
Laura is 22 years old and was in debt a few years ago. A family member told her about the Kredietbank. She informed the municipality that she wanted to pay off her debts, with assistance. She was able to start doing so quickly. She is now almost debt-free and optimistic about the future again.
“I no longer have to check my bank account every half hour and keep all the balls in the air. I used to be preoccupied all the time. “It was really a full-time job to handle everything,” says Laura. “That’s no longer the case. Until last year, I was just surviving. It feels quite strange that I have almost no debt anymore, because I’m not used to life without debt. Now I have a job and I’m optimistic about the future again.”

Laura found it difficult to seek help at first, because she managed on her own and was afraid that others would decide for her what to do with her money. Until she discovered that this wasn’t the case. “There’s no need to judge yourself, it’s hard enough already. Anyone can get into debt. What matters is solving the problem,” says Laura.
“At the mental health service, I finally dared to say something: “I really need help now,” I said. But they couldn’t help me with my money problems. Finally, I turned to a family member, which was also difficult. I was so ashamed and found it difficult to ask for money. Fortunately, she was able to support me.”
But because she continued to borrow money from others, she remained in debt. The debts even increased. After a while, the same family member told me about the Kredietbank. She then finally took the plunge and informed the municipality that she wanted debt counseling. “I was able to quickly start paying off my debts. They call this amicable debt assistance. This enabled me to remain in control of my own money, so that was a big relief.”
“I used to be preoccupied all the time. It was really a full-time job to handle everything.”

Laura, 22 years old
As advice to others in debt, Laura emphasizes the importance of talking to someone. “Seek help and talk about it with someone you trust. Only then will the bad feeling go away. Whether it’s someone from your family or someone who is a little less close to you.”
Laura is glad she persevered and wants to encourage others to do the same. “Seeking help can be difficult, but it is worth it. Now I have confidence in the future again.”
*This story is narrated by an actor and is inspired by true real-life stories. The names of the individuals are known to the Municipality of Leeuwarden.”
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