A couple's journey back from debt: 10 things they did right
By Laura Shanahan • Bankrate.com

The couple in this story could be next-door neighbors to almost any American. They are not reckless and irresponsible spendthrifts. That's why their story is so powerful.

"Greg and Tanya Christian fit squarely within the wide cross-section of folks who turn to us for help," says Edward L. Simmons, general manager of American Credit and Debt Management Inc. in Delray Beach, Fla., where the Christians sought assistance.

"They're sensible, solid citizens -- the kind of people who we tend to think can easily avoid being saddled with debt. But none of us is immune from the unforeseeable circumstances that can land us smack-dab in their shoes.

"The trick is knowing how to dig out from under, when monetary woes mount."

Simmons says the Christians have made important choices that were critical in freeing them from their heavy financial problems. Specifically, they:

• Faced the reality
  Greg faced up to the fact that the move to Dallas cost him his financial stability. He had the courage to cut his losses and try to recoup what he had.

• Focused on family
  He faced the fact that the move was costing him Tanya and their future together. He didn't stay to prove he was right.
  
  
• Put pride aside
  Greg never allowed foolish pride to stop him from seeking his old job back in Nashville. He needed it so he went for it.
  
  
• Leaned on each other
  The Christians turned to each other for emotional support, when each was still hurting badly and before there was any real hope for financial renewal and a secure future for them and baby Dylan.
  
  
• Didn't panic
  They didn't press the panic button and bail. Though they witnessed better-positioned pals file for bankruptcy, they opted to hang tough, even when there seemed to be no light at the end of the tunnel.
  
  
• Called for help -- carefully
  Tanya was wisely leery of professional help, having been burned before -- but even more wisely, she didn't have a knee-jerk reaction to ACDM, but rather checked them out with the Better Business Bureau.
  
  
• Went the extra mile
  Greg and Tanya are active and grateful participants in their recovery. They have opted to continue to pay a higher monthly amount toward their combined bills, even though they could reduce that amount proportional to their shrinking debt.
  
  
• Admitted responsibility
  Greg takes responsibility for past impulsiveness -- he's modified his behavior, willingly and without resentment.
  
  
• Found new values
  The Christians have learned, to their happy surprise, that when home is where the heart is, they don't need to escape via expensive nights on the town.
  
  
• Stayed alert for warning signs
  Greg and Tanya have an appreciation for how far they've come. They are vigilant and they make sure they don't slip back into dangerous debt levels.

-- Posted: May 12, 2000