Gayle Brown has faced a range of financial problems. The combination of bills, college tuition, credit cards and frequent shopping “binges,” eventually spelled out debt for the Brown family.

Gayle's path leading to a debt trap started early. “I was not educated at a young age on how to save money, and definitely not how to spend it. This bled over to my young adult years and caused a downward spiral. The little knowledge I gained from watching my mother do her bills kept me from getting into a worse situation.”

“It wasn’t long after I acquired my first Visa card that department stores were eagerly offering and issuing me cards,” said Gayle. “From there it just got out of control, and I found myself in college, with just my husband’s income to provide for a family of six, inevitably leading to debt.”

The 34-year-old bank operations specialist felt hopelessness and despair for her family’s situation. But she was driven to reduce her debt by her commitment to her four daughters, Cynnamon, 7; Kendrea, 12; Vanessa, 13; and Karmen, 15. Gayle vowed to turn her life around. “I heard about CCCS Atlanta from a relative while living in Florida, but your commercial on TV led me to you.”

Since turning to CCCS Atlanta, these Covington, Georgia, residents have found their way out of debt and into a new home. Just 12 days after Gayle completed her debt management plan she and her husband Brian were able to buy a house for their family.

“I have gained a better knowledge of money and I am working on how to get money to work for me and not have me working for money for the rest of my life,” said Gayle. “I am continually striving to manage my finances better, so I never have to end up in the financial ‘noose’ again.”

About CCCS of Atlanta
Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Atlanta is a nonprofit, community service agency dedicated to empowering people to achieve a lifetime of economic freedom. CCCS Atlanta provides free, confidential budget counseling, community and personal money management education, debt management programs, and comprehensive housing counseling. Contact CCCS Atlanta by phone at 1-888-771-HOPE (4673), or visit the Web site.