Steve @themoneyadvicecentre: Before reaching out for support, how would you describe your situation emotionally and financially?

Mark: I was in a really dark and overwhelming place. Emotionally, I was burnt out. My mental health had taken a huge hit, I was battling depression and constantly anxious. I felt like I was barely functioning. Everything around me seemed to be falling apart - especially my relationship. We were arguing all the time, and I was withdrawing from everyone I cared about.

Financially, it was just chaos. I was buried in debt, barely able to keep up with minimum payments. I couldn’t see a way out. Every month felt like a mad scramble just to survive. I honestly felt like I was drowning, with no life raft in sight.

Steve @TMAC: That sounds incredibly tough. What would you say was the biggest factor making you feel so trapped?

Mark: It was the loans. I’d taken out several high-interest loans just to stay afloat, just to keep food on the table and the lights on. At first, they felt like a temporary fix, but it didn’t take long before they turned into a trap. The repayments were brutal. I was paying out more than I was bringing in, and still falling behind. It became a vicious cycle - borrowing to pay off borrowing. I felt like I was sprinting on a treadmill that only got faster.

Steve @TMAC: How was that pressure affecting your everyday life and relationships?

Mark: Honestly, it impacted everything. I was constantly on edge. I’d snap at my partner over small things, and I was emotionally distant from friends and family. I stopped doing things I enjoyed, stopped seeing people - I didn’t want them to know how bad things really were. Even at work, I was distracted and barely holding it together. I felt ashamed, alone, and completely exhausted. I didn’t recognise myself anymore.

Steve @TMAC: Did you feel like you had any real options at that point?

Mark: No, not at all. I felt completely hopeless. I kept trying to fix things in my own way; budgeting, cutting back, juggling payments - but none of it worked. It was like digging a hole that only got deeper the more I tried. I honestly believed that this was just how my life would be from now on - an endless cycle of stress and survival.

Steve @TMAC: What changed? Was there a specific turning point?

Mark: There was. One day, I was scrolling online and saw someone mention The Money Advice Centre. I’d heard the name before, but I didn’t think it would help me. Still, something pushed me to try. I was at rock bottom, so I figured I had nothing to lose. I picked up the phone and made the call, and that one decision completely changed the direction of my life.

Steve @TMAC: What was it like when you first spoke to someone at The Money Advice Centre?

Mark: It was honestly the first time in ages that I felt seen. The person I spoke to didn’t judge me, didn’t talk down to me. They just listened. Calmly, patiently. I explained everything my debts, my mental state, my fears and they guided me through my options. It wasn’t just about numbers it was about understanding my situation as a whole person. For the first time in a long time, I felt like there might actually be a way forward.

Steve @TMAC: And that led to a secured loan application?

Mark: Yes. They explained how a secured loan could help consolidate all my debts into one manageable payment. I was nervous, unsure if I’d even get approved, but they reassured me and supported me through every step. They handled the paperwork, answered all my questions, and kept me updated. I never felt like I was doing it alone.

Steve @TMAC: What was your reaction when the loan was approved?

Mark: I cried. Literally just sat there and cried from relief. It felt like this massive weight had finally been lifted off my chest. All the pressure, all the panic, it melted away in that moment. My debts were cleared, and instead of dozens of overwhelming bills, I had just one monthly payment I could actually afford. It was the first time in years I could breathe without feeling guilty or scared.

Steve @TMAC: How has life changed since then?

Mark: It’s completely different. I feel like myself again. My mental health has improved so much, I’m sleeping better, smiling more, and actually making plans for the future. My relationship is stronger because I’m more present and emotionally stable. I’m reconnecting with people I’d pushed away. I go to work focused and proud of what I’m building. Most importantly, I feel in control again. For the first time in years, I have hope.

Steve @TMAC: Any final thoughts or words of thanks?

Mark: Absolutely. The Money Advice Centre didn’t just help me fix my finances, they helped me rebuild my life. They gave me back my confidence, my peace of mind, and my future. I’ll always be grateful for that. I know now that asking for help isn’t weakness, it’s strength. And I’m proof that no matter how bad it seems, there is a way forward.

You’re Not Alone. You Deserve a Fresh Start.

If you’re struggling with unmanageable debt, stress, or uncertainty—The Money Advice Centre is here to help. One conversation could be the first step toward a completely different future.

👉 Talk to someone today and take control of your tomorrow.