We have gotten a lot of feedback over the years from our clients; this is one of our all time favourites.

Here is an email from a Toronto woman who shared her heartfelt thoughts with us about the profound and positive impact our staff and our debt relief program has had on her life.

We call it: “Just Ten Little Things”

From: LP
Sent: Friday, May 29, 2009 1:50 PM
To: Sylvia Payant
Subject: RE: What I learned being with TDF and you

Hello Sylvia,

Thank you for negotiating for me.  You have one tough job negotiating with these people.  I understand that their job requires them to be firm with us but I can't imagine how much stress they bring home with them every night.  You and TDF really do allow us, your clients, to see a light at the end of this dark tunnel.

So glad you enjoyed the e mail.  You have allowed me to not only save for the time being, but you have taught me how to budget.  I was never told what to do in terms of a budget and then when my parents passed away, the term 'budget' never occurred to me.  I now understand the importance of putting money aside.  Once I am done saving for my debt, I will be saving for a house. 

It's a nice feeling to know that one day I can own my own home!!!  I will never forget Gian's kind, gentle, encouraging words upon first calling TDF, nor will I ever forget your constant encouraging words through this ordeal.  You are living proof that good people exist and help others in times of dire need. 

Thank you again and enjoy your weekend!

LP

From: Sylvia Payant
To: LP
Subject: RE: What I learned being with TDF and you
Date: Fri, 29 May 2009 11:58:24 -0400

Hi,

Of course your email brought a smile to my face, and a tear to me eye, to know that I make such a difference (for the positive) to someone’s life, means a lot, and makes me feel good and worth going that extra mile for my clients.

I have gotten to know a lot of people in this program and you are one always on time with everything and always have a positive outlook on life.

Keep up the good work. And a friendly suggestion; even after you are done with us and debt free, continue to keep money aside for that trip or vehicle or whatever that you have always wanted.

Sylvia

From: LP
Sent: Friday, May 29, 2009 11:42 AM
To: Sylvia Payant
Subject: What I learned being with TDF and you

Hello Sylvia,

Over the past two years, I have changed, no, transformed my financial existence to save money while accumulating funds to put aside for my creditors.  I was thinking about all of my changes and there are many.  I must say that my boyfriend has also helped with these great tips for change.  Do you want to know all of the changes I've made?

1. Switched from Loblaws to No Frills/Price Chopper/Food Basics (based on their coupons and sales).  Total saved each month: $20 - $25!

2. Rather than buy one or two coffees from Tim's each day, using my boyfriend's coffee cup warmer from Starbucks making my own coffee that lasts all day.  Total saved each week: $21.00.  Total saved each month....$86.00!  (Once in a while I treat myself to a latte - yummy!)

3. Rather than eat at Alice Fazoolis, Jack Astors and Canyon Creek, or any "nice" restaurant in Mississauga/Toronto, I now go to Swiss Chalet or Wendy's for their healthier meal options twice a month rather than four times a month.  Of course, I go a nice restaurant during Toronto's summerlicious for a treat.

4. Rather than buy and cook my own chicken, which is over $30.00 for the week, I buy two whole cooked chickens for the week at $13.00. Total saved each month....$68.00!

5. Rather than buy a lot of the pricier veggies (like spinach, rapini, etc.), I now stick to salads and mixed frozen veggies.  Oh the savings!

6. Only buy clothes on sale.  I have only bought 2 pieces of clothing in the last two years at full price. 

7. Rather than get a mani/pedi each month, I have purchased most of the equipment myself and give myself a mani/pedi each month. Total saved each month....$50.00!  Still get the eyebrow waxing....

8. Looked into a better cell phone plan. Total saved each month....$50.00!

9. Rather than buying cases of water, I got a Brita and only get two cases for the month rather than many cases for work and home.

10. Two years ago, I stopped buying a gym membership and found creative ways to work out for hardly anything.  I got P90 workout DVDs for free, the P90X DVDs to work out at home along with running and walking outside.

I have learned such valuable lessons from being with you at TDF.  I hope that you know just how much of an impact you have had on my life by telling me that my debt can be repaid.  I have gone out and found, not only part-time work to bring in more money, but saved on everyday expenses so as to bring in more money as well. 

Hope you know that you are changing my world for the better.  I hope this email has made you smile a little!

Take care, and thank you again!

LP

If you would like to share your own story with us please email us at clients@totaldebtfreedom.ca