$88K in Debt, Addicted, and Out of Options — How Shawn Turned It All Around
Shawn had already overcome more in life than most people ever will. After surviving a devastating car accident and battling addiction, he thought the hardest days were behind him. But when his wife lost her job, their financial situation spiraled. With only one income, their mortgage, car payments, and everyday bills started stacking up.
As his debt grew, so did the stress. Drinking became a way to escape, but it only made things worse. Before he knew it, he was deep in debt, overwhelmed, and unsure where to turn.
Finding a Way Out: Seeking Debt Help in Alberta
Shawn first heard about Money Mentors through an employee assistance program at work. He wasn’t sure if they could help, but he figured it was worth a try. When he met with his credit counsellor, Deanna, he quickly realized this wasn’t just about making payments — it was about getting his life back on track.
After reviewing his finances, Deanna introduced him to Alberta’s Orderly Payment of Debts (OPD) program, a structured debt repayment plan that could help him:
- Combine all his debts into one manageable monthly payment
- Lock in a fixed 5% interest rate
- Put an end to collection calls
- Create a clear timeline to becoming debt-free
At that point, Shawn owed $88,000, mostly from high-interest credit cards.
“I was about $88,000 in debt, the majority of it in credit cards,” he said. “It was when I started the program that my life started to change.”
A Turning Point: Choosing Sobriety and Stability
A year into his repayment plan, Shawn realized it wasn’t just his finances that needed fixing. The same discipline he was using to stick to his budget was what he needed to turn his life around completely.
He made a life-changing decision: he was going to rehab.
“Through the values and principles that I learned through Money Mentors, I learned I had to budget my life, and I had to sober up.”
After completing treatment, Shawn came back with a clear head and a new focus. He reconnected with Deanna and picked up right where he left off — only this time, he wasn’t just working toward financial freedom, he was working toward an entirely new life.
Reaching Debt Freedom — Two Years Ahead of Schedule
As he continued following his repayment plan, Shawn started thinking differently about his future. One day, while reviewing his pension, he made a bold decision.
“I looked at my pension one day, and I made a decision that I was going to pay off all my debt, live free, and not worry about anything!”
By making strategic financial choices and staying committed to his plan, Shawn paid off his entire debt two years ahead of schedule.
“The biggest relief was when I cut out a $60,000 cheque to pay off my creditors!”
Building a New Life in Rural Alberta
Today, Shawn is in a completely different place — both financially and personally. He and his wife, who has since found work, now live in rural Alberta. He’s semi-retired, working part-time, and spending more time focusing on what really matters.
- “I still look back at the stuff from the program and put it into play now,” he said.
- “When I talk to my children now, I sometimes talk about budgeting with them.”
- “I have fixed my financial health. Now it’s time for me to work on my mental health because they go hand in hand.”
What You Can Learn from Shawn’s Story
Shawn’s journey proves that financial struggles don’t have to define your future.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by debt, you’re not alone. Help is available, and there are real solutions that can get you back on track.
Money Mentors provides free credit counselling and debt repayment programs that help Albertans take control of their finances. If you’re looking for a way forward, start by getting expert guidance.
Book a free consultation today and take the first step toward financial stability.
