GRT Financial

In October 2018 I decided to try debt consolidation because I was drowning in debt. I trusted GRT financial being a single parent and also in medical debt I thought this would be great way to help my debt and not file bankruptcy. Well little did I know that this would put me more in debt. I paid 402.74 for 11 months they paid on one account which was the same amount I was paying but the settled it for around 3200. They paid to that business 8 months worth for a total of 2120.00 I paid 4430.14 total in payments. The fees which I never would have signed up If they informed me equaled 2112.14 two of which were retainer fees one for 583.00 in March and one after I closed my account for 451.54 the rest that was in my account. The math did not add up 198 was still missing. I literally got drafted the same day as I emailed to cancel my account. Lay down fees 2112.14 payment to only 1 debt 2120.00 I paid 4430.14 that I know of that is what is on the statement however I believe I had 12 months drafted. I am very disappointed in how a company can take advantage of people who need help I understand fees I do but they settled with one debt and all my rest went to collections and charged the same amount in fees as they paid to my debt I could have settled on my own for that. I really hope they realize that most people who do this program need the help and are struggling. I hope they realize that not informing their I guess clients accurately of the fees that arise or random fees just cause they can is not good nature. Honestly I feel so scammed but more than anything hurt that a company would pray on a single mother who works 2 jobs because I have to just to get by than not even bother returning any money to me and when I emailed them they call and say I have no money left when even if it was the last amount they took from me that would have been something!

I enrolled in the program over a year ago and have been making steady payments. Recently I decided I no longer could afford the program so I dropped out. I was told by a representative that I was still liable to make payments to my creditors and that I would be receiving all of the money back that I had saved in my escrow. I informed the gentleman that I wanted to stop the next draft due but he told me that it was already pending but don't worry I would receive the draft back as well. Today 7/17/19 I called to inquire about the status of the refund but was told I was not going to receive a refund. I was originally told in the beginning that a percentage of my monthly payment was going to GRT to help settle my accounts. But was informed today that 25% of the balance of each account is owed to GRT if they reach a settlement. This wasn't completely explained to me in the beginning and I wouldn't have agreed upon this when it cost less to file bankruptcy in my State. I shouldn't have been told I was going to receive my money back from escrow and if I didn't call to inquire about it I probably wouldn't have received any statement saying I owe but would have been waiting for my money.

I started my journey with GRT in December 2018. This went well until June of 2019 when I learned the truth. I was told upfront that negotiations would begin with my creditors (plural) when bills were turned over to collections. They would then reach a settlement and pay off the creditors. Apparently some key details were omitted. After receiving a collection letter from an attorney, I forwarded the letter to GRT. I was told by an employee that they would be unable to reach out to the creditor until they had enough money saved in my escrow account to reach a settlement. I was also told by the same employee, "If you can add funds it will help us move faster." Ummm....what was the point of enrolling me in a payment plan? I asked for a supervisor and one called. This supervisor was helpful, but he did call my email "harsh" (I threatened to sue for breech of contract). He explained to me again what the program entailed, and I asked why I was not informed of this upfront. He said it was all in my contract--the very same contract that I was not given time to read because an employee was on the other end of the phone line waiting for a signature after we reviewed "all" of the details of the plan. I cancelled my service with GRT. After six months in this program, one debt was successfully resolved, and I will negotiate the others on my own. I'm upset that after six months, $1200 in payments, and a debt settlement for about $600, I'm only entitled to a $145 refund, and I still have two unresolved debts. My advice is don't waste your time with GRT. In the end, they made me feel like I didn't understand the program, but I understood very well what was explained to me.

I’m extremely happy that I went with this company to consolidate my debt Michael Carruthers has done an awesome job communicating, explaining and assisting us through this process I really appreciate what all they are doing for my family and my financial stability during this difficult time.

I canceled my service with GRT Financial and was told my money would be
refunded to me except for $60.00. I should have gotten $570.00 returned and
only received $145.00. I have called and called the company but they tell me
they will call me back. I don’t appreciate the run around and am currently
waiting for a response from the company. I want other people who are seeking
this type of service to be cautious when dealing with this company.

This companies services are not even close to being helpful. We were in need of help and they totally misled the entire way. They stated they worked with our credit debit all the time and could get us out quickly. When we signed up with them it only took 7 months before they started working on our first account. Then by the second account they came back and required more money. Then onto the third they could not even help lower the payment. Then we were in the process of being sued and they could not help and refused to take our calls for guidance. Save yourself the grief and frustration....run away from this company quickly and seek out a real lawyer for guidance.

I just wanted to say that this had to be one of the toughest but best decision I've ever made. I was in a real hole, I had a good paying job however some bad decisions put me under. I was hesitant at first because of all the negative reviews and just the concept of having a company handle your financial debt. I took the plunge and got paired up with Kiya Bowie, which may I add is the most professional individual I worked with, perfect 10 for customer service, she has been nothing but a sweetheart. I have not experienced any type of discrepancies thus far. After you get through the reality that yes it will hurt your credit a little (credit can always be rebuilt). My debt monthly payments dropped from $1600 normally to $770 for the program. I have been with GRT for about 9 months now and they already settled 3 accounts working on the 4th of 8 accounts total. Yes, I was in a real hole. I do appreciate the monthly phone calls and updating on the status, company is very transparent, you are able to track all the financial transactions that they perform. The fees are a little high but that does not outweigh the ease of mind that I have, not even worrying about those debts. The cash that was freed up was perfect timing as we welcomed our new addition to our family. Thank you Kiya Bowie and GRT team and I hope you guys continue with the success.

Take advantage of the elderly. When they say let account mature what they really mean is let you account go in to collections...so that means ignoring your creditors for at least 90 day. There fees are up front so they really dont care if they help you or not, they are getting paid. Revolving door with high turn over because they pay the empolyees basically nothing. I wound'nt trust them at all. Shut down by the attorney general in Colorado, google it.

Good Afternoon,
My name is Tonia O and I am a current client with GRT debt relief program and I would just like to acknowledge and praise one of your team members (Brandi W) sorry for not knowing her last name. I just want to let you know how helpful she has been during this recent communication that has gone on for Several months with one of my creditors and myself, I feel as if she has gone above and beyond to assistance me and trying to negotiate one of my accounts. Her customer service and communication be it verbally over the phone or via email is one of the best I have encountered and I wish there were more people in you all’s field of work that were like her as I have had my share of unpleasant conversations with other people before.

Prior to me enrolling in the debt relief program I was hesitant to enroll do to what I have heard and read on line about the different debt programs, but after dealing with Brandi I will suggest to anyone that is seeking debt relief help to consider this program and hopefully the next customer will have someone as pleasant as Brandi. Thank you

What they neglect to tell you, after you've had about 6 months with nice people contacting you, is that they take a "retainer fee" just for saying yes to a settlement letter. Not negotiating a better settlement or negotiating at all, saying yes to the offer letter sent by a creditor. In my case the "retainer fee" was HALF of what the settlement was for... over $400 paid to themselves just for saying yes to an offer letter. That's on top of the nickle and dime fees they were taking. In 10 months of giving them money to help my situation, they only agreed to 1 settlement offer and didn't even touch any of the other accounts to negotiate. You are better off working it out with your creditors if you can.

I'm giving the review two stars instead of just one only because they DID get a settlement that was 50% of the original amount owed.

However, after a very attentive initial phone call where I subsequently sent them all of my paperwork (bank statements, etc), they lost the paperwork and did not notify me for six months. I received a friendly monthly phone telling me that everything was fine, but six months later, I was told that they couldn't start negotiations because I hadn't sent in the power of attorney. But I had sent it in, and I could verify this with timestamps, six months prior. I also had to resend all of my bank statements (also all previously timestamped).

Two months after I was notified that a settlement was reached with one of my creditors, I received a letter from that creditor that the settlement agreement was rescinded due to nonpayment. The settlement was supposed to be for three payments, and for some reason that GRT vaguely explained, they had missed the first payment. After several phone calls , the situation was resolved and a lump sum payment was made. Robert attempted to convince me to continue the program, but I felt that after the lost paperwork and now the missed payment, trust was lost. I sent several emails asking for written verification of the settlement, but my emails were not answered.

Now three months later, I receive a letter from a collection agency wanting to collect on the same debt that was settled. I emailed again for the written verification to no response. I called to request verification and was sent by email the settlement letter. I tried to explain that what I wanted was a receipt of some kind showing that they payment was made. Apparently, I needed to talk to Robert, the supervisor, who had dealt with the earlier non-payment situation. But Robert wasn't in and would call me back. I call later that afternoon, but Robert was at lunch and would call me back. In the meantime, I used the settlement letter that they finally sent to call the original creditor. In five minutes, I was sent the information that I needed. Robert still hasn't called.

So be prepared for lots of frustration while you deal with people who sound very nice and helpful on the phone (until they are accusing you of being too unavailable because they hate email and prefer to call during working hours), but who you have to constantly monitor to ensure that they follow-through. They did get one debt settled, but there were too many mistakes with my private information that broke my trust.

They have been attentive to my needs.

Latoya Tatum has provided me with very good customer service.

Sheila B
I retained GRT Financial to assist with becoming debt-free as uncontrollable circumstances in life recently took over my financial means to comfortably provide for my family. I was hesitant at first in doing business with GRT as the prior company I retained did not provide a legitimate service as stated in the contract. Fortunately, Mike C at GRT & Lukas K have changed my perspective on the matter & have thus far made my experience with their institution a very pleasant one. Thank you for your services!

Very professional and courteous when asking questions about the program

I have had only a positive experience so far with this company. They listen and explained everything so you can fully understand.

Thanks for all you are doing for me Kiya Bowie.. I appreciate everything you do.. Thanks so much for your hard work

Israel R was super helpful. I’m going through a tough time right now and he eased my mind that everything would be okay they really are helping me get back on my feet and back on track with my finances. Thank you so much! You were so nice and understanding of my needs.

This is a positive review on behalf of Michael Carruthers. He has been most helpful in reassuring me that I am on the correct path to financial security. His professionalism is second to none and I am so grateful for his helpfulness.

my conversation with mr rodreguiz wasprofessioal with a pleasent personal touch he feileded my questions with care and kindness I needed his touch for this part of my process very plaesed and encouraged