Also do you know of any bankruptcy lawyers in the Western PA area?

Basically I went into debt consolidation through a non profit organization. I paid them one monthly payment and they dispersed it to all 3 of my creditors.

They have had problems with American Express accepting a proposal, or accepting a proposal then a month later saying no they wanted more than that. So basically they defaulted my account 2 times for this proposal problems and now they want immediate payment of ,300. I do not have that kind of money. I go to school full time, live it at home, drive a car owned by my mom, and work a part time job.

I have tried compromising with them, but they won’t budge. And my mom won’t bail me out because she feels I need to fix this myself. I know bankruptcy is a major step but I am just trying to look at all of my options.
Also if you know of anyone who has gone through a similar situation with American Express let me know. I would love someone to talk to about this.

Technorati Tags: american express, bankruptcy lawyers, creditors, debt consolidation, drive a car, full time, immediate payment, mom, money, non profit organization, part time job, proposal, western pa area

Currently I have about ,500 worth of debt that include credit cards, a personal loan, and doctor bills. I recently became unemployed and I haven’t been able to make payments on any of my debts.

I’m fairly young and of course my interest rates are high, ranging from 16%-24%. I use to not only pay my bills on time, I paid them all early. I like paying my bills. I don’t want to file bankruptcy but in this situation I don’t know what to do. I expect to starting working within 4 weeks.

If I try to start making payments, it will take several months to get caught up. I live with my family and I’m basically head of the household. I take care of my family of 5, and that’s why I’m in debt.

I don’t want to go to one of those companies that you make a monthly payment to and they make payments to your creditors. I could do that myself, and I would still be in the same situation.

Is filing for bankruptcy the right thing to do? Will I be able to, considering the new laws?

Technorati Tags: credit cards, creditors, debts, doctor bills, filing for bankruptcy, household, interest rates, new laws, personal loan

We are in the process of closing on our first house and don’t want to mess this up. My husband is being forced to file bankruptcy soon on ONLY medical bills. I don’t know if the bankruptcy should be filed just after closing to prevent a lawsuit from one of the creditors or if we should just go to court and settle the bankruptcy after a judgment has been passed. If we filed chapter 13 bankruptcy, what kind of percentage of the total bills do you usually have to pay on medical bills; or does it depend on your income and expenses? Help please! Also, will our credit cards (which we do NOT have a problem with) be taken away from us?

Technorati Tags: chapter 13 bankruptcy, credit cards, creditors, first house, judgment, medical bills

I am severely underemployed, making minimum wage, 20 hours per week. I used to make more money and was given credit which I used, to the tune of ,000 in unsecured debt. Between my rent and utilities expenses, I can’t make my minimum payments to my creditors. I am striving to improve my employment status, but until I succeed with that, what can I do? I have no assets to sell and {content} to pay to debt consolidators and in payment plans. Is there any way to put my debt off for a few more months, or should I start thinking seriously about personal bankruptcy?

Technorati Tags: assets, creditors, debt consolidators, employment status, minimum payments, minimum wage, money, personal bankruptcy, unsecured debt

i m in credit card debts rite now and my current creditors charge me upto 30 pecent interest what are the best ways to get it worked out for example do u suggest me debt consolidation or debt settlement? which one is more preferred or if there is any pro and cons associated with any of those or if u have any other suggestions ? thanks

Technorati Tags: credit card debts, creditors, debt consolidation, Debt Settlement, pro and cons

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

My family and I are in the belly of the beast, due to this economic crisis. Well the situation is I racked up about 60k in credit card debts,
however I’ve been making my payments on time. I cannot keep up with these payments anymore, since I am a self-employed constructor, business has been slow and I can barely make ends meet. I was wondering if I can settle my debt and monthly payments directly with the creditors, or should I go to a debt consolidation firm? If I decide to negotiate the debt myself, should I wait until all my credit card accounts go into default? I had good intentions on paying these credit cards back immediately. Because I have just finished building a brand new house, I’ve put all my blood sweat and tears into this project. I had about 1/3 cash, 2/3 from equity and loan in order to complete the house. I assumed that once the house was finished I would be able to apply for a jumbo loan, and pay off all these debts. But have had no luck for about 8 months already. Please give me a very honest answer, thank you and stay motivated.

Technorati Tags: belly of the beast, blood sweat and tears, credit card accounts, credit card debts, credit cards, creditors, debt consolidation firm, economic crisis, good intentions, honest answer, jumbo loan, sweat and tears

If I was to file for Chapter 13 Bankruptcy, how long would it take for me to be able to purchase a home with FHA. How long will it take before creditors approve me for credit.

Thank you,

Technorati Tags: chapter 13 bankruptcy, creditors, fha

I got several collection accounts that equal to ,000 debt. But i have not been sued by my creditors in 2 years since the accounts were charged off, so should i just wait until they try to serve me so i can file for bankruptcy or should i do it now because they will inevitably sue me down the road?
BTW they have stopped calling me in the last few months.

Technorati Tags: bankruptcy, collection accounts, creditors

I’ve been asked this question and suggested bankruptcy. I’m not sure if this is the best advice. I do know that in addition to owing the bank, he owes many creditors and has terrible credit. Can someone shed some light on this? Can the bank pursue legal action if he files bankruptcy?

Technorati Tags: bankruptcy, creditors

I’m not talking about credit counseling, I’m talking about the firms that go to your creditors and offer to settle the debt for a small percentage of the total owed. If you have, tell me what you thought and who you used. Thanks.
WWW.JICINVESTMENTS.COM isn’t even close to what I’m asking about. I’m not looking for credit repair, I’m looking to settle the debts. First thing first.
Wow! I am so impressed with some of the answers. I’m going to have to do some more exploration. It will be tough picking a best. Thanks to you all!

Technorati Tags: credit counseling, credit repair, creditors, debts

It seems like they dropped the ball. Can I stop paying the blance of the service fee and negotiate with the creditors by myself? or the debt settlement company still have the right to sue me or something?
thanks guys for helping. and again how do i complain to the state commerce dept? and how can I stop paying the blance and possible refund the service from them?

Technorati Tags: blance, creditors, Debt Settlement, settlement company, state commerce dept

Filed for a chapter 13 but could not come to terms with the payment and the modifications that the court wanted. never made a payment on the plan and it was dismissed 60 days later. I negotiated my own terms and paid my creditors off. Now I have a big negative on my credit report for a plan that was never used.

Technorati Tags: chapter 13, credit report, creditors

I am at the point where bankruptcy might make sense despite my best efforts.

Can I file for bankruptcy, settle with any creditor at 10% of the debt owed and then unfile (with the remaining debts as is..)

In other words the only thing that force the creditors to negotiate is the fear that they will get close to nothing once the bankruptcy has been filed.

Technorati Tags: bankruptcy, best efforts, creditor, creditors, debts, fear, might make sense

Obviously, if a person here in the United States can’t pay off their mortgage for their house, it gets taken over by the bank and that person’s on foreclosure.
Or if a person’s company goes bankrupt and they fall into debt, the creditors can legally take their home, car, etc.

But if an entire nation went bankrupt, how would our creditors take stuff from us as collateral, in any way short of a military invasion?

Technorati Tags: collateral, creditors, foreclosure, home car, military invasion, mortgage, united states

I’ve made a big mess out of my life by making mistakes I could actually afford at the time. I had a great job making enough money that I could afford my own apartment and a brand new car. Life was great for about 2 years, all my payments were on time, and I had a little extra cash so I could go out with friends on the weekends. I met a guy and he moved in, and everything went straight down the tubes. My boss fired me and didn’t give me an explanation ("something needs to change and we think it’s you" whatever that means), and I found another job immediately but only making about half of what I was making when I got fired. This whole time, I was still paying all the bills for the apartment and car, even when I had a full time roommate because he didn’t contribute a dime for the first 5 months he lived with me. I used up all savings and started to borrow money from family and friends until they all cut me off ( reasonably stating that because I had someone else living there, they shouldn’t have to rescue me and I’m inclined to agree ). so at this point, I’m about 2 months behind on my credit cards and car payments, and my brain snapped and I told my bf that he had to start helping with the bills. at which point, he started "helping" with about 1/4 of the bills for the apartment ( i never expected him to help with the car or credit cards, but I do feel he should have had to help with 1/2 the bills for the apartment, especially since his kids were there on the weekends as well ). I quite stupidly started just flat out ignoring the harassing calls from creditors and collection agencies (hey, I couldn’t pay my bills just to live, sleep and eat much less give anything to the creditors, and they refused to work with me the first couple of times they called). I surrended my 2 year old car that I adored because the creditors told me they had reported it stolen (i don’t even know if they can do that, I was 2 months behind on payments). also adding to the misery, I had co-signed a loan for my brother to get a truck, which he also defaulted on and surrended. So to date, I have ,000 in debt and have no way of paying it back (at least not for the foreseeable future). I do have a job, making less than 0 a week with no possibilty of any overtime and / or supplemental income. last october, I was severely depressed and got behind the wheel of a car drunk, got arrested and charged with a dwi. so now, I have to pay rent, fines and surcharges, my car insurance went through the roof, and my phone bill. at the end of the month, I’m left with about , 0 if I’m really lucky. I talked to a credit counselor to try to get the debts under control, and she informed me that my ONLY option is bankruptcy. I’ve come to terms with the whole bankruptcy thing ( and believe me, I’m not thrilled about it ) but the biggest problem I’m facing now is trying to come up with the money to file for bankruptcy. The creditors are getting more aggressive, I’ve been sued at least twice, and they are threatening bench warrants and garnishing my wages. I can’t afford what I’m living on now! If they garnish my wages, I will not be able to pay for something (most likely fines and/or surcharges) and all of this is going to turn into an even bigger mess.

I’m at the point now where I understand all of my mistakes, realize that I have to pay for them. But I’m also at the point where I am extremely close to suicidal. I can’t eat, I can’t sleep and I can’t concentrate on anything. I’m ill at the situation I’ve created for myself, but I don’t know how to fix it. I don’t even know where to start. I quit drinking nearly 6 months ago after realizing what it had cost me. Is it too late? Am I doomed to be a mess my whole life? It seems like this situation never gets any better, it’s gradually just getting worse, to the point of just giving up completely.
This situation feels completely hopeless. No one has any advice for me. every one just says "that sucks". well, no kidding! I hate to sound so shallow, like money is the only thing that matters to me. I don’t just care about money ( in fact, I HATE IT ). The fact of the matter is that my whole life feels wasted, like I’ll never recover from any of this. I hate no longer being self sufficient, and feel like I will never be able to take care of myself again.

Is there anyone out there that has any advice for me at all? Steps I can take to improve the situation? Or possible jobs I could take on to try to make some extra cash so I can take care of all this with a less than stellar record? I just need some help and this is my last resort. I really don’t know what else to do.

And for anyone who has snarky remarks, IE: you’re on the internet ( so I must have $ right? no, I use my computer at WORK), you made your bed blah blah blah, please keep the comments to yourself. the purpose of my post is a last ditch attempt at trying to get some help, not lose any more of my self esteem, if there is any left.
Thanks

Technorati Tags: 5 months, apartment, bf, boss, brain, brand new car, car life, car payments, collection agencies, credit cards, creditors, enough money, extra cash, family and friends, full time, misery, roommate, sleep, tubes, whole time

I am contemplating a Chapter 7. I thought if your income was less than the median income for your region, you qualify without having to divulge monthly expenses to see if you have any money leftover for creditors. So, is this true?

Technorati Tags: chapter 7, creditors, median income, money, monthly expenses

I am trying to settle my debt (from credit cards) with two creditors. I am a complete ignorant of how these works.
Please help answering the following :

1) Is settling better than bancruptcy ?

2) Are there different types of debt settlements ?

3) Does it make any difference if I settle with the Bank or with a collector ?

4) how do you compare the effect of settlement vs banckruptcy on credit history ?

5) Is auto re-possesion equivalent to bankruptcy ?

Thank you…

Technorati Tags: banckruptcy, bancruptcy, bankruptcy, credit cards, credit history, creditors, debt settlements

I have a lot of debt and considering settling these debts without a debt settlement company. Their are many debt settlement programs that promise to save you 50% while other companies promise to save you up to 75% of total debt you owe. How can one company be better then the other, after all, in the end all they can do is negotiate and ask for a lower amount as settlement. I also bought a Ebook that teaches you how to settle credit card debts and payday loan debts on your own. It seems simple enough and contains all the letters that you need to send out and takes you step by step to settle your debt. Their are also many well written letters online. Sure they may be more experienced and save you an extra 0-0, but with the cost of the programs sometimes exceeding ,000, the amount you did save is just going towards the debt settlement program. I’m guessing that debt settlement program is for people that don’t want to dealer with creditors at all because they answer all the calls, send out all the letters such as debt validation letters, and do all the negotiating for you. Whats your opinion.

Technorati Tags: credit card debts, creditors, debt settlement program, debt settlement programs, ebook, payday loan, settlement company, validation

In bankruptcy, Segregated Funds are safe from creditors. How about for someone who is NOT filing bankruptcy?
I live in Michigan (if consumer’s state exemption laws apply). Thanks for any help.

Technorati Tags: creditors, exemption laws, filing bankruptcy, segregated funds, state exemption

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

Should the usa go bankrupt and default on all government debts? Would the economy be better off if the usa had {content} in debt?

I think It’s time the creditors(china) took a hit in the wallet, don’t you?

Technorati Tags: china, creditors, economy, government debts, wallet

trying to buy a home need to repair credit I owe about 4000 in collections what program or letter and how much% should i pay to collection agency or should i contact "original"creditors and pay them?.and will the collection agency stop reporting?..help need it fix in 30 to 60 days

Technorati Tags: collections, creditors

I know that my credit card accounts with a balance will have to be submitted and cancelled.

I was told that my credit card accounts with zero balances would also eventually be cancelled by the creditors once they find out about the bankruptcy?

Will it look better if I cancel my credit card w/ -0- balance on my own or will it matter?

Should I advise the creditor b4 I bankrupt and ask if they will leave my -0- balance card open or will they cancel it anyway?

Technorati Tags: bankruptcy, credit card accounts, creditor, creditors

I have been working on a "plan" with my attorney and trustee for almost a year now. Now they want to increase my payments to a point where I cannot afford it. I may want to dismiss my case but what happens when I do that? I know I am thrown back to the sharks so to speak as far as my creditors go. Do I have to wait to re-file another Chapter 13 plan with a different attorney?

Technorati Tags: chapter 13, creditors, sharks, trustee

I live in aus and im thinking about bankruptcy. Because of my income i fall under the threshold amount for making contributions but I am confused as to whether or not I have to pay anything at all back to my creditors during my bankruptcy period? Any information would be fantastic.

Technorati Tags: bankruptcy, creditors, threshold

My husband has a large amount of personal credit card debt, I notified all the creditors that he is deceased. Now they are calling trying to collect from me. My credit report shows that I am an authorized user for 3 of the cards. Am I liable for any of them? I live in NY

Technorati Tags: cards, credit card debt, credit report, creditors, personal credit card

I have been unemployed for 9 months with bad credit as a resultof late payment. Should i file chapter 7 b/c I currently have no assets or dispute with my creditors to have some things removed from my credit report to improve my score? I am only 21yrs old and in need of a car and I am trying to straighten things up. Please help!

Technorati Tags: 9 months, assets, bad credit, chapter 7, credit report, creditors, score

I filed a Chapter 13 bankruptcy, then dismissed it when I was not able to get a helpful deal from the creditors. I was able to get enough money together to settle with them after the case was dismissed. I have received the tax forms from them claiming that the debt might be considered income. Since this was debt settled after the case was dismissed, is it consider taxable income?

Technorati Tags: chapter 13 bankruptcy, creditors, enough money, tax forms, taxable income

Well, it is ashamed to ask this question but it is true that I’ve been living in this condition for couple years now and it made me so depress because of my personal financial problem. But I am still hoping and trying to find everything I could to recover my credit. I hope I will get some advise from you guys out there to help me start rebuild my financial life again.

Since last 5 years ago the first time I moved to this country I started apply my first credit card with US Bank, I’ve been living so happy with it, I thought it was cool when using credit card, I spent money like a rich kid, and I got a really good credit, then I applied for any other cards from one bank to other banks till I ended up with 5 different credit cards. Then 3 years gone by I couldn’t handle these credit cards, I ran out of control and ended up with a balance of 22K at the age 27 years old now, so still there is a long way to go, if I am keep paying the minimum payment like this I will end up paying those creditors for my whole life. I did try credit card consolidation but it just reduced my interest rate Now at this time I decided to go with debt settlement company in order to get rip of this debt and start a new life, but of cause it gonna take me couple years to settle this 22K debt. Now I m paying the settlement company 0/month for 28 months to settle my debt.

So first of all please ignore my grammars I know you understand what I am talking about, but I am seeking for advise from you guys out there:

1. I can possibly maintain my monthly payment of 0 to 0 toward my debt, so is there any alternative way beside debt settlement and bankruptcy to get rip of this debt? now my credit score gone so bad and there is one collection on my credit already, and soon there will be more as I am enrolling in this debt settlement.

2. I start looking at peer to peer loan and sound like an other option for me as long as I have a co-borrow with a good credit, but I am kind of hesitated and not sure how legitimated it is. Can anyone advise me if I should go with it?

I am making 90K from my job but I am still living in this horrible life because of my debt. This is a really bad experience that I am currently having in my life and I hope everyone who read this post will learn from what my mistake was, and won’t go on the same path as me.
Yes I will looking into my daily living expense and hope I will cut some of them. Originally, it was 35K on my balance but then I tried to sell most of my asset (Stock, I don’t have a house) and brought it down to 22K. So at this moment of 22K debt I have nothing beside my monthly salary. I am so upset when I see most of my friends now they bought houses even they make less money than me, I was really poor in my money management.

Technorati Tags: 3 years, bankruptcy, banks, credit card consolidation, credit cards, credit score, creditors, Debt Settlement, grammars, interest rate, minimum payment, money, personal financial problem, rich kid, settlement company, us bank, whole life