I am going to try to resolve some bad marks on my credit by paying off some older debt. I don’t have bad credit card debt or anything of the sort. Just some old bills that went to collections from hospitals, cell phones, utilities, etc. Many of these have been from years ago (some 5+ years).

Now that I am making a decent living, I am finding it hard to obtain lines of credit, and know what my score is. I ordered my 3 free credit reports yesterday, and will be expecting them in the mail shortly. I want to try to tackle these ‘old’ debts to get them off my report, and hopefully improve what’s written on my report.

I read that the first step in doing this, is to write a letter to each company listed on the report, stating that you want to rectify the situation, and to work out a payment plan. What types of things should I ask? Should I propose options? If they respond with a payment plan or settlement amount, do I accept it or negotiate? If I correct these, will they come off

Technorati Tags: bad credit, cell phones, collections, credit card debt, debts, free credit reports, hospitals, mail, report stating that, score

It has been 3 years since I stopped paying on my credit card debt, and the calls have stopped. I would now like to improve my credit rating, but feel the additional fees they had assessed are ridiculously high. I’d like to call and offer to settle the debt (of course getting it in writing from them) for about a 3rd (less if possible) of what is now being asked of me.

Technorati Tags: 3 years, credit card debt, credit rating

I used to live in County A for many years. I opened all of my debts with that address, and recently recieved 2 summons for credit card debt from that county’s court. I now live 2 1/2 hrs away, in County B, but still in the same state. I would like to file bankruptcy where i live now, in county B. Is that possible? Does it not matter where i file? I just want to make sure that after i file, those summons from county A will be dismissed for sure. Thanks!

Technorati Tags: bankruptcy, credit card debt, debts, summons

I talked to someone from that group with the address

7590 E Gray Road
Scottsdale, AZ 85260

I want to know can I trust these people do help settle my credit card debt? How do I know it’s not a scam?

Technorati Tags: credit card debt, gray road, scottsdale az

Lets say your an everyday person, and you have too much debt so you have to file bankruptcy, what happens to your debt and self? (is there a difference about what happens to credit card debt, and what happens to a utility bill debt?)

Technorati Tags: bankruptcy, credit card debt, everyday person

Had filed for chapter 7 and kept the car. The credit card debt was consolidated into the car loan therefore the amount owed on the car is more than the car is worth. Due to unemployment, am not able to make payments and want to surrender the car back to the lender. Can I do this and what are my options?

Technorati Tags: car loan, chapter 7, credit card debt, unemployment

I am considering filing Chapter 13 Bankruptcy and know that I will have to pay back the creditors under the repayment plan between 3 and 5 years. I am trying to figure out how much I will be paying per month to the trustee.

I live in Florida, have 000 in unsecured credit card debt, 000 in a car loan and pay 00 a month in child support.
I make about 000 a year gross.

Technorati Tags: car loan, chapter 13 bankruptcy, child support, credit card debt, creditors, filing chapter 13 bankruptcy, repayment plan, trustee, unsecured credit card

Thinking of filing bankruptcy but not sure how to determine Chapt 7 vs Chapt 13. Most importantly we want to keep our home and cars. We have credit card debt that we cannot keep up with anymore. Talked to a credit agency and they suggested contacting a lawyer to explore this as an option. We are in Jefferson County Missouri. I need to find a lawyer to answer some questions. Any suggestions?

Technorati Tags: cars, chapt, credit card debt, filing bankruptcy, jefferson county missouri, lawyer

I’m going through a divorce and the house is going to foreclosure but I have about ,000 in high interest credit card debt and I just got laid off. What should I do?

Technorati Tags: credit card debt, divorce, foreclosure, high interest, interest credit card

After trying to find ways to be able to take care of our responsibilities we have come to the last resort and that is to file bankruptcy. We don’t own any homes or any real property. what I am curious about is which is better chapter 7 or chapter 13. We want to be able to start saving a soon as it done and when feesible start rebuilding credit. Our credit card debt is only 00 which is a lot, but it could be worse. We just had two bad years with this one being the worse. I am looking for advice on the best way to go between the two. Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 and why.

We are not happy about doing this as we have tried everything. We don’t have anything of value and we have tried to pawn stuff but couldn’t get .00 for most. We live very modestly. So please do not answer this question if you are going to be negative.

Thank you so much. We want to do the right thing so we can start over and never have to do this again.
Thank you so much for all that has given advice so far. I guess I need to add just a few details to make the situation clearer.

As I stated it has been a bad 2 years, actually almost 3 years. I got real sick and had to leave my job and am now on disability. My husband took on a second job a year ago. He pays child support. Between the two of us we have 5 kids between the ages of 9-16. We have two vehicles, which one is in the shop. We also are surrendering this vehicle.
We have an attorney and he is recommending chapter 13. I (we) have a lot of medical bills. After I had to leave my job I couldn’t afford the cobra payments for continued health insurance. To maintain health insurance with my husbands employment (state worker) would have cost more than the cobra payments.
My ex- husband filed bankruptcy and I did not know that anything he had when we were together, came back to me.
I never thought I would get sick and have to quit work. I was not prepared.

Technorati Tags: 3 years, bankruptcy, chapter 13, chapter 7, child support, cobra, credit card debt, disability, do the right thing, employment state, health insurance, insurance, last resort, medical bills, pawn, rebuilding credit, second job, state worker

i have great credit and own a home. my problem is, is that my debt has gotten out of control. i am never late on anything, but it is getting to the point thatl i will. i could lose my home, or i could settle my one big credit card debt to free up some money. can i offer the credit card company i settlement even if i am in good standing with them? what would i say to them? i can’t afford my house payment and my cc payment any longer. so, i need to settle this debt before it gets bad. help!!

Technorati Tags: cc payment, credit card company, credit card debt, money

I have quite a bit of credit card debt, but I do not know which companies can be trusted. The credit card companies will not work with you these days if you are current. But it is a real strain when income is limited.

Technorati Tags: credit card companies, credit card debt

Over 50,000 dollars in credit card debt.
We are current on our mortgage and have about 50,000 in equity. Our credit is too low to get equity line of credit!

Technorati Tags: credit card debt, equity line of credit, mortgage

I am an international student and I own a lot of credit card debt. I really can’t afford to pay back the money and I have to leave this country soon, so should I file bankruptcy?
When I back to my home country, will the bankruptcy still affect me?

Technorati Tags: credit card debt, money, should i file bankruptcy

I am 38 and I have lost all hope and desire to live. All I want is freedom from my pain.

First suicide attempt at age 16
Last suicide attempt was last Wednesday – it was my tenth.
(I know pretty sad that after ten tries I can’t even get that right).

I have seen the inside of multiple emergency rooms and psych units over the years. I have been to more doctors, counselors, shrinks, therapists, alternative medical specialists, rehabs, and groups than I can even count anymore.

If there is a medication out there, they have tried it on me.

I have been diagnosed with borderline personality disorder, anxiety disorder, and major depressive disorder. I am a cutter and I have an eating disorder. I had a habitual marijuana and sleeping pill addiction which I have under control, but I still crave everyday. I also quit drinking. I just finished going through bankruptcy for the 45K in credit card debt I racked up due to a spending addiction. I was married once and have had multiple live-in partners – I drove them all away because I am "crazy".

I am currently in a treatment program (Dialectical Behavior Therapy), it has been five months and I still feel little hope.

I cry everyday, I am lost and empty, I want freedom from the emotional pain I live with constantly. I feel I have no worth or purpose. I have lost all hope as I have been in treatment so many times and yet, here I am again.

How many times can a person hit rock-bottom and still find the courage and strength to try?

I go to therapy, I go to group therapy, I volunteer, I exercise, I try to take good care of myself, I meditate daily, I work with my higher power but still I feel no hope.

What now?

Technorati Tags: anxiety disorder, borderline personality disorder, credit card debt, depressive disorder, dialectical behavior therapy, eating disorder, emergency rooms, emotional pain, first suicide, five months, group therapy, little hope, major depressive disorder, medical specialists, pill addiction, rehabs, rock bottom, sleeping pill, spending addiction, suicide attempt

I have about 00 credit card debt on about 4 cards total. The debt has been in collections for 2 to 3 years. I have been working on repairing my credit but these 4 cards have done damage because I wrote them off. Should I contact these credit card companies and settle the debt and If I do will that have any effect on my credit score or will the score remin he same or will my score improve because I have settled the debt.

Technorati Tags: 3 years, cards, collections, credit card companies, credit card debt, credit score

First off, I am a full-time college student. Ok, here’s my situation–I’m a little over ,000 in credit card debt. My monthly payments from all my cards combined add up to about 0, and every one of my cards (with the exception of one at 8%) have rather high interest rates (19%, 20%). Most of them are pretty close to being maxed out. Having to make these payments is really hurting me every month. I would like to consolidate all of my cards through a loan from my credit union. HOWEVER, due to having a bill that has been out in collections (0 electric bill) for the past 3 months, my credit score has gone down. I know you’re prob gonna say just pay it because it’s only a 0, but I wouldn’t even be able to pay that right now without ultimately cutting myself short at the end of the month. Would this mark on my credit inevitably prevent me from being able to secure a loan through my credit union?

Also, if that wouldn’t be able to fall through, do I have any other options at all? I am pretty stressed right now about finances and would really appreciate some educated/experienced advice with this type of situation. First hand experience with this would probably offer me the best advice to this predicament–what did you do to get out of debt? Is bankruptcy (which I know absolutely nothing about) even a good option, or is my debt small enough to where there’s still hope for another alternative? Please respond to this i am desperate to get out of debt! Thanks a lot in advance.

Technorati Tags: bankruptcy, cards, collections, credit card debt, credit score, full time, hand experience, high interest rates, maxed, predicament, time college student

I am beginning to regret going to college, it seems the only thing I have attained from it, is debt. When I went to school I was allured to the dream of being an airline pilot. I finally got my pilot’s license, but it got to expensive, so I switched to Aviation Management. I am so depressed and mad at myself for letting this happen, and it seems like there is no way out. A few times I forgot to fill out the FAFSA so I had to take out loans to cover the expenses, or I was late getting it in and got no money.

Here’s where I am at:
1 Loan for ,000 (Monthly Payments of 476/mo); 1 Loan for 620 (Monthly Payments of 128); 1 Loan for 00 (Monthly Payments of 50), and Credit Card Debt of about 00. So I have loans totaling 420.

I also have a car payment, cell phone, however I pay no rent, but my grandparents will soon be asking for that.

I just got a new job that pays me 000 per year. So if I don’t put anything into savings I can pay off my loans in about 4 years, however when you begin to figure in my other expenses it’s more like 7 years.

Consolidation is not really an option, because the 000 is an “Education Alternative Loan”, it’s not a federal loan. The 00 loan is a no interest loan. And the 620 is a direct federal loan.

-My dilemma is that, I have a girlfriend that I want to begin a life with. I wish to get an apartment with her maybe in the next year or so. And I want to marry her.

Situation 1- Do I put no money into savings and just tackle the loans head on? I will have no money for retirement or a down payment on a house.

Situation 2- I put some money aside into savings, and it will take longer to pay off?

Situation 3- Declare bankruptcy if I can?

I apologize for this taking so long, but I don’t know what to do. Thank you for your help.

Technorati Tags: airline pilot, apartment, aviation management, bankruptcy, car payment, cell phone, consolidation, credit card debt, dilemma, education, fafsa, federal loan, girlfriend, going to college, grandparents, interest loan, loans, money, new job, retirement

First off, I am a full-time college student. Ok, here’s my situation–I’m a little over ,000 in credit card debt. My monthly payments from all my cards combined add up to about 0, and every one of my cards (with the exception of one at 8%) have rather high interest rates (19%, 20%). Most of them are pretty close to being maxed out. Having to make these payments is really hurting me every month. I would like to consolidate all of my cards through a loan from my credit union. HOWEVER, due to having a bill that has been out in collections (0 electric bill) for the past 3 months, my credit score has gone down. I know you’re prob gonna say just pay it because it’s only a 0, but I wouldn’t even be able to pay that right now without ultimately cutting myself short at the end of the month. Would this mark on my credit inevitably prevent me from being able to secure a loan through my credit union?

Also, if that wouldn’t be able to fall through, do I have any other options at all? I am pretty stressed right now about finances and would really appreciate some educated/experienced advice with this type of situation. First hand experience with this would probably offer me the best advice to this predicament–what did you do to get out of debt? Is bankruptcy (which I know absolutely nothing about) even a good option, or is my debt small enough to where there’s still hope for another alternative? Please respond to this i am desperate to get out of debt! Thanks a lot in advance!

Technorati Tags: bankruptcy, cards, collections, credit card debt, credit score, full time, hand experience, high interest rates, maxed, predicament, time college student

I recently went through a nasty divorce and had to pay a lot to my ex husband AND got to keep all the credit card debt. I have been unable to make payments on 1 card, they are willing to settle, and I need to take this oppurtunity. Other than that card, my credit is/was excellent. Is there any way I can try to get them to not report it as "settled"?

Technorati Tags: credit card debt, nasty divorce

i did settle my credit card debt(written off) for half of the amount few days ago,the collection agency says it will show on my credit report as paid,,i heard the bank is in charge to report it to the credit bureau not the collection agency,,,how it will show on my report then? should i warn the ban or the collections?

Technorati Tags: collections, credit bureau, credit card debt, credit report, few days

First off, I am a full-time college student. Ok, here’s my situation–I’m a little over ,000 in credit card debt. My monthly payments from all my cards combined add up to about 0, and every one of my cards (with the exception of one at 8%) have rather high interest rates (19%, 20%). Most of them are pretty close to being maxed out. Having to make these payments is really hurting me every month. I would like to consolidate all of my cards through a loan from my credit union. HOWEVER, due to having a bill that has been out in collections (0 electric bill) for the past 3 months, my credit score has gone down. I know you’re prob gonna say just pay it because it’s only a 0, but wouldn’t even be able to pay that right now without ultimately cutting myself short at the end of the month. Would this mark on my credit inevitably prevent me from being able to secure a loan through my credit union?

Also, if that wouldn’t be able to fall through, do I have any other options at all? I am pretty stressed right now about finances and would really appreciate some educated/experienced advice with this type of situation. First hand experience with this would probably offer me the best advice to this predicament–what did you do to get out of debt? Is bankruptcy even a good option, or is my debt small enough to where there’s still hope for another alternative? Please respond to this i am desperate to get out of debt! Thanks a lot in advance.

Technorati Tags: bankruptcy, cards, collections, credit card debt, credit score, full time, hand experience, high interest rates, maxed, predicament, time college student

Since my soon to be ex-wife racked up over 50K worth of credit card debt behind my back while we were married, my lawyer suggests that we file for joint bankruptcy.

I’m not crazy about the idea due to the downstream consequences…it stays on your record for 7 yrs., insurance co’s adjust your rate by credit score, renters wont sign a lease with you, etc.

Your thoughts?

Technorati Tags: bankruptcy, consequences, credit card debt, credit score, insurance, insurance co, lawyer

I want to know if I can do anything about my credit card debt and still keep my home and other assetts?

Technorati Tags: assetts, credit card debt

There has been considerable debate between two specific debt reducing options: debt consolidation and debt settlement (negotiation). I’m trying to decide which is the best option to select if one wants to reduce their financial debt (specifically credit card debt). I’m sure there’s pros and cons to both options, however which is more effective? Please advise.

Technorati Tags: credit card debt, debt consolidation, Debt Settlement, financial debt, pros and cons, settlement negotiation

I have financial problems. I have two mortgages about 1million and credit card debt about 0K. I tried to sell my house to pay my debts. However, it’s on market about 6 months, no any offer. I don’t how to do-file bankrupcy or find credt settlement company to settle my debts. My friends told they are not useful to have settlement company deal with all creditors. Can someone can give me advise how to survive?

Technorati Tags: all creditors, credit card debt, debts, mortgages, settlement company

We are refinancing our house to pay off some credit card debt. I have heard that the debt management companies will negotiate on your behalf and either lower the interest rates or lower the amount they will accept to pay off the debt. I have also heard you can do that yourself.

Anyone have any experience with this tactic? I have also heard that trying to settle for a percentage of your balance will wreak havoc on your credit rating. Is it worth it to save a couple of thousand dollars?

Do you try and reach an agreement with the first CSR you talk with, or does it only count if you negotiate with a manager or other official? Should you get the agreement in writing, as well as any effects on the credit rating? What is an appopriate percentage to ask for (50%? 60%?), or does it depend on factors like amount owed, past payment practices, etc.? Does it help to threaten you might be filing for bankruptcy if they do not settle?

Technorati Tags: credit card debt, credit rating, csr, debt management companies, filing for bankruptcy, havoc, interest rates, payment practices, tactic, thousand dollars

A friend of mine who drew K in credit card debt is debating on filing bankruptcy. He is fully able to repay his debts to his creditors, and fear that he may be putting his future at risk. As many people know bankruptcy and going through with it takes a lot of careful thinking. My buddy is hardheaded and thinks the bankruptcy courts will be open to discharge 100% of everything. Not a bad idea if he owed 0K and in over his head…K is workable in my book since he has no real living expenses. Any ideas?

Technorati Tags: bad idea, bankruptcy courts, credit card debt, creditors, debts, fear, filing bankruptcy, living expenses, risk

I filed my taxes today and included a 1099c form for a credit card debt of ,107. Now that this debt is paid, how can I get the credit card company to remove this from my credit report so my credit score can go up. All of my bills are paid on time and I only have one debt left that is a positive on my report. My goal is to be debt free and buy a house this year.

Technorati Tags: 1099c form, credit card company, credit card debt, credit report, credit score

I have a good job now, and make pretty good money. I got all my college credit cards paid off, except for one. I was told that I can "settle" that credit card debt for approximately 0 less than what the full balance is (settle the ,100 debt for about ,650 if I paid in full). Problem is: I can afford to pay in full the whole ,100…it is already on my credit report as negative because of it being delinquent so much (several times in about 3 years with no payment on the debt for 3-4 months). Someone told me if I settle for less, it will be worse on my credit report. But if its already negative…what is the better option? Keep in mind also that I closed the account about 2 years ago. Should I pay it off fully, or just settle and save money? Will it ever show up as positive on my credit report? Or just as "closed/paid off" status. Which is better? Sorry about all the parts to my question! Please help!!

Technorati Tags: 3 years, 4 months, college credit cards, credit card debt, credit report, delinquent, good job, money, several times