Winner's Circle

August 2009

What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced in trying to get out of debt?

The Winning Entry

	"My biggest challenge was actually making the call to CareOne. I was so worried that I would have a "label" put on me and that whomever I spoke to would think less of me because of my debt. I had to get over my pride and realize that if I didn't call, I would never get out of the hole I had put myself in. When I did call, I felt a huge weight lifted off of me. Every person I have ever spoken to at CareOne has been very understanding and not remotely judgmental." Madeline B., Crossroads, TX

Other Favorites

Notable Mention

"Actually admitting that I was in debt was the biggest challenge I faced. That was the first big hurtle for me. When I finally accepted it, I started my research and found CareOne."

Lisa B., Callahan, FL

"The biggest challenge I have faced trying to get out of debt is saving money every month for emergencies like getting the car fixed, etc. I used to pull out the plastic because I did not have money in savings. Then I would send every extra penny to my credit card companies hoping to pay them off quicker. Now, with CareOne's help, I have a plan to save a specific amount each month. I know that if I follow their schedule and pay on time I can be debt-free in a few years and have extra cash on hand for emergencies. It’s a win-win situation!"

Gina M., Randallstown, MD

"My biggest challenge is stopping myself from buying things I don’t need and supporting my habit with credit cards. The temptation I face is when companies offer special promotions and coupons for opening a credit card with them. Then I spend money, when I don’t need to, when I get the charge card from the promotional offer and get yet further into debt! I have cut up all my credit cards and only go out of the house with my debit card. I then go to the ATM before I go shopping and give myself a spending limit within my budget. I look at items longer now and ask myself three questions: Do I really need this item? Can I afford this item? Can I live without this item? If the answer to the question isn't ‘Yes’ to all three, I walk away! "

Sommer P., Shell Beach, CA

"The hardest thing for me since trying to get out of debt is not having a credit card to fall back on. All of my credit cards are a part of the CareOne plan and I worry that something major is going to come up and I'll have no way to pay for it. Although this has been difficult, it has also taught me a lot of responsibility and now I watch every dime that I spend. I enjoy cutting coupons and finding great deals. I put my stress towards finding every way imaginable to save money and I get great relief every time I find a great deal. I've learned that if I'm wise with my money everything works out in the end!"

Lauren K., Christiansburg, VA

"My biggest challenge to get out of debt has been the need to modify spending on my grandchildren. I live very close to four of my six grandchildren. It has been very hard for me to not give in to the "Can I have this?" when I know most of the things they ask for are unnecessary and really not needed. I started taking the children to the library where we spend time reading together. So now it's "Can we go to the library?" Something that will stimulate learning and is free has replaced the wasted money I sometimes spent on a daily basis. "

Carol W., Seattle, WA

"Learning that the cash I have is the ONLY money I can spend has been my biggest challenge. No more just one of these or just one of those. Strictly living on cash alone is a challenge, but it is rewarding to know that my debt is decreasing rather than increasing every single week."

Linda D., Landing, NJ

"The biggest challenge in trying to get out of debt has been overcoming the feeling of "keeping up with the Joneses." It's sometimes difficult to tell others that I can't go to this event or that event. But I've found that if I tell them that it's just not in our budget to participate, I'm surprised at how many agree with me and have been joining me in money-saving activities instead!"

Lisa B., Crookston, MN

"My biggest challenge is trying to get my children to understand why we simply can't have certain items because we must stick to a budget. I went through a period of time where I would say, "Ok, we'll charge it!", and they got used to that. Well now I'm on a budget to become debt-free and my biggest challenge is teaching them why."

Abigail B., Linn, MO

"The biggest challenge I've faced while trying to overcome my debt was dealing with it on an emotional level. It became very apparent overtime how my debt was sneaking it's way into all aspects of my life. I became depressed hopeless and most of all a feeling of being trapped. When I finally made the commitment to care one my troubles concerning debt eased almost immediately. Today I now feel hopeful again knowing that by the time I'm thirty all my debt will be paid off. It's definitely given me something to look forward to!"

Jessica L., Tequesta, FL

"PEER PRESSURE!! My friends are always going out to dinner or shows or some event which requires a good amount of money. I always want to go, but I know it’s just not in my budget. I've learned to set aside a little extra money just for this purpose and when they are doing something really great, I can actually join them!"

Ann Marie S., Sag Harbor, NY

"The biggest challenge we have faced in trying to get out of debt is learning to swallow our pride and use the tools that CareOne offers to get out of debt and stay on track. Several years ago my husband was in a motorcycle accident and we were strapped with a lot of medical and credit card debt. Instead of filing bankruptcy, like so many of our friends, we enrolled in CareOne and stuck to our Plan. We will be debt-free by December of this year. And because of our Program, we will also be purchasing our first home in September. The Program has helped us change our thinking of debt and how we spend our money and put us on the right track for our future!"

Amber P., Cashmere, WA

"Honesty and accountability has been the biggest hurdle to overcome. I have teamed up with my best friend and we have sat down and taken an honest look at our income, debt and spending habits. Prior to that, we would always justify purchases and expenses that we really didn't need and, in reality, couldn't afford. By working together and being accountable to each other, we have managed to take control of our debt and get our credit card balances down. We have developed a grocery shopping strategy that has enabled us to buy in bulk, share items, and save money. When either of us feels the urge to shop and buy something we don't need, we call each other and discuss it. We have learned that many times we shop out of emotional reasons and not real need. Being honest and accountable has made us wiser and more responsible. The buddy system works for us!"

Cathy J., Princess Anne, MD

"Temptation. This can be the single most difficult challenge that I have faced. Sometimes it can be hard to resist buying those gorgeous heels and matching purse but you have to remember your goals. My personal goal is FINANCIAL FREEDOM! In order to avoid temptation, I have cut up my credit cards. Out of sight; out of mind. If I don't have the cash to purchase it, it doesn't get bought. This helps to eliminate any future debt while I am going through my CareOne program."

Vershonda W., Houston, TX