Margaret*, an 86-year-old grandmother from Bathurst, has spent most of her life living modestly. However, recent times have become increasingly challenging due to the cost-of-living crisis.
Things took a turn for the worse when Margaret was offered a cash instalment plan through her credit card provider. While the plan provided her with cash to help cover living expenses, it came at a steep price—her monthly card repayments more than doubled.
As she relies on a fixed income from her age pension, Margaret struggled to meet the repayments, which seemed never-ending. This left her in a difficult position, as the monthly payments consumed most of her pension which negatively impacted her already fragile health due to a heart condition.
Fortunately, Margaret reached out to Mary MacKillop Today and met with Emma, our Financial Counsellor. Emma contacted Margaret’s credit card provider, explaining that the cash instalment plan had been offered without proper consideration of her ability to afford it.
Thankfully, the credit card provider took her situation into account. After reviewing her case, they agreed to waive the remaining balance on Margaret’s credit card and close the account. With a sense of relief, Margaret cut up her card, freeing herself from the burden of the monthly bills that had caused her so much stress.
Margaret shared “Although I no longer have access to my credit card, I feel so much better as I have peace of mind knowing that I’m not being drained by debt I can’t afford.”
Thanks to your generosity, people like Margaret are turning their financial situations around.
*Name and image changed to protect privacy
