Meet Our Clients: Patti B.
- UpdatedOct 31, 2024
- Patti B shared her story with FDR as part of our Voice of Our Clients series.
- After a costly divorce, credit cards drove her into a cycle of debt.
- Patti noted that "once you get set up and follow each step, there's nothing else you have to worry about, it was so easy for me."
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At Freedom Debt Relief, our goal is to help consumers get out of debt and move toward a better financial future—and we’d like to introduce you to a few folks who have taken that journey.
As part of our Voice of Our Clients series, we’re sharing Patti B.’s story. Find out how our program a difference in Patti’s finances and life.
Credit cards drove her into a cycle of debt
FDR: How did you get into debt?
Patti: I went through a costly divorce after 27 years of marriage. When that finalized, I bought a house and even though I was making good money as a nurse, the interest rates on my credit cards were making it impossible for me to pay my bills; the debts were getting higher and higher. I was paying just the minimum on all these credit cards, and it was like I was in a hole, and I just couldn’t get out of it.
She tried to get out of it on her own
FDR: What was it like contacting the credit card companies to negotiate your debt?
Patti: I tried calling the credit card companies to negotiate lower interest rates, but they wouldn’t budge; I wasn’t getting anywhere with them. I really wanted to pay off my debts but I just felt like they wanted nothing to do with me.
FDR: When did you realize you needed help?
Patti: It was a scary, scary moment when I realized I owed $20,000. I thought, ‘what am I going to do?’ I was just so depressed about it. I didn’t want to file for bankruptcy like I did years ago. I wanted to pay these people, but I couldn’t amass enough money to pay the debt off. You spin your wheels, end up paying hundreds of dollars on interest, and you can’t get ahead. You just never get ahead. But then I found Freedom.
Patti found her solution with Freedom Debt Relief
FDR: What was it like in the early days of the program?
Patti: At first, the process seemed complicated, but the agent at Freedom Debt Relief patiently explained the whole process until I really got it and felt so much better. Once you get set up and follow each step, there’s nothing else you have to worry about, it was so easy for me. Best of all, I didn’t have to worry about the credit card debt hanging over me, I could finally go on with my life. Amazing.
FDR: How quickly did you see progress with your debts?
Patti: My first credit card debt was paid off within a year, then the next one, the next one, and I was like, ‘This is really going to happen’. After only a couple years, my debts were all paid off. I really thought it was going to take much longer.
She is more confident with money now
FDR: Has the program taught you new financial skills?
Patti: I’ve never been really good with money, but the Freedom program taught me how to be a little better about managing my expenses. Now that I’m done, I’ve been taking the money I was putting into the program and building up my savings, it’s been great.
FDR: Would you recommend FDR?
Patti: I just think the program is amazing and I’m so grateful to Freedom Debt Relief for removing the heavy debt burden off my shoulder, I can’t ever thank them enough.
You could be free of your debt burden, too
If you’re struggling with credit card debt or are just worried about falling behind on payments, it might be time to talk to Freedom Debt Relief, like Patti did. Our Certified Debt Consultants are here to help you understand your options for dealing with your debt, including our debt settlement program. We could help you find a solution that will put you on the path to a better financial future. Find out if you qualify right now.
Watch a video of Patti’s full interview as well as the interviews of other successful FDR graduates on our YouTube channel.
Learn More
How Does a Debt Relief Program Work? (Freedom Debt Relief)
Financial Advice to Ignore During a Recession (Freedom Debt Relief)
How to Protect Your Credit Score During the Covid-19 Recession (Freedom Debt Relief)
Budgeting 101: The Basics on How to Budget (Freedom Debt Relief)
Debt relief stats and trends
We looked at a sample of data from Freedom Debt Relief of people seeking debt relief during September 2024. The data uncovers various trends and statistics about people seeking debt help.
Credit Card Usage by Age Group
No matter your age, navigating debt can be daunting. These insights into the credit profiles of debt relief seekers shed light on common financial struggles and paths to recovery.
Here's a snapshot of credit behaviors for September 2024 by age groups among debt relief seekers:
| Age group | Number of open credit cards | Average (total) Balance | Average monthly payment |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-25 | 3 | $9,117 | $254 |
| 26-35 | 5 | $12,438 | $340 |
| 35-50 | 6 | $15,436 | $431 |
| 51-65 | 8 | $16,159 | $467 |
| Over 65 | 8 | $16,547 | $442 |
| All | 7 | $15,142 | $424 |
Whether you're starting your financial journey or planning for retirement, these insights can empower you to make informed decisions and work towards a more secure financial future
Student loan debt – average debt by selected states.
According to the 2023 Federal Reserve Survey of Consumer Finances (SCF) the average student debt for those with a balance was $46,980. The percentage of families with student debt was 22%. (Note: It used 2022 data).
Student loan debt among those seeking debt relief is prevalent. In September 2024, 27% of the debt relief seekers had student debt. The average student debt balance (for those with student debt) was $48,703.
Here is a quick look at the top five states by average student debt balance.
| State | Percent with student loans | Average Balance for those with student loans | Average monthly payment |
|---|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | 34 | $71,987 | $203 |
| Georgia | 29 | $59,907 | $183 |
| Mississippi | 28 | $55,347 | $145 |
| Alaska | 22 | $54,555 | $104 |
| Maryland | 31 | $54,495 | $142 |
The statistics are based on all debt relief seekers with a student loan balance over $0.
Student debt is an important part of many households' financial picture. When you examine your finances, consider your total debt and your monthly payments.
Manage Your Finances Better
Understanding your debt situation is crucial. It could be high credit use, many tradelines, or a low FICO score. The right debt relief can help you manage your money. Begin your journey to financial stability by taking the first step.
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Credit Card Debt
Credit Card Debt
