My name is Dickson Maiden, born and bred in Zimbabwe. In 2007, I migrated to Canada where I was based in Montreal for three and a half years. After I acquired the relevant documentation, I managed to secure a job in Customer Service. Within a few months in this position, my boss advised me that the payroll processing method they were utilizing was being converted to a direct deposit method of payment. He therefore advised me to open a bank account so that my wages could be deposited in my account rather than me collecting check and then go deposit it via Western Union.

After doing some research I successfully opened an account with a reputable bank in Canada. Once completed, I was advised by the banks Financial Advisor that l had been pre-approved for a credit card. This surprised me as it was unfamiliar territory, 

my home country did not offer me credit cards and I was not sure how I had come to qualify. I was further advised that the card would be sent to me by mail in the next couple of days and I would only be required to pay the minimum payment before the due date, and all would be in order. 

Now, I must admit that as a young man in his 20s this offer was enticing, and I believed that this must be the "American Dream" that everyone talks about. So, after a little debate, my brother and I made the abrupt decision to move out of the house we shared with my mother and grandmother. This was a terrible mistake, one of my worst life decisions. After a couple of months, my credit card was maxed out and the minimum payment expected was now higher than initial $10 which was unaffordable. 

I felt helpless and needed to correct this immediately. So, I decided to visit the branch for further understanding of my account status and what it meant. To my surprise I was informed that my credit history (whatever that was) was amazing and they could do a balance transfer to my card. Apparently, this would lower my expected payments whilst giving me time to clear the current debt. All this information was news to me, I did not quite get it, and neither did I pursue the issue any further; I was more focused on the fact that my stress had been somewhat alleviated, another mistake! 

Unfortunately, a few months down the line I got laid off because the company l was working for closed their Call Centre. I searched for another job tirelessly and thankfully after a few months I got a job in landscaping, but again it was seasonal. At that moment I was desperate, no money was coming in and bills were piling up. This American Dream seemed to be unattainable, I was clueless and in a big mess.