The Hidden Cost of Bad Credit and How to Fight Back. Expert Tips from Financial Coach Leonard Gresham.
- Brother Levon X
- Apr 30
- 4 min read
We recently had the opportunity to connect with Brother Leonard Gresham — a seasoned Financial Coach and Consumer Law Consultant — to gain insight into a pressing issue affecting countless individuals and families: how to break free from the cycle of debt without being overwhelmed by harassment, predatory lending, or the lingering effects of poor financial decisions.
In a time when far too many are drowning in debt simply because they don’t know their rights or where to turn for help, Brother Leonard offers both expertise and hope. His message is clear — financial freedom is possible, but it starts with knowledge. In today’s feature, we dive into his perspective on how to regain control, confront the challenges head-on, and discover the resources available to support those seeking a better financial future.
Article by Brother Leonard Gresham – Financial Coach and Consumer Law Consultant
As a Financial Coach and Consumer Law Consultant, I’ve seen firsthand how credit injustice and economic disparities deeply impact Black families across the country. This message is not just about credit scores or financial jargon — it’s about reclaiming our power. It’s about access, opportunity, and legacy. It's about waking up to a system that was never built with us in mind and refusing to let it continue unchecked.
For far too long, our community has paid the price of generational financial exclusion. From redlining and discriminatory banking practices to modern-day predatory lending and credit scoring models that fail to account for real financial behavior, these barriers aren't accidental — they’re systemic. This means many Black families are starting from behind, forced to pay higher interest rates, denied basic loans, and subjected to wage garnishments simply because of a broken and biased financial system.
Here’s the uncomfortable truth that too few are willing to say out loud: bad credit is expensive. It costs more to buy a car, more to secure a mortgage, more to borrow in times of emergency. This is what I call the ignorance tax — a penalty we pay simply because we were never taught the rules of the game. And while some ignore this truth, the consequences are generational.
But there’s another truth, and it’s one of power: we are not helpless. The system counts on us not knowing our rights — not knowing that federal consumer protection laws exist to defend us. The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), and the Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA) were not written just for corporations. They were written for the people — for you and me.
That’s why this message matters. Because when we learn our rights, we shift the power. When we challenge inaccuracies on our credit reports, push back on unlawful collections, and understand how to leverage consumer laws, we begin to rewrite the financial narrative for ourselves and our families.
So the mission is this: to educate, empower, and equip our community with the tools needed to break the chains of financial oppression. To stop paying the ignorance tax. To build legacies, not liabilities. Because financial freedom is not a luxury — it’s a necessity. And it begins with knowing the truth.
What We Do at Consumer Law Consultant
At Consumer Law Consultant, our mission is simple: to educate and empower everyday people to take back control of their financial lives. We understand that many individuals and families are trapped in a cycle of debt, harassed by creditors, or simply unaware of the rights they have under the law. That’s where we come in.
Our work begins with personal credit restoration and debt relief, helping our clients identify and remove inaccurate or unjust negative items from their credit reports — including charge-offs, collections, excessive inquiries, and even bankruptcies. But our approach doesn’t stop at improving credit scores. We believe real power comes from knowing your rights and having the right tools to defend them.
We provide in-depth consumer rights education so our clients understand what creditors and debt collectors can — and can’t — legally do. If your rights have been violated, we can take legal action on your behalf, including suing debt collectors under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA).
For those facing debt-related lawsuits, we offer legal strategies and defense support designed to protect your income, assets, and future. We also help prevent wage garnishment through proven legal methods and personalized strategies. In addition, we prepare customized legal letters and documentation tailored to your unique financial situation — because one-size-fits-all solutions don't work when it comes to protecting your finances.
With over 12 years of experience, our commitment goes beyond cleaning up credit. We’re in the business of restoring confidence, dignity, and control. At Consumer Law Consultant, we’re not just fixing scores — we’re protecting your power.
Take Control of Your Financial Future — Don’t Let the System Define You. Ready to take action and reclaim your power? We’re here to help.
Contact Us Today: Phone: 855-952-2113
Website: www.consumerlawconsultant.com
Disclaimer:
The views and advice shared by Consumer Law Consultant are for educational purposes only. BLXCR does not offer legal or financial advice and is not liable for any actions taken based on this content. Always consult with a qualified professional for personal guidance. BLXCR is not affiliated with or compensated by Consumer Law Consultant.
References
Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), 15 U.S. Code § 1681
Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), 15 U.S. Code § 1692
Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA), 15 U.S. Code § 1691
Rothstein, Richard. The Color of Law: A Forgotten History of How Our Government Segregated America.
Federal Reserve Bank Reports on Racial Wealth Gaps and Predatory Lending Practices
National Fair Housing Alliance, Reports on Redlining and Credit Access Inequality
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