Avoiding Financial Frights: How We Helped Clients Dodge Costly Mistakes

Who says Halloween is just for ghost stories? Throughout our years working with clients, we’ve encountered financial situations that have sent a shiver down our spine. From bank advice that feels more like a trick than a treat to debt-reduction plans with hidden costs that pop up like skeletons in the closet, here are two real stories where our clients nearly got spooked…until Beyond the Green Coaching turned the tale around.

1. 14.75% interest, a number to keep you up at night 

Our client came to us with a $13,000 personal loan from Wells Fargo weighing her down. She had been struggling to pay off ballooning credit card debt and took out a loan to finally pay it off. Here’s where it gets spooky: our client had originally walked into the bank looking for a 0% balance transfer card to pay down her credit card debt. She had a great credit score of 720+ and never missed a payment, but Wells Fargo told her they couldn’t guarantee her approval for the card. Instead, they convinced her to take out a 14% personal loan, saying it was the “safer” option. 

If you go see a doctor, you trust what the doctor says…right? 

Her gut said no, but she trusted them and went ahead with the loan, only to end up with more stress and WAY more interest than she’d bargained for. She knew about 0%, other people seemed to be getting away with it, so why couldn’t she?

When she found Beyond the Green Coaching, she was frustrated, distrustful, and unsure of what to do next. But we immediately saw the solution. Because we know the power of 0% balance transfer cards and saw how the bank had manipulated her, we helped her replace that high-interest loan with the card she wanted in the first place—saving her $1,550 in interest.

Sometimes, the advice you get isn’t always what’s best for you. The difference between a doctor and a banker is, that a banker doesn’t have to be financially knowledgeable to do their job, a doctor has to study medicine to be a doctor. At Beyond the Green Coaching, we’re dedicated to increasing your financial literacy and confidence; to ensure make every move you make is one you can feel good about—no tricks, just real results and lasting peace of mind.

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2. The Debt Reduction Trap

Our next tale of financial terror stars Sam, who had been struggling under the weight of credit card debt. Hopeful for relief, she turned to Beyond Finance, drawn by promises of debt reduction and stress-free payments. Their polished website was a beacon of positivity, showing nothing but glowing reviews and clean-cut solutions…or so it seemed.

Sam began with a $600 monthly payment but quickly increased it to $1,000, thinking it would speed up her debt-repayment journey. Yet despite her increased contributions, her payment plan didn’t budge, and the program kept its original, painfully slow timeline. What’s worse? Beyond Finance was taking a hefty 25% fee on every bit of negotiated debt—so much that, in the end, Sam would have ended up paying MORE than her original debt.

When she came to us at Beyond the Green, we took a hard look at her Beyond Finance agreement and saw the toll it was taking. Thankfully, Sam wasn’t locked into a contract, and after confirming her options, we helped her end her agreement with Beyond Finance. Yes, there were some fees, but together, we mapped out a personalized debt repayment plan that fit her needs without the predatory costs. By leaving Beyond Finance, Sam saved over $2,000 in interest, which she could now redirect toward her financial goals instead of burdensome fees.

Today, she’s in control, with a clear debt repayment plan and peace of mind. And it’s this transformation—from weighed down by “solutions” to financially free—that reminds us why we do what we do. No more fear, just real support for a brighter financial future.

At Beyond the Green, we’re all about helping you feel confident, secure, and empowered—no tricks, just treats when it comes to your finances. Here’s exactly how we make that happen:

• Transparent Guidance on Every Decision: Whether it’s understanding interest rates, fees, or repayment terms, we break down every detail WITH you so you can make informed choices with zero guesswork. You’ll always know exactly what to expect before making a move.
• Strategic Choices Over Generic Solutions: Instead of “one-size-fits-all” options, we focus on a strategy that aligns with your financial goals. From balance transfer cards to high-interest loans, we know how to navigate the world of debts and we make the overwhelm feel manageable, so you don't have to do it alone. We’ll find the option that saves you the most in the long run and positions you for real progress.
• Customized, Actionable Plans for Immediate Impact: We assess your financial situation thoroughly and craft a step-by-step plan that you can start implementing right away. From finding the right debt repayment method to maximizing savings, every part of the plan is built to bring you closer to your goals.
• Focus on Long-Term Wins, Not Quick Fixes: We’re here to help you create lasting financial stability. By prioritizing debt repayment, saving, and mindful spending, we set you up for sustainable success, ensuring that every dollar you invest in yourself truly pays off.

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Don’t let the spookiness of debt keep you from getting the help you need! At Beyond the Green Coaching, we turn financial frights into situations you can navigate with confidence and clarity; by your side, guiding you every step of the way.