Blogging for Change

Life lessons Deannas story

by Kim McGrigg on
10/26/2011
in Personal Finance , Repaying Debt

We are honored to give voice to consumers who have overcome financial challenges. Through their own words, these consumers will tell you about what it was like to be in and repay unmanageable debt. They will also share inspiring words about the many ways their lives have changed as a result of their debt repayment efforts.

Following is Deanna's story.

I decided to ask for assistance because like everyone, I was tired of collectors calling my house. When I had unexpected expenses, it always affected whether or not I could pay my normal bills. I was frustrated because I was making the monthly payments and not seeing any real deductions in my account balances.

I chose Money Management International (MMI) because they are a non-profit organization. My first conversation with them was related to where I was now and where I wanted to be. Once I gave them the background, information, MMI worked with my creditors to get the interest reduced or eliminated and set up a payment plan that was within my budget. They accomplished this pretty quickly. I did not have to talk to my creditors or have any dealings with them, once the plan was in place. If I received any correspondence, it was forwarded directly to MMI. This made the decision easy. As long as I made my payments, I did not have to hear from any one and if I needed assistance MMI would be there to help me.

I did have to make a partial payment one month. MMI worked with my creditors to adjust the payment plan for this month and I continued my payments as normal. The plan assisted me in having money left to live on comfortably and taught me to put some aside for emergencies. It was great to see the account balances reduce significantly each month. The statement and emails from them gave me encouragement. I finished the plan early.

Working with MMI taught me how to budget and plan for my bills. It taught me how to plan for those large expenses you don’t see every month like car insurance or property tax. It got me out of a situation that I do not plan to go back to, being in debt that I cannot pay or live with comfortably. I have been blessed with a house, my vehicle is paid for, and I am planning for a future with little or no debt. Without these valuable life lessons, I do not think I would be where I am today.

-Deanna

Kim McGrigg is the former Manager of Community and Media Relations for MMI.

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