I’ve been struggling with credit card debt for years, and it’s piled up to over $55,000. Most of my income goes toward payments, leaving me barely able to keep up with bills, which forces me to rely on credit even more. It reached a breaking point, and I knew I had to face this head-on, or it would ruin my life. So, I started looking into my options.
I found a lot of positive information about American Consumer Credit Counseling (ACCC), and even though I was skeptical, I decided to give it a try and submitted an application.
This morning, I had my first call with them. The interest rates on my cards and loans, which were as high as 29.99%, have now dropped to just 2%. My monthly payments are $400 less than what I was previously paying. In 52 months, I’ll be debt-free and will have saved about $51,000 in interest. They also gave me a detailed budget that finally makes sense. The representative was incredibly kind and non-judgmental, even pointing out the small things I was doing right, which really boosted my confidence.
For the first time in years, I feel optimistic about the future, and I’m proud of my decision to make a change. I recognize that spending has been like an addiction for me, so I’m treating it as such. I’m going to therapy, seeking emotional support from loved ones, and taking concrete steps to improve my situation.
If you’re feeling like it’s impossible to recover from financial hardship, I want you to know that you can do it. Your mistakes don’t define you. It’s about how you bounce back, and when you’re ready, you will.
So ACCC is a non-profit debt management company, and while it was the right choice for me, it might not be for everyone. Enrolling in the program can cause a temporary dip in your credit score since they close the accounts you enroll with them (you choose which ones). But for me, the long-term benefits of quickly paying off debt far outweigh the short-term impact.*
