How do you think you got into financial trouble?
Credit cards used for Christmas and cash to pay other debt.
How did that make you feel?
Lost, anxious and often depressed.
How long did it take you to get back on your feet financially?
Just under 4 years with Solve Your Debts.
Is your outlook on life different now that you are debt free?
Yes. Now I understand how quickly you can be buried in debt and the need to save money for rainy days and unexpected expenses.
How did dealing with your debt help in other areas of your life?
I feel relief. I feel better about our future.
If you had a chance for a “do-over” in your life what would you have done differently that could have prevented, you from getting into debt?
Would not apply for more than one credit card or store credit cards.
What influenced you the most to change your spending habits?
Having no money at the end of payday after paying minimum debts.
How did Credit Counselling Services of Atlantic Canada help you with your situation?
They set my budget for repayment and got most of the creditors to lower the interest to zero.
How did it feel when you finished working with Credit Counselling Services and became debt free?
Overjoyed! Relieved.
What are you doing now to ensure you don’t repeat past financial mistakes?
Rebuilding my credit rating. Putting aside money for rainy day and budgeting.
If you were to experience financial difficulty again, would you use credit counselling to get back on track?
Yes!
How has becoming debt free allowed you to plan for your future?
Looking forward to building a small, or possibly a larger nest egg for the future.
Have you been able to educate/encourage other members of your family to budget and save?
I have tried and my son in law has taken steps to alleviate his debts.
If you had to give up one daily expense to be debt free, what would it be?
Thrift store shopping which has become an addiction.
