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!!!

Technorati Tags: credit bureau, credit card company, credit card debt, divorce, financial hardship, how much money, job, single mom, unemployment

I am wanting to pay off an old debt on my husband’s credit report. We were unable to continue paying on it due to severe financial hardship. We are now more financially stable, and wanting to buy a house. I used to work as a bill collector, but I don’t remember all the specifics. On the credit report, there is an "original balance" and a "past due" balance. I am aware that fees were charged, but I’ve been recently told that they may be bogus. The account was charged off, also. I want to offer the company a settlement of 30% of the original balance, which is about 0. What I’m wanting in return is for them to report it as "paid". I’m not going to tell them that I’m buying a house, because I’m sure they won’t agree to the settlement if they think I really need this off the credit report. So what do you think? Should I go ahead and call and offer this settlement?
I realize that it will still say that it was delinquent, etc. But it will also say that we went back and paid on it. That is what my mortgage company wants to be able to show the underwriter!

Technorati Tags: bill collector, buying a house, credit report, financial hardship, mortgage company, specifics, underwriter

I have a friend who is going through a financial hardship. NO FAULT OF HER OWN. Medical bills, etc.. Can she keep (and continue to pay) her house and her car if she files? If so which one. Can bankruptcy help her get new paments? Advise.

Technorati Tags: bankruptcy, financial hardship, medical bills