You might wonder why people become debt counsellors.
We can tell you that it is not for the money or glamour. It is not an easy job. Every day we deal with stress, fear and complicated financial problems. We sit across from people, just like yourself, who feel overwhelmed and stressed.
So why do we choose this work?
The answer is simple. We genuinely want to help people rebuild their financial lives.
Many of us previously worked in banking. Some of us worked in collections departments. Others worked in legal divisions where we saw what happens when accounts fall behind. We saw the letters of demand. We saw the summons being issued. We saw cars being repossessed and salary deductions being processed. But we also saw something else. We saw how confused and overwhelmed consumers often are. We saw how quickly interest can grow and how fast missed payments can turn into legal action. For many of us, that experience changed how we viewed the system and the people caught inside it.
Some of us have also faced tough financial times ourselves. A number of us were once helped by others when we were under pressure. Some of us have even been through the debt review process personally and saw how it helped our own families. We know what it feels like to lie awake at night worrying about money. We understand the stress of choosing which account to pay and which one to delay. Because of these experiences, we now see both sides. We understand the credit provider’s need to be repaid. We also understand the fear and frustration that you may be feeling right now.
We know that debt is not just numbers on a statement.
It has a human cost. We have seen the strain that money problems place on marriages. We have seen parents forced to say no to school trips, sport activities or even basic needs because there is no money left. We have heard the anxiety in a consumer’s voice when the phone rings and it might be a collector. When finances spiral out of control, many other parts of life begin to fall apart. That is why helping through the courts to make repayments manageable on a month to month basis is about more than just money. When finances are stabilised, relationships can slowly heal. Stress can reduce. Families can begin to breathe again.
It’s important to know that we are not against credit providers. Banks and lenders must be repaid. That is fair. Money was borrowed and it needs to be returned. What we believe is that repayment should be realistic and dignified. Debt review creates a legal plan through the courts that reduces instalments to what you can actually afford. Interest and fees are often reduced. Collections stress can be stopped. Instead of churning, treading water or slowly sinking, you begin to move forward with a clear plan. Sorting out your finances is the first step in taking back control of your entire life.
Many of us could have stayed in banking or collections. Instead, we chose to become a force for good. We now act as a bridge between you and your credit providers. We (and our staff) are passionate about helping people restore balance. We want to see you finish the process, repay what you owe and receive your clearance certificate. For many of us, this is more than a job. It is a calling. It is a real opportunity to help save families and, in some cases, even lives.
During National Debt Awareness Month, we are offering to sit down with you and go through your finances at no cost. We will look at your income, your expenses and your debts. We will help you figure out what needs to change. If your situation is serious, we may recommend debt review or even sequestration where appropriate. If it is not that severe, we will guide you on which credit providers to speak to and how to make arrangements that can swing things back in your favour. The first conversation can change everything.
You do not have to face this alone. Taking action today can stop the slow slide and start a steady recovery.
Give us a call. We want to help.