - Seattle, WA
$20,000 in initial debt

Bill D. lives in Seattle, Washington. When he joined ClearPoint's Debt Management Program in 2001, he was a teacher with $20,000 in credit card debt. He is now following his lifelong dream of becoming a writer and looks forward to being free from his debt problems in the next year. Here, Bill shares his story about learning to manage his debt situation.

"Being deep in debt is a terrible feeling, every day, all day. I didn't want to answer the phone or open any mail. I was ashamed that I couldn't honor my obligations and I wanted to! I wanted to make it right. I was like so many others I'd heard about: I was convinced it was no big deal and then I started 'borrowing from Peter to pay Paul.' And, then, the fees kept rising: late fees, penalties, you name it they (credit card companies) have fees for everything. And, they have . changed the dates of aging cycles so that if you make payments, those payment amounts may no longer reduce the principal or interest in the way you expect. I felt cornered."

"It was several years of living beyond my means and I just didn't think about the consequences. It was kind of blind honeymooning. I just wanted to have a good time. I stayed on the credit train for five years before realizing that I needed to fix the situation. I realized I was in trouble when I saw that there was no way I could escape the vicious cycle increasing late fees and interest that kept the balances impossibly high."

"A friend suggested that I contact a debt management company, and I spoke with several. But, the ClearPoint people were the most helpful and compassionate. I can't say enough about how helpful my counselor was for me. From the first conversation, it was clear that this company cared about my situation and would help with my future and success at resolving my debt problems. They are great. I follow a spreadsheet that I taught myself to use to be sure I stay on schedule with the program ClearPoint established. People have to watch the credit card companies to be sure everything is on the up and up."

"I've been in the program for four years and I have a year and a half to go, but I am going to try to pay off the balances in a month or so and be totally free of credit card debt. I don't have much savings, but I don't have the debt load and that's a great relief. I'm answering the phone again."

"It's a great, liberating feeling. I'm back in control and don't have the crushing sense of embarrassment."

We asked Bill if there was any advice he could offer people who are concerned about their own financial circumstances.

"Avoid temptation with credit cards! Don't even start down that path. Before you know it, you're in trouble and the amounts just seem to grow and grow. And, if you are feeling a bit overwhelmed, don't wait until it's too late and you find your relationships and family are suffering as a result.take action, find a debt management company that you trust and regain control."

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