I am 22 and here goes my debt.\nCingular $1500 (as I talk internationally - that has stopped)\nAmerican Express $1836.37 (they took me to collection)\nCapitalone $80 \n\nI want to be debt free by June because I am the process of adopting my bestfriend (who died)'s daughter.\n\nI have to pay my car note $300. My mom pays my insurance. And also I don't have to worry about rent. \n\nBi-weekly I take home a check of $1002.65. I just need help with figuring out which bills to pay first. I am so confused and very depressed. I need help, please please please.\n\nLauren Dickert
212845
Lauren, most companies are more than willing to make payment arrangements if you call them. Your debt is very small compared to most people so don't feel so bad. Without knowing what your other living expenses are, it's tough to spell out  exactly what you should do but the key is to avoid building up any more debt. Keep you car loan current so that you can get back and forth to work. I'd just pay the Capitol One bill because it's small. As for Amex and Cingular you should send each of them as much as possible with whatever remaining money you have. Call them and see how much they will except per month. Just be careful not to drag out the Amex bill too long if they are charging you interest or else you will just be paying interest and not getting rid of the bill.\n\nLastly, you should let your mother know how much you appreciate her help.\n\nGood luck.
44082
1. Charge no more.\n2. Get on a tight budget--only necessities.\n3. Put every extra spare penny towards your highest interest debt.\n4. Unload your car or pay it off so that you can get cheaper car insurance.\n5. Get rid of things you don't need.  I got rid of my phone because I wasn't even making one call a month, and I don't want anybody bothering me at home.  I just tell them to email me.\n6. Stop going out to eat or ordering food out.  Stop buying frozen dinners.  Buy large sacks of leg quarters, potatoes, pasta, and other cheap but nutritious food and cook, freeze, etc., and you can save a lot on food to go towards the debt.\n7. Don't drive when you can walk or bicycle, and save gas money to put towards debt.\n8. Get rid of your cable TV, or reduce it to basic cable, and put that money towards debt.\n9. Adjust your thermostat so that air/heat comes on less often.  Turn off lights/TV, etc., when not in use.\n10. Stop drinking alcohol and soft drinks.  Drink water instead.  You will become healthier while saving money to put towards your debts.\n11. I bought clippers and learned to cut my own hair.\n\nAre you starting to get the idea yet?  Be thrifty and pour your money into paying down the most expensive debts.  You will be uncomfortable for a while, but boy, it feels good in the end when you don't owe anybody.
585795
Machelle,\n\nI don't want you to take this the wrong way, but honey, you need to slow your roll.\n\nWatch your actions, they become habit.\nWatch your habits, they become character.\nWatch your character, it becomes destiny.\n\nYou filed for bankruptcy for a reason.  \n\nStop living beyond your means.  You didn't luck up on a car where you owe $10,000 MORE than the trade in value.  $567 a month is rent on a one-bedroom aparment in the South!\n\nThere is nothing shameful about leaving below your means.\n\nRefinancing is not an option in your situation.  You are upside down.  Why would a finance company want to pay your loan off at $23,500 when the value of the car is $10,000 less than the loan?  The collateral is inadequate.\n\nIf you don't pay the refinancer, they have a net loss of $10,000 when they repossess your car from your work place parking lot..\n\nI think you need to return the car to the dealer, take the hit on your credit report, and start riding the bus.  I can NOT believe that you filed for bankruptcy and thought it was cool to pay $567 for a gas-guzzling SUV after you discharged your debts..\n\nYou got the bruise, but didn't learn the lesson.\n\nYour credit is an extension of your character and it is time that you take inventory of your character.\n\nYou are NOT your car.  Who are you flossing for?\n\nGet a used Honda hooptie and make life easier for yourself.
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.
13882
Please go to www.daveramsey.com - this plan of simple common sense can help you !!!\n\n\nFirst, Stop using your credit cards.\n\n \n\n“People change their lives only when they say, ‘I’ve had it!’” – Les Brown\n\n \n\nThink you can’t exist in the 21st century without credit?  Do you have at least one credit card?  Did you sign up just for the bonus miles or cash back?  Sounds like it’s time for you to perform a plasectomy.  (That’s what Dave calls cutting up your credit card.)  You’ve heard all the lies, now here are a few facts about credit.\n\n \n\nMyth: No on can live without credit cards.\n\nFact: Actually, 24% of American households are getting by just fine without any type of credit according to a Federal Reserve survey of consumer finances.  Try using your debit card or cash instead.  If millions of Americans can live without credit, so can you!\n\n \n\nMyth: Credit cards help me get airline miles, cash back and other discounts.\n\nFact: Yeah, credit cards also help you get into debt.  Consumer Reports say that only 25% of airline miles are ever redeemed – and credit card companies know it.  Earning a few airline miles is not worth thousands of dollars in debt.  \n\n \n\nMyth: I can just pay off the balance at the end of every month.\n\nFact: You’ll be in the minority.  According to CardWeb.com, only 40% of credit card users pay off their balance when they receive the bill.  Plus, overspending is inevitable when you use a credit card.  It’s just easier to swipe a piece of plastic than it is to flash the cash.\n\n \n\nMyth: “Ninety days same as cash” is the smart way to buy.\n\nFact: “Ninety days same as cash” is a scam.  Retailers know that most consumers won’t pay their balance in 90 days, which means you get stuck with outrageous interest rates and back charges to boot.\n\n \n\nMyth: I’m required to have a credit card to buy a house.\n\nFact: Several quality mortgage companies provide underwriting which allows you to purchase a home without a credit card.  If your mortgage lender requires a credit card for your home loan, run – don’t walk – to a lender who will actually help you achieve freedom from credit.
49198
I am also a 27 year old female, and I've learned some harsh lessons about financial realities.  I'll share with you what worked for me.\n\nI have a binder full of lined paper.  On the first page of the binder I have a budget.  You may ask yourself, how does one create a budget?  \n\nThe way I did it was to first list the things I have a fixed amount I need to spend per month: Rent, Car payments, Magazine subscriptions, Car insurance.  Then I figured out how much I would need PER PAYCHECK to save for this (don't say per month - if you do this, you're setting yourself up for failure).  I need $400 per paycheck for rent, $200 for car, $50 for insurance, $5 for registration, etc.  ANYTHING you spend money on goes down on paper.\n\nNext, I put down the things I need, but that aren't fixed.  For instance, groceries, gas, car repair, health (SO very important to have a large reserve, as I recently found out).  I guess how much I'm going to spend on this per month.  Don't forget, that a budget is ALWAYS evolving.  You get raises, bonuses, and (hopefully not) pay cuts all the time, so be prepared.\n\nFinally, you need to have some money to yourself.  I seperated these into clothes, gifts, massage, and books for myself, but you can always change that around.  Put a fixed amount per check into these funds.\n\nHere's the most important part: RECORD what you're spending on the other sheets of paper.  If you buy a pair of shoes, that goes in the clothes budget.  If you buy a gallon of milk, that goes in the groceries budget.  I guarantee you'll be shocked by some of the purchases you make. (I was spending $500 on groceries for two people in a month - that's absurd.  I now REALLY watch what a shop for, and I make sure I'm not throwing things away because they got old - I use everything!)\n\nOk, now we're ready to set aside some money to save!  Generally people say to save 10% of your gross income.  With the above method, the car repair and health funds are sort of "oh no" accounts that you're not going to be touching unless you have a situation, so I count that as part of the 10%.  Aside from this, calculate 10% of your net income ($800 = $80) and have it direct deposited into a different account.  This should not be accessable by check OR atm card!!!!  Once you have about $2,000, you should be able to move it into a money market (some people call money markets "High Yield Savings Accounts") without having to pay any fees.  You'll earn about 2%-4%, depending on the rates at the time.\n\nDon't forget that you'll want to fund some sort of retirement account out of this!  Make sure you try to set asside the maximum possible into retirement accounts so you don't regret your misspent youth.  I'll let you know that I've done calucualtions that say I need 2 million (caluculating for inflation) dollars to retire at age 65.  Yes, that is $2,000,000.  I urge you to look for a program called "Smart Women Finish Rich" in your area.  You'll learn TONS from it, and hopefully be inspired to start saving money.
99784
First, it's good that you realize you are depressed. So many people deny that there's anything wrong with them. I have suffered from depression and was suicidal. I was fortunate to find a truly great psychiatrist and therapist who helped me work through my problems. Besides all the things that caused me to become depressed, I have a chemical imbalance in my brain. When I first got sick (20 years ago) I refused medication. But, it came to the point where I needed it. Some people do, some don't. \n\nIf you have a doctor, make an appointment so that you can be evaluated. You may have to take some medicine, at least short-term. Medication can help to elevate your mood enough so that you can begin to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Your doctor should be able to refer you for counseling.\n\nFeeling as you do, it is hard to do well in school. The semester must be almost over. Perhaps you need a break from school and concentrate on feeling better before you tackle it again.\n\nI don't know what your debts consist of, but the Consumer Credit Counseling Service may have an office in your area. I've listed the link to their online service below. They are professionals who can help you get your debt under control, working with you to create a plan to get out of debt.\n\nAs for not having a boyfriend, I know it's hard, but perhaps you have enough to concentrate on without having to deal with one.\n\nYou say you live with your family. Do they know how you feel? Are they supportive? If so, talk to them. If not, follow through and call your doctor.\n\nI know it seems rather bleak and hopeless right now, but I've come a long way from where I was 6 years ago. It's been hard, but I did it.\n\nGod Bless!
58483
Hey, I've been following your line of questioning.  You seem to be in a tight situation.  I don't want to sound like I'm lecturing you but there are many great books out there to help you in your situation.  You might try Suze Orman, she is a guru on personal finance and getting some tips from her books will save you $loot$!  \nI was in your same situation, I went to school and got lots of debt trying to get my M.S. as well.  I even filed for bankruptcy.  Even when you do that it is not over.  I learned a big lesson on personal finance that way.  I now have a 728 credit score, I own 3 houses, one credit card with a $13000 limit (i never carry a balance over), I lease a $38000 car with no downpayment, and can get financed anywhere I want, if I had to.  Plus, that bankruptcy is still visible on my Credit report (it was almost 5 yrs ago).  Hopefully you will never have to do that. \nAll I'm saying is, stick with it.  Don't let other people tell you it's really bad where you are.  It is going to get better, it is just going to take some time.  If I were you, I would keep renting, especially if you have some debt you need to take care of. UNLESS you are going to get into income property, such as a duplex, that pays for itself b/c of the tenant's rent pymnt.  You are doing the right thing and getting the facts about how to overcome your current status.  \nYou really should call the company about your above question.  When lenders get the sheet on you, they look at the money you owe.  If you owe twice as much as you really owe it is going to look horrible.  One of my reports said I owed the Dept. of Education twice the amount of my school loan!  Can you imagine?  Over $80K!  That looked real bad.  It really doesn't matter if it is a duplicate, lenders only care about the amt. you owe against the amt. you earn.  \n\nGood luck friend!  If you ever have any questions or advice about personal finance I am willing to share with you what I did or read to do it, I really like to help people with finances.  I'm not a guru just a real person with a similar background.\nqumungis@yahoo.com
508271
I don't know what you have to pay off, but alot of places might be willing to work with you. My student loan lender is letting me make 150 a month payments. I still owe $8,000. its not alot a month, but its better than nothing. wish you luck.
505944
I would need more info to give an educated answer that can help you.\n\nBut lets start at the bottom.  If you make a very honest effort to budget yourself, how much money can you afford to put toward your debts.\n\nYour goal is to try and pay everything off within 5 years.  So not even factoring in interest, you need about $1200 a month!  Can you handle that?\n\nIf not, then you either have to make a very serious negotiation effort with the creditors to lower your balances, or file for bankruptcy.  \n\nOtherwise, you are going to be paying off these debts for the next 10 years.  With bankrutcy, you will be out of debt in 3-5 years.  It's not the best way out of debt.  But if the creditors are not willing to work with you what other choice do you have?
57965
I'm sorry. Please forgive me if i sound unkind, but your parent was responsible for YOUR debts when you were young. Can't you help her out with the $621? I mean, this is your mother we are talking about. Not a vet bill.\n\nThe nursing home provided your mother with a service. Why shouldnt they get paid? Why try to cheat them out of it? I set up payments for what was owed for my fathers care, and it was very well above what she owes.  \n\nIf you just cant help your mother out, at least try to find someone else that can step up. Get in touch with her Medicaid caseworker. See if they can help with past bills. If they cant, then ask them for a list of people/places that can.
39108
That makes sense. I can not pay my bills, So I will Quit My Job???\nThe Best Idea Normally is Take Everything that you have and pay off everything that you OWE. \n\nStop Buying things. ANYTHING that does not Keep you alive.\n\nGo live somewhere cheap. Eat Cheap, Drink Cheap, Dress well enough to keep your Job. Get Another Job. Pay Off Your Bills instead of going out on the town.
672611
I have been going thru CCC (Consumer Credit Counseling) for two years now. I know it's awful having so many bills and so many rude people calling and demanding payment. There was a start up fee and then they just started deducting so much every other week. I'll be finished in November, thank goodness! You should look into it, it definitely takes a weight off your shoulders because you just see the progress ya know? You're not writing checks and balancing who gets how much. Good luck!
490046
I just love all these "pay the bills" answers!  Come on guys!  Didn't you read the part where he said he was unable to pay them for years?  Don't you think he would pay them if he could?  Sheesh!\n\ndbuitt22 is on the right track.  \n\nIf you filed for bankruptcy, it will appear on your credit report for the next 10 years.  In your situation BK is not the answer.\n\nStart by reading the links below, so you understand what the Statute of Limitations is.  After a certain period of time, you no longer have a legal obligation to pay those debts.  Therefore, the only issue you have with those older debts is that they are on your credit report.  If you wait a couple years they will drop off automatically.\n\nIf the debts are recent (2-4 years) you could consider contacting them to negotiate a payment plan.  \n\nBut bankruptcy?  Not in your case.  Never file BK for debts under $20k.  \n\nContact me if you need more specific advice.  I am not a lawyer or credit counselor.  Just someone who likes to fight with creditors.
326919
Your story breaks my heart, and the sad thing is, so many people across the country have a similar story. People today have not been properly taught to manage money. It's also pretty difficult since cost of living increases have risen exponentially and pay at most jobs has increased minimally if at all.\n\nCredit cards are a very dangerous thing. My best advice is to cut spending to a minimal. Cut out the things you don't need. Make out a monthly budget for you and your family and stick to it as best you can. Allow for emergency and a little for entertainment, but be careful about spending more than you need to.\n\nIt's OK to rely on family and friends for help. Ask people to babysit for you when you need them to. Have them help you look for a new, better job.\n\nIt's going to be an uphill battle, but you can do it. You have to for yourself and for your kids. Good luck. :-)
122801
Do you have a job? You never said if you even have one. If not, get one. If you have a job, get a second job. A lot of people have to do that now days. Also what are you spending your money on? Take a look at how you are spending your money and if you are buying over the amount you make, cut out buying things you do not absolutely have to have. Do not go to one of those payday loan places. They charge really high interests and you usually end up worse off. Some places charge like 100% to 300%. If you borrowed $100, and they charged only the 100% you would owe them $200 when you try to pay it off. Those are rip off places. They are on the news reports all the time about how they charge you extreme amounts. They are like loan sharks.
290182
I think you should go to a credit counselor and then a lawyer.  Both will have ideas on what steps to take to get you out of your current difficulties.  Both initial visits should be free.  An friend of mine chose to quit her chapter 13 because she felt the repayment was too high.  You can at least ask about that or maybe making it a chapter 7 so you don't have to worry about it anymore.  You should be able to keep your house and truck.  Really go and investigate.  It can't get much worse I'm sure and at least you will be moving forward.