More - Case Study/Testimonials
1. I.T. Professional
"I couldn't believe it, I cannot express how I felt. I had a way forward, which included keeping my house, incredible."
I was made redundant after 25 years service as an IT professional at 55 years of age, I had a wife, children and a large mortgage. The payout didn't last but unfortunately my "very good" credit rating kept things afloat for probably too long, allowing the credit card debts and associated interest to build up to a massive level.
I kept putting things off hoping I would get employment, whilst the debts mounted. Finally I reached the credit limits on all my credit cards and bank balances. I felt sick, my world was about to crash in around me and I fully expected to lose my house.
I searched the internet for companies that helped people to manage debts (not debt consolidation companies as I was not in a position to borrow anymore).
At last I got help when I found a Certified Debt Specialist . Actually that is a gross under statement. I can't remember how long I was on the phone with the Certified Debt Specialist for, but they listened to my situation and explained possible options. I couldn't believe it, I cannot express how I felt. I had a way forward, which included keeping my house, incredible.
I managed to get a job, albeit low paid, but enough to enable me to save for settlement proposals to my creditors, to pay off a percentage of my debts (over a five year period).
From this point the Certified Debt Specialist dealt with my creditors on my behalf and the creditor's continual phone calls to my house day and night eased, until they ceased completely.
The Certified Debt Specialist team has been marvellous, not only finding a solution, but also being highly professional, understanding and approachable in all my dealings with them. I cannot recommend them highly enough.
Whilst things will still be tight, my family and I can continue to live in our house, my children will be able to complete their education and will hopefully be in employment in the next couple of years. Things should become easier.
2. Cashier
"My negotiated settlements were accepted and I no longer dread the phone ringing or the mailman. I have not used a credit or debit card since February 2005 and I'm not getting further and further into debt."
In February 2005 I found myself drowning in a sea of debt and unable to manage financially. My partner of ten years had left me and I was saddled with debts of $70,000. They were all in my name as my partner had only worked sporadically whilst we were together.
I managed to pay the minimum payments but was getting further and further into debt using one card to pay another. I did not know who to turn to, was severely depressed and on medication. I also felt so ashamed of the mess I was in.
While watching television one night, I saw an advertisement for a debt settlement company and called their helpline. They referred me to a Certified Debt Specialist .
After my initial chat with the Certified Debt Specialist , I felt for the first time there may be light at the end of the tunnel for me.
I have nothing but praise and admiration for the way I was helped through this very difficult time. I cannot thank the team enough for the help and advice I have received. They were non-judgmental and made me feel comfortable in a very uncomfortable situation.
My negotiated settlements have so far been accepted and I no longer dread the phone ringing or the mailman. I have a way to go but I have learned a valuable lesson.
I have not used a credit or debit card since February 2005 and am not getting further and further into debt. I have got my life back together again and could not have done this without the help of a Certified Debt Specialist.
3. Retired Businessman
"From the beginning of their involvement I felt more relaxed and I could not see any better way of settling my debts than by the final settlements they suggested"
In the middle of 2004 I came to the conclusion that my company was insolvent and drastic action had to be taken. Economic instability due to factors such as September 11 had plunged my previously profitable business into rapid decline. I was 75, in good health and had wanted to work up until my 80th birthday, as I still had a family to support.
I was only able to keep the business afloat by funding it with personal credit cards, using stock market shares for security on bank loans and by securing a loan against my property.
I took advice from the Chamber of Commerce and it was suggested that liquidation may be the only answer. This resolved the company's affairs but left me with substantial personal debts which I could not afford to pay. My health was suffering and unsurprisingly I suffered a stroke.
What could I do? I was 75, in poor health and consequently unable to work to pay my debts. Obtaining a remortgage of my property was impossible with only a pension as our household income.
An equity take out scheme was suggested but this was not going to raise enough money to clear my debts which now exceeded $230,000. My family offered to help by raising money on their properties, but I did not want to put their houses at risk. I was advised to contact a Certified Debt Specialist who instantly made me feel more relaxed. They called me a number of times and systematically put together a full and final settlement to creditors using their debt arbitration procedures.
When I heard that my creditors had accepted the proposals I felt that a load of worries had been removed from my shoulders. Without the professional assistance of a Certified Debt Specialist I would not have been able to solve the problem.
4. Retailer
"I am very grateful to The Certified Debt Specialist for all their help - I do not know where I would be now if I hadn't contacted them"
In January 2004 I made the decision to become self employed, leaving behind a lucrative career as a sales account manager. I was already in nearly $70,000 of debt and had been managing the minimum monthly payments.
However when I first became self employed, I overestimated my profit margins by a considerable amount. This, together with the costs of setting up a business plus some initial teething problems, meant that my debts increased by another $25,000. I was finding it impossible to meet the minimum payments. I then also found out I was pregnant with my first child.
I went onto Google, searched under 'debt help' and found a Certified Debt Specialist straight away. A telephone interview was arranged and I was very impressed with their level of understanding and hopeful that I could get my debt situation sorted out without losing my business. They put together a proposal which allowed me to make payments out of the future earnings of my business for a period of three years, to fund settlements of my accounts even though it was not even near payment in full.
My business is based at home; consequently I could continue to do business, look after my baby and pay off my debts within a fixed period of time, at an affordable sum. I am very grateful to The Certified Debt Specialist for all their help - I do not know where I would be now if I hadn't contacted them.
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