Hello to all and my story.....and a question

[zscfan]

After lurking in this forum for a few months, I finally decided to post and share my story. I am very grateful for the wonderful information I have gained from everyone during this difficult time.

My story is basically approx 40k in CC debt, and I make approx 28k (gross) per year. In Los Angeles, 29 years old, separated from hubby, no kids (the debt is all mine).

I was receiving a lot of financial help from my aunt for the past two years, and in November 2008 she told me that she was unable to continue helping me. It really didn't matter, because even with her help, I was living on the edge and I knew that soon, something had to give. The minimum payments on my debt were approx. $1100 a month!!!

So in November I quit paying the CC's because I was simply unable to. I currently get 15 to 20 calls per day, none of which I answer. Now the problem is that AMEX is calling my former employer (where I still have many friends) and my out of state mother. And of course I am humiliated.

If I do answer the phone, should I tell the creditor's that I am close to filing???? I will probably be retaining my attorney next week.

Thanks for reading my ramblings!

[liz417]

Hi there and welcome to this board

I would answer the phone calls and tell your creditors that you are unable to pay at this time but if/when your situation changes, you will call them The creditors are only calling your family/ex employer because they are unable to reach you. Be sure that you DO NOT promise them any payments/agree to any payment arrangements. Be sure to interview at least a few attorneys before you decide and also make sure that your attorney allows you to direct all collection calls to him/her.

Good Luck!

[Trixie007]

Definitely let them know that they have the correct number to reach you. Be really selective about when you answer too. I've found that it's much easier if I am mentally prepared and calm before I talk to any creditors. And if they start getting agressive or you start getting upset, excuse yourself and hang up!

[nervousss]

Make sure you ask them not to contact your relatives and coworkers when you talk to them. Most of the creditors I've talked to have been very nice to me when I explain my situation, and that I'm filing. A few wished me good luck. All have offered me lower settlements (which I, of course, cannot afford lol)

[ready2puke]

Hi there and welcome. I dont answer any of the calls. It'll only make me feel sader than I already do. Its maddening for sure, but I've been putting up with it since Sept now.. and I'm still alive. You can try to talk to them, but if it gets weird then just stop... Good Luck and keep reading. Its the only thing thats kept me somewhat sane is this board.

[DaisysMom]

I know it sucks, but I found the best way to handle it is to tell them the truth. I interrupt them in their spiel and say that I do not have the money to pay them. I cannot set up a future payment (which is what alot of them want me to do) and I will contact them when I have more information. I have also told some of them that I am in the process of filing bankruptcy, and I will give them my lawyers info as soon as I get it.

I then end the call saying I have to go. The big thing is trying to keep control of the conversation and make it as short and sweet as possible. They have been trained to talk you into sending some type of payment no matter what. I let them know immediately that is not an option.

I will be paying my retainer within the next month and then I will be able to give my lawyers # and this will hopefully stop.

As for not answering the calls, like one poster said, if you don't... they will call friends, neighbors and relatives. So I answer the calls every other or every third day. I have their #'s almost memorized. Just keep giving them the same info and as time passes and you get filed, this will get better. Hang in there.

D....

[DaisysMom]

Also, they are very good at asking about the future. They want to know if you will have any future money coming in, or if there is a relative that can help you. Don't even answer these question, except to say you have no other resources to get money. You just can't pay them.

Believe me, if you let them keep you on the phone, they will try anything to get money out of you.
And remember, all of their calls are recorded.

D...

[DaisysMom]

Same as above....sorry

[zscfan]

Thanks for the advice. I have started answering and basically telling them that I am unable to currently pay and cannot make any promises to pay and that I will be retaining an attorney soon and will give them the contact info when I have it.

So far, everyone has been cordial, I don't know if that will last.