Navy Veteran Paul P. Plans A Big Move After Five Lakes Graduation
A Navy veteran and retired movie theater manager says goodbye to credit card debt and plans a big retirement move.
Enrolled Debt: $19,906 Graduated: December 2025 Program Length: 2 years, 5 months
Meet Paul, a Navy Veteran Who Had More Than $19,000 in Debt
Paul proudly served for 10 years, including seven years at sea and three years ashore. After leaving the military, he spent the next 25 years managing movie theaters of all sizes, from small two-screen locations to large, 25-screen theaters with IMAX.
Now retired, Paul volunteers at a local theater and is saving up for a move so he can live near the water — a dream that will remind him fondly of his years at sea.
What led you to reach out to Five Lakes for help with your debt?
When I retired at 62, I was living off my Social Security, which was $1,200 a month. That was “poverty level.”
When car repairs and other things came along, I kept charging and charging. I finally got to the point where I had maxed out my cards.
Then I got the credit card bills. I’d pay $25 and get nowhere because of the interest they slap on there.
It accumulated until I was almost $20,000 in debt, and I thought “oh my God, I’ve got to get myself out of it.”
I was really depressed. It was like, “I just can’t do this anymore.” When I found Five Lakes Law Group, it was a weight lifted off my shoulders.
Paul shows his whimsical side, posing with new “friend” at Marblehead Lighthouse
What helped you trust Five Lakes and feel confident it was right for you?
Your law group was very personal, very friendly. You were just like family.
I was skeptical first, but as I got into the program, I felt more comfortable. I read your reviews and said, “I’m going to try them.”
You treated me with respect and did everything you could to help me. I was really happy with all your representatives.
What was it like working with the folks at Five Lakes?
Every time I called your representatives, they would explain everything to me. I was really pleased with your customer service staff and the law group. It was a pleasure to work with you guys. I never had issues with them.
How did you feel when you graduated?
In December when I made my final payment. It was like a new birth, a whole new life.
Since I got myself out of debt, I can do things I want to do and I am happier than I was several years ago. I’m living my life to the fullest extent.
What’s the best thing about being debt-free?
Thanks to Five Lakes getting me out of debt — I can actually do some trips now!
I stay in touch with the Navy Chaplain I served with. We found each other on Facebook, and we’re going to see each other in October for the first time (in a long time) at a ship reunion in Charleston, South Carolina.
I had enough money to pay for my hotel room. I couldn’t have done that when I was in debt.
Paul and his Navy Chaplain onboard the USS San Diego in 1986
What can you do now that you couldn’t before?
Since I’m out of debt, I’m planning to move in the summertime! I’m starting to collect money now so I can get a loft apartment facing the lake.
I always wanted to be by the water. Being a Navy sailor, when you sail the ocean, you fall in love with it. I’ve been looking at apartments looking on the lake. It will be a dream come true.
Other than that, I love to go and watch movies and I love amusement parks. I can’t go on coasters much anymore because of my disability, but I’ll get a season pass and go there for lunch.
Paul volunteering backstage at a local theater
Has the experience changed how you think about and manage money?
I have money now! I’ve got almost $10,000 saved, and I never had that in my entire life.
I’m able to go and do things. I’ve got some surplus, but at the same time I’m saving up for this move. It was like a big burden lifted off my shoulders. It’s hard to explain. It really is. It’s just a joy not having that debt over my head.
What advice would you give to others who are in debt?
If people are in debt, I always say “check Five Lakes out.” You folks know what you’re doing.
Success Post-Grad
With support from the attorneys at Five Lakes, Paul completed a plan that helped him regain control of his debt and pay it off on a timeline that was right for him.
The consistency of the program gave him relief from the daily stress of juggling bills and credit card payments. He liked using the dashboard because it let him monitor his progress and was especially excited when he could make extra payments to speed up his progress.
Today, Paul is more intentional with his financial habits. He keeps credit use limited, doesn’t worry about affording essentials and is looking forward to his big retirement move without debt hanging over his head.
Real client compensated for sharing their authentic experience — results and savings reflect their individual circumstances.
