Meet Our Clients: Laura A.
ByAnna Baluch
UpdatedOct 27, 2026
- Laura sat down with FDR to share her story in a Q&A session.
- Laura suffered a heart attack, and medical bills led to credit card debt.
- The FDR program allowed Laura to make affordable deposits. Within a few months, "I got my first settlement and immediately felt better."
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Ozzy S., Freedom client²
“Right away, I had more money each month because of program costs so much less than what I was paying on my minimums.”
At Freedom Debt Relief, our mission is to empower everyday Americans to move forward towards a better financial future and to date, we’ve helped hundreds of thousands of people do just that. To help us better tell our story, we’ve asked some of our clients to tell theirs.
Recently, our client Laura A. sat down with us to share her story in a Q&A session, as part of our Voice of Our Client series. Here’s a closer look at how debt relief has affected Laura’s financial situation and life, in her own words.
Medical bills led to credit card debt
FDR: How have your health issues impacted your debt?
Laura: I suffered my first heart attack in 2012, followed by my second one in 2017, and another one last year. My healthcare deductible kept increasing until I was paying thousands of dollars per hospital visit. I had no other choice than to use my credit cards.
Then, Laura found Freedom Debt Relief
FDR: What made you seek help?
Laura: My debt just kept growing year after year and it got so stressful. My health issues are triggered by stress, and this debt just made my condition worse. It had to stop. I Googled “debt relief” and I found Freedom.
FDR: On your initial phone call, did you feel pressured to join the program?
Laura: When I called Freedom, I felt no pressure to sign up. The gentleman on the phone made me feel calm and provided me all the information about the program. I discussed it with my husband and we decided it was the best option for us.
She followed the program and resolved her debts
FDR: How does it feel to be debt free?
Laura: Getting out of debt in just two years has lifted a huge weight off my shoulders. And I wouldn’t have been able to accomplish this without Freedom. They laid out the program and I just followed it. Now we are starting fresh and I’m looking forward to our future. I would not be where I am now without Freedom Debt Relief. I’m so thankful, and I wish I’d called them sooner.
FDR: Tell us how relieved you were after taking the first step.
Laura: Even though the program made sense to me, taking that first step was scary. But within a few months I got my first settlement and immediately felt better. That’s when I was like, ‘Okay, we did the right thing’. Plus, the monthly program payment was maybe a third of what I was paying on credit cards, so we were saving money too.
Ready for the next step in your story?
If you’re struggling with debt or are just worried about falling behind on payments, it might be time to take action like Laura did. Freedom Debt Relief is here to help you understand your options for dealing with your debt, including our debt relief program. Our Certified Debt Consultants can help you find a solution that will put you on the path to a better financial future. Find out if you qualify right now.
Check out the video of Laura’s full interview as well as the interviews of other successful FDR graduates.
Learn More
How Does a Debt Relief Program Work? (Freedom Debt Relief)
Study: Freedom Debt Relief Helps Clients Reduce Stress (Freedom Debt Relief)
5 Ways to Get Rid of Debt Stress (Freedom Debt Relief)
Americans Spending Stimulus Check on Bills, Debt (Freedom Debt Relief)
People just like you are seeking debt relief in Tulsa, OK and across the country. The first step is the most important one—explore your options.
Debt relief stats and trends
We looked at a sample of data from Freedom Debt Relief of people seeking debt relief during September 2026. The data uncovers various trends and statistics about people seeking debt help.
Credit card tradelines and debt relief
Ever wondered how many credit card accounts people have before seeking debt relief?
In September 2026, people seeking debt relief had some interesting trends in their credit card tradelines:
The average number of open tradelines was 14.
The average number of total tradelines was 26.
The average number of credit card tradelines was 7.
The average balance of credit card tradelines was $15,142.
Having many credit card accounts can complicate financial management. Especially when balances are high. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the number of credit cards and the debt on them, know that you’re not alone. According to our 2026 Credit Card Burnout Study, 46% of cardholders say their credit card balance feels like a bill they will never fully escape. However, seeking help to get out of credit card debt can put you on the path to recovery.
Student loan debt – average debt by selected states
Student loan debt among those seeking debt relief is prevalent. In September 2026, 27% of the debt relief seekers had student debt. The average student debt balance (for those with student debt) was $48,703.
Here is a quick look at the top five states by average student debt balance.
Student debt by states
| State | Percent with student loans | Average Balance for those with student loans | Average monthly payment |
|---|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | 34 | $71,987 | $203 |
| Georgia | 29 | $59,907 | $183 |
| Mississippi | 28 | $55,347 | $145 |
| Alaska | 22 | $54,555 | $104 |
| Maryland | 31 | $54,495 | $142 |
The statistics are based on all debt relief seekers with a student loan balance over $0.
Student debt is an important part of many households' financial picture. When you examine your finances, consider your total debt and your monthly payments.
Regain Financial Freedom
Seeking debt relief can be the first step toward financial freedom. Are you struggling with debt? Explore options for debt relief to regain control of your finances. It doesn't matter how old you are or what your FICO score or credit utilization is. Take the first step towards a brighter financial future today.
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Written by
Anna Baluch
Anna Baluch is a freelance writer who enjoys writing about all personal finance topics. She’s particularly interested in mortgages, retirement, insurance, and investing.