How a Mississippi HR Manager Cleared $55,000 in Credit Card Debt

Prestamo’s journey to financial independence required a hard look at her habits. After moving to the U.S. from Venezuela in 2009, she found the accessibility of credit cards overwhelming. At her peak, she juggled ten different cards, using gifts and vacation souvenirs as a misplaced expression of affection. When the interest rates caused her debt to spiral rather than shrink, she turned to Money Management International through her employer’s assistance program. This intervention allowed her to restructure her finances, committing to a $1,077 monthly payment plan that she aggressively supplemented with work bonuses.

Since clearing her debt this April, Prestamo has shifted her focus toward long-term security. She increased her 401(k) contributions to capture the full 6% company match and is now building an emergency fund to create a financial buffer. Alongside her husband, who manages their mortgage through his restaurant income, she is prioritizing home equity and savings for their six-year-old son. Using vision boards to maintain discipline, she tracks every expense via mobile apps and keeps her credit usage minimal, ensuring that her dream of retiring at 65 remains a realistic target rather than a distant aspiration.