3rd Place Winner of Consolidated Credit’s 15th Annual Holiday Story Contest

In early 2007, I had my daughter shortly thereafter my husband and I were married.  We soon found out we were expecting another baby due to arrive at the beginning of 2008.  With baby #2 on the way, the expenses from the wedding and having a new baby to care for, our bills began to pile up.  We decided to join Consolidated Credit in September of  2008.

In December of 2008,  my husband lost his job.  We contemplated stopping our agreement with Consolidated Credit and make payments whenever we could since money was scarce.  We were living off of only my secretary income and his unemployment checks, needless to say times/holidays were tough.  I’m sure it was similar to many people facing similar situations this holiday season.  We were living in a 1 bedroom apartment with a new born, a1-year-old, my husband and myself but thank God we had a roof over our heads and were determined to stay with the debt management program no matter what it took.  It was the best decision we ever made.

Fast forward 3 years later; since signing up we have been able to move from that 1 bedroom apartment to a 2 bedroom apartment to now renting a house. Consolidated Credit was able to negotiate lower minimum monthly payments and interest rates with our creditors,  we have been able pay off many of our credit cards creating a better way of life and future for our family.

We have about 10 months left to go, we are excited to say that as soon as we have completed the program, we have plans to begin the process of purchasing a home (something we never thought we’d be able to do when we initially signed up). We have changed our attitude toward money and credit and have vowed to not get into debt we can’t handle ever again.

Sincerely,

Yvonne “Bonnie” and Henry Curiel