Well I know I can, i have a bunch of credit card debt and medical bills no property or judgments. can i file myself? i talked to two attorneys and they both stated i am a good candidate for chapter 7. i basically can not afford an attorney so i want to try to file myself.
because I thought the credit card company may not accept the offer of 40% or 50% of the debt.. and sue in court and win a garnishment.
The debt settlement gentleman on the phone said "don’t worry, less than 1% of people who sign up with us get sued", therefore I feel everyone can rack up huge credit card debt and sign up for it to only owe half or less.
on 8 thousand dollars worth of credit card debt. I can’t pay the minimum, I’m months behind on them.
absolutely no one is hiring anywhere so before you give me your little complaints,
give me other alternatives as to how to pay this debt. otherwise, save it!
thank you. sorry if i sounded rude or mean, it was not my intention and I appreciate all HELP
To make a long story short, I have managed to bury myself with almost ,000 in credit card debt I did not want to file bankruptcy. I have been able to pay around ,500 a month towards credit cards consistently which usually cover a little more than the minimum payment. I was doing the math and even with getting interest lower this is going to take me anywhere around 8-10 years. So I decided to join a debt settlement program that allows me to pay 75 a month for 36 months and it will get me out of debt by settlement. I have never been late on anything before but this month I have been advised by the company I decided to work with to stop paying the creditors. Does anyone know if the debt settlement companies send pfd’s or are they just trying to settle and get their share? What are somethings that I should expect to happen to my credit in the next 3-5 years? Does anyone have any success stories about settling their debt? I am just trying to sleep good at night with this decison.TY
I only have 1 credit card and it has a 00 limit only. I hear online about people saying they racked up ,000 or ,000 in credit card debt and can’t pay the creditors. My first question is how in the world did a credit company let this happen? And don’t most of these people have credit card limits?
I know for credit cards, you suppose to pay within 30 days or so and if you don’t pay, interest is piled on. But wouldn’t after say 6 months where a person can’t pay off their credit card bills, then the credit card company would shut down their account? I hear people talk about maxing out their credit cards but what in the world are they buying where they rack up credit card debt that is ,000? I mean, you can’t buy a car with that since i don’t think you can buy a car with a credit card right? And don’t most people have limits? I would think most credit card limits are max ,000 a month unless they have a very decent job.
Can someone explain how people rack up so much in credit card debt? Do they get 10 credit cards with 00/month max and then max it every single month for 5-6 months? I understand when people rack up debt in medical bills, student loans, taxes and those things but i just don’t get how can people rack up so much in credit card bills. I mean after a person owes ,000 to the credit card company and can’t pay it back, why would they continue using it? I understand if you use it to buy food and support yourself and your family but do people rack up credit card bills b/c of food? I don’t think so right?
And if a person cannot pay it back, i assume they can file bankruptcy right in the united states? And i hear people talk about fleeing the country because of credit card debt. Do they do so successfully? And usually what countries do they flee to? I’m sure canada isn’t one of them right since you can only say 6 months max? What countries do people flee to? Do they ever get caught? So if they stay there after a certain amount of time, wouldn’t they be there illegally? And since they have to support themselves and make money, wouldn’t the us government know that they are making income and thus could garnish their wages even if they live in the other country? Or do these people just try to make money off the table and just live and hide? I mean, are there people that have huge debt , leave the us and then become successful later on in the country they flee to and then become rich? Because if they do become wealthy, wouldn’t they be caught eventually for fleeing the country? If they then decide to pay back their debt after they made money, would everything be fine or would they face huge penalties for fleeing the country? Or do they just have to stay below the radar and can’t live in a nice place because of it?
I’m very curious about this because i read so much about credit card debt and people leaving the country. I just can’t believe a person could have credit card debt this high because i assume the CC company would freeze their cards after they don’t pay after a few months if the balance is high.
its from a credit card debt, which was turned over to Arrow Financial Services (a debt collector), they in turn had Mann Bracken LLP (a national collection attorney network firm) contact me to settle the debt. I made arrangements to pay the debt, and was making monthly payments, directly taken from my checking account. After paying 00.00 over several months time, I received an "Agreed Judgment" from Mann Bracken in which Arrow Financial Services is the plaintiff and is seeking a judgment against me. I was in communication with Mann Bracken and was told to sign the Agreed Judgment and they would agree to not execute, abstract, or otherwise seek to enforce the agreed judgment during the term of our temporary agreement, as long as I (the defendant) complies with the payment terms. I agreed to pay 0.00 monthly directly from my checking account for 9 months, then the parties agree to review the matter again and attempt to negotiate a final settlement agreement.
This was in Sept of ‘09, in which I was dealing with my daughter and my grandson who were in crisis and our family was occupied with their issues, so I had every intention of signing the agreed judgment, but I got distracted and didn’t sign it, so at the end of Oct ‘09, a "Final Default Judgment" was issued against me. I of course called Mann Bracken and was told that after our agreed 9 month period of consistent monthly payments, they would have the judgment taken care of.
So I made my monthly payments every month, but in Dec ‘09 the money was never taken out of my account, so I called Mann Bracken, but the phone # was no longer in service. I tried several different #’s and all were disconnected, then I read on line that Mann Bracken had been investigated/sued and went into bankruptcy! So I then contacted Arrow Financial Services, spoke to a representative, explained the situation, and was told that a new debt collector attorney will be contacting me, but that has been 6 months now, and no one has contacted me.
What do I do? How do I settle the debt, I am more than willilng to settle, and what do I do about the Final Judgment? I’ve pulled my credit report from all 3 credit bureau agencies, and there is no judgment listed. I contested the debt with Arrow Financial, but after the investigation, the debt still stands in effect on all 3 credit bureaus.
Do I need to hire a lawyer?
I have a large amount of credit card debt and want to file chapter 7 but I don’t have an income now and have not had enough income for 3 years to even file taxes. Will I be able to qualify for bankruptcy?
Hopefully someone can help me out. I have an old (about 5 years old) credit card debt of 09.00 which I am trying to settle for 00. In April the account went to a collection agency who offered to settle for 00. At that time I was in financial hardship and (divorce, single mom, unemployment, overextended) I did not have the money and could not accept. Now the account has went to a law firm. I called them and asked them to settle – they seem more interested in finding out how much money I make and my job than trying to settle. Of course I got upset and told them I would I would call the credit card company and they said the credit card company would refer me back to them. Shouldn’t they (the law firm) be working with me to try and settle this debt? What should I do? I also told them them that I would like my credit reported as "paid" after I gave them the money – they said they had nothing to do with the credit bureau. Help!!!
i am total about 0,000 in credit card debt. lost me company but have about ,000 to settle with
I settled charges last year for growing weed I have to pay 5k in restitution. I already also owe 50k in credit card debt, from a failed business. Will the 5k in restitution go into bankruptcy. Or does that have nothing to do with it? Im just thinking its a debt, Im not going to pay anyways. Its a really stupid debt too. I would had rather gone to jail and cost them more money than have them think i will pay them more money.
I was having over 70000 dollar credit card debt and about 32000 dollars in bank loans. i filed chapter 7 protection and my 102,000 dollar debt was eliminated. What other benefits exist beside elimination of debt?
I am 26,000 in credit card debt. My life turned around completely last year and I lost many things in my life, family, job, etc. I am not making enough on my job to pay the basics and have been using up all may savings. Now I have no savings left and am short 600 month just for basics and providing for my daughter although she doesn’t live with me. She lives with my mom who is living on ss. I need to file chapter 7 but can’t afford the fees and am not smart enough with paper work to do it myself (I’m terrible with directions). I can scrape together money for the useless credit counseling stuff (so they can figure out how I can pay 1800 bills on 700 income, lol) if I don’t buy groceries for a couple weeks but I have no way of getting 500 dollars. My employer cuts hours every week and it’s that way on all retail jobs. I can’t just get a better job and even with that, i would only have the money I need for the basics. My small tax refund will only be 30 dollars.
If I was able to get a second job (not easy with no transportation and if I work after dark, I have to take a taxi (I spend 20 dollars a week now on taxi rides when I get off at night as my neighborhood is very dangerous and I can’t move). If I can find extra work hours, it will just keep me from being homeless a couple months longer, it will not cover bankruptcy costs. I have no resources, family and friends have no money to help. Is there anywhere in Houston where I can find free legal help (not just a consultation but actual filing assistance without cost?) If I have to pay the fees, I will not be able to pay rent. At the rate I am going, I will be homeless as of July 1st providing I don’t lose my job or have any more hours cut.
They are only a week late but I am already getting calls all day during the week. No one leaves a message on my machine so I presume it’s one of my creditors. I need to file bankruptcy because if I don’t they will sue me and freeze my bank account which only contains my pay deposits which are only 700 but if they take that, I can’t pay my rent. I have nothing to sell as I lost everything I owned last year when my family through me out. They gave away and sold all my stuff. I have a 50 tv and a40 boombox that doesn’t work and a 2year old computer that runs slow.
I have been trying to eliminate my credit card debt. I have managed to pay off 2 cards, I am currently working on a thrid, but I have 3 more with high balances, about 20,000.
My husband wants me to file bankruptcy.
Should I continue with the settlement or look into filing bankruptcy?
Thanks
i am already in a debt settlement, but it is taking longer than expected. my credit is already unhealthy. i wanted to know if i should continue with the settlement or look into bankruptcy.
house is modified and have been making new payments for 1 year now. I have about ,000 in credit card debt and now one collection agency is wanting to take me to court. Can I file for bankruptcy and save my house? We also only have 1 car which is paid off. We have only one income and are living under poverty level for house hold of 3. Also is there any options for filing bankruptcy without using a lawyer. I cant afford one. Please give advice. God Bless
I have been a single mom for 9 years. I was using several credit cards for things we needed and actually was doing well making payments until the credit card companies began to increase their interest rates and amounts owed per month. My credit score was perfect. I never missed a payment. I began to be unable to pay what I owed due to increased monthly demands from the credit card companies. I spoke to a representative from Armored Debt Center who convinced me that they would settle my debts for amounts less than I owed, therefore giving me a chance to get out of credit card debt altogether and I agreed to pay 8 per month for them to do so. It seemed like the right thing to do for me and my family’s future. I have put a lot of effort into making that payment every month starting last October. Armored Debt Center told me not to answer calls from my creditors and sent me a script to basically get off the phone without telling them anything. I followed this advice. They tell you to tell the debt collectors that they are only to communicate with you in writing and then you are to fax everything to Armored Debt Center. When the first credit card company took me to court, I followed Armored Debt Center’s instructions to go to a particular website and retrieve documents to fill out. It was a website that anybody could have googled, not affiliated with Armored Debt Center. It was difficult to figure out what I needed to put on the documents that were to be sent to the court. At one point, I called Armored Debt Center and was told that they “cannot give legal advice” so I was left to figure things out on my own. I was told by Armored Debt Center not to worry, that this was part of the process. I filed everything the website suggested with the court. Prior to my court date, I called Armored Debt Center and was told nothing more than, “Don’t sign anything”. Judgement was awarded for the full amount, plus interest, plus court costs to the credit card company. I continued to keep in contact with Armored Debt Center and fax them everything that was sent to me. It would take up to several weeks for them to call me just to state that they received my fax. They have a well-rehearsed spiel that they give on a continued basis stating that “This is a process. Don’t worry. Keep faxing us documents sent to you. Don‘t give any information to debt collectors when they call you. Use your script. No further action is needed at this time.” They led me to believe that they would be settling with the debt collector “after my next payment”. This went on for several months with no settlement. Armored Debt Center did not settle my 44 debt with the very first credit card company that filed, after a full 12 months of payments at 8 per month. I had given them 96 of hard-earned money and they had not settled anything. Every time I would call, I would get the same run-around, rehearsed speech and be coerced into continuing the program. I would explain that other credit card companies were getting ready to take me to court. Now, the court has allowed the debt collector to garnish my wages by 25%. Because Armored Debt Center failed to settle with the first credit card company to take me to court and my wages are being garnished, I no longer have hopes of being able to get myself out of debt because I don’t have any extra money to give to a debt settlement company, or to save on my own, for such a purpose. At this time, my 3 other credit card companies have indeed initiated taking me to court and I have summons for those now.
I spoke to a representative at Armored Debt Center, Mark, about what had happened and that their debt settlement program had failed miserably. I called Armor Debt Center to ask for my money back for a program that had failed. He eventually said that he would give me back my “reserves” which was 38 but they would not refund their “service” fees which were 30. When asked what services they had provided for 30, Mark stated “education”.. Education on a program that did not work, that did not do me any good whatsoever, and in fact got my wages garnished and ruined my credit. My “education” was a script on how to get off the phone with debt collectors and what website to go to to fill out paperwork to send to court that anybody could have accessed. Upon further pleading with Mark, he stated that they would refund 3 to 4 payments. By the end of the conversation, however, he was saying 2 to 3 payments. Therefore, Armored Debt Center was intending to keep 98. I received an e-mail today asking me to sign a form stating that I will accept 32 back from them, which is only 2 payments and indeed would award them 98 for doing nothing that benefited me. I have been so stressed out, I’ve nearly made myself sick. I have heard that there has been a law passed to safeguard people from these debt relief scams. I have not yet had a chance to find out the specifics.
I’m trying to get out of over grand of credit card debt. I was told by The Credit Exchange that debt settlement (with lawyers, when you put away a monthly fee into an account) is cheaper than consolidating/counseling. Which is safer? Did you have much luck with either? Any help would be appreciated!
credit card debt settlement options
I have credit card debt that I have the money to pay off. However, I heard that credit card companies will negotiate a lower amount, say ,000 instead of ,000 in order to get the cards paid in full.
1. Is this true?
2. Does this look bad on your credit report? Or does it even appear?
3. How does this work and how do you go about negotiating with them?
Thanks for your time!
I’m a 23 year old single female at a loss…Here is a rundown of my debt. A ,000 FHA loan that got foreclosed on, ,000 second mortgage, i’m guessing about 25k in credit card debt and another 30k at least in hospital bills. And here’s a kicker. One of the credit card companies is suing me.
The house is already foreclosed on and i don’t have a car so i don’t need to do the one where they save your house and car.
I’ve heard that a bankruptcy on you credit follows you for the rest of your life, but a foreclosure will fall off in a certain number of years. I want to eventually be able to buy a house again and have credit!
I have a credit card debt that i called the collection agency on to settle but they have already given it to an attorney, should I call this attorney? Will they possibly settle lower? The debt was 7 and is now xx due to interest adding on it since it went into collections about 5 years ago.
I’m thinking about filing for bankruptcy due to credit card debt… People have told me that you have to have a job to make payments, is that true?
I got a letter from a collection company saying that I have not responded to their efforts to settle my ‘honest debt’. I am disputing the ‘debt’ that they are referring to with the original party. The collection company is threatening to report it to the credit bureaus. Can they do that while the debt is still in dispute?
Let me clarify that this is not a credit card debt or any kind of loan. This is just my old apartment company trying to screw me out of some money by claiming that I damaged this and that.
I have a ,000 school loan as well as ,000 in credit card debt. Up to this point I have stayed up-to-date on all my payments keeping my credit rating intact, but my job situation has taken a big turn for the worse. I’m trying to find if anyone has managed to settle on some of their debts recently without their credit going down the toilet. If so, how did you go about doing it and what were the results?
If I am filing bankruptcy on credit card debt and medical bill can this affect my mortgage modification? Will my mortgage company pull my modification even though I am not filing bankruptcy on my mortgage? I have had my modification for about 3 years now. I live in CA
Over 10 years ago i filed for bankruptcy for over ,000.00 in Credit Card Debt is it possible to file another one for almost the same amount this time is credit cards doctor bills and a car lease? Single mom collecting unemployment and very concern on my credit for future employers.
It was a credit card debt. I paid it off in 08 but they didn’t send me anything in 09 to file. Now, 2 years later, I’m supposed to file it? Anyway I can get out of filing this thing since they were late one year in sending it to me?
I joined a debt settlement agency in august because i couldn’t keep up with my credit card debt. They took on all but one of my cards. I have gotten notices from VISA and AMEX offering to "opt out" and lower my APR, but this is not helpful, I still don’t have the money to pay. I wrote back telling them this and forwarded it to the company who is supposed to be my POA. They (the debt settlement people) just responded with telling me to continue to do what I’m doing but to date, none of my creditors have settled with them. I’m worried about what to do and don’t want any surprises. Should I just try and file bankruptcy?
My wife and myself received a 1099-C cancellation of debt form for our taxes this year. We didn’t file bankruptcy or anything, just a credit card debt we got reduced. Anyway my question was does this have to be added to the state return as well?
Ok, please don’t judge. These decisions were not easy, I did not make them lightly.
My wife was injured in a serious car accident 2 years ago, has had multiple surgeries. She will be receiving a settlement from the other driver’s insurance company within a few months, it appears. And we are moving back to our home state to be closer to family. Because of her injuries and all, we could not afford our house any longer. I recently received a notice of foreclosure. Also, she had about 25,000 in credit card debt, that has not been paid in about 6 months.
What can I do? She will need that settlement money for future medical care, moving expenses, etc. I don’t mind settling SOME of the credit card debt, but no way we can pay it all off now. Also, the house: If they foreclose, so be it. I can’t worry about that, I will just move on. But I don’t know how long that will take, and we are probably still a few months away from settling with the insurance company. Plus, our house is VERY upside down, so I can’t afford to short sale it and pay the difference.
Should I get an attorney, and what good would they do? Could they help us settle those debts and still keep some money for my wife’s future medical expenses?
I have about 20k in cc debt. is credit card debt settlement a good thing? does it affect your credit score even though the creditors have agreed to accept the settlement? I have a 7k debt with chase. they offered a 5 year balance payment plan at 0% interest. The remainder of my 13k credit card balances are currently up to date. Would it be best to just continue to pay the remaining cards or seek settlement. My objective is to keep my credit score as positive as possible.