Where,What,and How do I begin to repay my debt after several years? Any suggestions?
210760
First, you need to obtain all three of your credit reports from Equifax, Ecperian, and Trans Union. There is a fourth, somewhat smaller bureau called Innovis (Minneapolis, Minnesota). It would do good to ask for a report from them as well. Set a goal as to the time frame you want to "clear" your credit. Judging from your credit reports, assess which negative reports will be "falling off"(7-10 years, depending on the case), and which ones you need to pay. Before you pay anything, try to do what is called a "debt validation", . This is when you can write letters to creditors requesting proof of what you owe. If they can prove you owe it, then write certified letters to the company(s), and negotiate how much you will actually pay. If not, then request via certified mail that they remove negative listings from your credit report. DO NOT CALL THEM, and if they call you, simply say "no comment", and hang up the phone. MAKE SURE you get any promises in writing, including the promise that they will promptly report to all 3 credit bureaus that you have satisfied your debts. Budget yourself. Save whatever you can, and pay off debt in lump sums. This is a long process, so be patient. It is well worth your time. I have said this time and time again, but this is a great website. It helped me greatly when I was getting my credit together: www.creditinfocenter.com    This site also has some templates for the letter I was just talking about. This stuff works, and you will be using the same steps all these debt consolidation companies use, and get results. The only difference is is that you will be saving yourself some money.
94035
The standard is 10 years but many creditors stop reporting after 5. But since so many companies are so different it's nearly impossible to give you an absolute answer so if you're not paying your bills then assume that they'll remain on your record for 10 years.\nIf you're served you a) go to court or b) settle with the company. The settlement will be much lower than the actual debt. And not having a job is gonna do you absolutely no good in your argument. The best way to avoid paying the debt (at least in a lump sum) is to pay in very small amounts. As long as you pay something then legally you aren't refusing to pay your debt. But if I were you, I'd get a job and settle with the company. You might be able to talk them into a monthly minimal payment.
430459
Depending on the type of debt you have it varies however what you can do is consolidate all you debt into one lower monthly payment. Basically you need to get in touch with a credit counseling agency... research them very carefully before agreeing to to start a program with them and they vary depending on where you live. What you can do is pay an initial admin fee to get started again that varies from each organization then say you have 10k is credit card debt they will make a proposal to the credit card company on your behalf to a) close your account b) eliminate or lower your interest as low as possible c) not put you in collections d) accept lower monthly payments without interest for a predetermined amount of time based on your debt \nThen the individual companies decide if they will accept your proposal it may take up to a month for them to decide and from there you pay your credit counselor and they will distribute your monthly payments. In order for this to work you cannot have ANY activity on your credit cards and you need to close your cards it will affect your credit during the time you are on the program but you can pay off almost all your debt and you need to earn back a solid credit rating. It is not a bankruptcy but you cannot apply for loans, credit mortgage etc during the time you are on this program. Good luck hope this helps.
307162
try to consolidate your loans and set up payment arrangements that can fit your budget ...or try to find some federal programs that will either reduce or total eliminate your debt by partcipating in them and possibly getting a good job while doing so
357932
First you need to get a copy of your credit report.  You can get one free every year from each of the three credit agencies.  It will detail all of your debts, current and past, and also tell who the companies are and how to contact them.  Here's the site\nhttps://www.annualcreditreport.com/cra/index.jsp\nSome of your debt will stay on your credit report for 7 or 10 years, depending on the type.  \nMany companies are willing to settle the debt, sometime for only 50% of the original amount.\nIf have student loan debt, I advise getting it taken care of as soon as possible.  They tend to be more aggressive and they can garnish your wages and take any federal refunds you might be entitled to.
159398
First let me say DO NOT use a credit counseling service.  They charge extremely high fees and your first payment goes directly to them, NOT your creditors.  Which means by the time they get your payment plan set up, you're another month behind.  Also they don't do anything that you can't do on your own.  They merely call your creditors and request an extension, lower payments, or a lower interest rate.  All things you can accomplish on your own with a telephone and some motivation.\n\nSecond, although it is highly recommended, you do not need an attorney to file bankruptcy.  You can purchase the forms you need at any office supply store.  The cost of filing varies from state to state, but is generally a few hundred dollars ($100-$200).\n\nAn attorney is helpful to explain the laws, your best options, and walk you through the meeting of creditors.\nAny good attorney will also let you make payments on his fees for filing.  \n\nI filed Chapter 7 in 2001 and paid $400 total.  My attorney allowed me to make payments to him in 3 installments.  However he would not file my bankruptcy until the total was paid in full.\n\nIf you do choose to seek out an attorney, interview several before committing.  Good ones should allow for a free consultation and not make you feel ashamed or embarrased.  He/She should speak to you like an adult and educate you on your options without passing judgement.\n\nIn terms of the aftermath of bankruptcy on your credit, most creditors allow you to rebuild your credit almost immediately after the bankruptcy is discharged (about 3 months after you file).  Mortgages companies allow you to qualify for great rates after two years, as long as you have successfully reestablished your good credit.\n\nIf you can get a parttime job to assist you in paying down your debt, I suggest reading these books to determine the best approach to take:\n\nPay It Down by Jean Chatsky\nThe Automatic Millionaire by David Bach\n\nAlso check out the money section of msn.com.  There is great information and advice on the site.\n\nHope this helps!
62487
Pay your debt -  You got your education and it wasn't the loan companies & credit cards responsibility to put you through college. It wasn't a scholarship - it was LOANS.  Now that you got your education you are making good money.  Pay that debt off.  it will take you years to do so - but do it.  Be a person of good character.  \n\nPay off as much of the credit card balances as you can and focus on the college loans as well.  You will do it.  I am serious in saying it will take you probably over 10 years to do so - but you CAN do it.  \n\nNegotiate with them on an amount you can realistically pay each month.  DON'T go out and furnish your home and start living "high on the hog" just because you are out of college making some money now.  You are an adult and should act like one.  Pay the debt - it's yours - and it's only right.
640619
First rule ... never ever borrow to pay debts ... if you do, the debt simply stays a debt but for more money and with unacceptable interest rates.\n\nSecondly, seek advice from someone that doesn't charge a fee for their advice, it is simply not necessary. Go to your local Citizens Advice Bureau and if they cannot help directly, they will put you in touch with an organisation that can do so for free.\n\nThirdly, take the whole matter seriously and whoever you find to help and advise you, follow their advice and cooperate to the letter. \n\nAnd finally, don't think it will go away, especially if you own a property. Creditors will always find a way to secure their debt. Act responsibly!
239581
First, cancel your debt consolidation contract (if you can).  Many of these companies will simply let your accounts lapse just so they can try to settle the debt.  \n\nSecond, get out of debt yourself.  Otherwise, you've never changed your behavior which got you in debt in the first place.\n\nFinally, go buy a book called 'Total Money Makeover'.  This book will teach you how to eliminate your debt.  You can also consider a class (taught by the same person that wrote the book) called 'Financial Peace University' (see www.daveramsey.com).  My wife and I took this class in 2004 and are now debt free (except our house).  The average family taking this 13 course pays off $5,800 and savings $1,200.  \n\nContact me if you want specific help.  My wife and I now teach this class and have seen many people eliminate a ton of debt.  \n\nScott.....
454780
The best tip is to stop spending. Once you get on top of your debt you will be much better off.
275905
im 25 as well and am DROWNING in debt.\ni feel for you, i havent filed bankrupsy yet but b/c i own a condo im just gonna sell it for the equity and clear up ny bills that way.\ngood luck to you
319364
Contact the Credit Counselling Service (or something along those lines).  Free charity, great at helping to deal with debt.  As far as I know you can ask but it is unlikely they will reduce the amount - they do however cancel interest!  Good luck.  Also CCJs only last for 7 yrs on your credit rating.
562393
#1) Pull all your reports. Not online, request actual physical copies. They usually contain more than what an online report does. This will give you a start on where you need to go with your reports. Also, keep them. Never toss them. They are proof later on if you need them to refer to if you ever get into a legal situation regarding your credit (lawsuit etc). You can get your first set free on an annual basis at annualcreditreport.com.\n\n#2) Dispute. Dispute anything that is not correct including, balance amounts, lates, etc. If you have only one or two lates, I would call your creditor and see if you can get them removed via goodwill gesture, or send a goodwill letter. You can find some great letters on some of the credit boards like creditnet.com and creditboards.com.\n\n#3.) Collections? If you have any collections on your account or anything that should not be there, send a DV (debt validation) to the creditor asking to prove the debt. If they cannot, they have to remove the debt off of your report by law.\n\n#4.) You have rights - check out http://www.ftc.gov/os/statutes/031224fcr... for more info.\n\n#5.) check out some of the posts on creditnet.com and creditboards.com for assistance. \n\n#6.) If you have no credit, or want a temporary boost - have a family member or really (really, really, really) close friend add you in as an authorized user on their credit cards. Make sure the balances are not high, otherwise this could hurt you more. The higher the available credit, the more your utilization will go down on your report - therefore bumping your score.\n\n#7.) Avoid unnecessary inquiries. Hard pulls can hurt you, so avoid applying for new credit cards unless necessary.\n\nThis of course is a shortened version of things you can try. Research info on those links I provided you. You can increase your score spending just a short amount of time per week, sending letters to creditors etc. I increased my score over 100 points in less than 6 months. Depending on your situation, this could take shorter or longer time, but at least you have somewhere to start. Good luck!
451006
Depends on the level of debt. No they can't. They can't siphon your funds in your bank or anything. Its more or less an agreement between you and them to make payments or make them in full. I hear that after 7 years, they stop calling and can no longer collect. Of course you can declare bankrupsy, and all your debts are removed. However, that kills your credit for 7 years. Don't get too far in debt because you wont be able to finance a car, house, etc etc. Oh and just so you know, you can usually negotiate your debt down if you do deal with the credit angency. "Take it or leave it" ...usually they take it and you can settle for less of the amount than what you owe.
504723
Get in contact with the debt management charity the 'Consumer Credit Counselling Service.'  \n\nExplain your situation.  Thry maybe able to assist you with your creditors.  \n\nDON'T go to a debt management company which charges.  \n\nGood luck.
200051
pay off your debt and start rebuilding your credit.  it might take awhile but it'll be worth it.
159500
Contact the agency, don't wait for them to call you. Most times when you're calling into an agency, as opposed to them calling you, the agent will be a lot less aggressive. If they STILL demand the full amount, STAND FIRM!!!! Explain that your intention is to repay your debt, but that you need to make arrangements to repay your debt in a way that you can follow through on. If this doesn't work, send them a letter notifying them of your intentions to pay, the amount you will pay monthly, and when you will send the payment each month. Next, send them the first payment. What are they going to do, send your money back and say they don't want it?!?!? Most important---pay on time, stick to what you agreed upon. Good luck, I hope this information is helpful.