Need help - have questions

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-07-2008
Need help - have questions
17
Mon, 05-12-2008 - 11:15pm

This will be long enough without going into my very long 13 year story with debt so for now I just have a handful of questions on something I experienced tonight and I hope you can help.


I have been in debt for what seems like forever.

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iVillage Member
Registered: 11-17-2007
Tue, 05-13-2008 - 2:16am

Maybe you should call American Express card back and see if they charged the account off. Three months behind many credit card companies do that. I have told people on here before to make sure you keep your cards under that three month mark. You could have been one day over the three month mark and American would take your money but still charge you off.


Since the credit cards are in MMI there may not be anything you can do but get what is there current and just take your chances with the American Express.

iVillage Member
Registered: 09-20-2004
Tue, 05-13-2008 - 8:35am

I WOULD NOT take another loan to pay off AMEX.

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-07-2008
Tue, 05-13-2008 - 9:35am

So I’ll be more specific about our situation, since I knew the last post would be so long I didn’t include it.

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-26-1999
Tue, 05-13-2008 - 11:26am

I didn't think that anything could go to collections if you are paying monthly. If you are paying, that should be meeting your legal obligations to repay, so I don't see how they can send you to collections. I'm no expert though, I could be very wrong.

My immediate reaction to your first post was that perhaps this was a scam, some sort of identity theft where this guy doesn't work for Amex or their employed collection agency, perhaps this is all nothing to do with the credit card company. I would be careful on that. I would likely have hung up on him if he was asking all sorts of detailed questions.

My advice to you would be to ask for everything in writing. State that you won't agree to anything on the phone, that you want their proposal in writing and you will review it, and if you agree, you will sign and send it back to the company. Face it, you agreed to get your card current because they said they would reduce your interest, and they didn't, so if I were you I would get everything in writing in future, if this guy calls you back. Also if you have communication is writing, you have a much better chance of finding out if the guy that has called you is legitimate.

iVillage Member
Registered: 09-20-2004
Tue, 05-13-2008 - 11:34am

I would just keep insisting that they send you updated statements and that you will communicate with them only in writing, and make regular payments.

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-17-2006
Wed, 05-14-2008 - 12:39pm

I'm a lurker here. I've never posted before. I just wanted to thank you for putting down your numbers. I've been hesitant to post because my numbers look like yours -- almost exactly! We've got about $120,000 in cc debt, 2 car loans, school loans, -- we rent so we don't have a mortgage. DH makes about $130,000. I'm a SAHM. I'll be going back to work as a High School Teacher in the fall. We have the similar problem that DH's income is good but not consistent and we've had real trouble budgeting. I'm hoping that when I go back to work in the fall and start having a regular income things will smooth out a little bit.

Anyway, thank you for being honest about your situation. It helps to know there are others in the same boat. I'm still completely overwhelmed by it, but we're trying to get it under control. Good luck to you.

Becky

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-07-2008
Wed, 05-14-2008 - 10:16pm

Hi Becky


Thanks for responding.

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-07-2008
Wed, 05-14-2008 - 10:28pm

Ug I just typed something long and then my server went while I was trying to send it.

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-07-2003
Thu, 05-15-2008 - 11:29am
Hello. I have been reading here for awhile and read some great ideas that have helped me. I read yours and wanted to pass along how I dealt with american express. We got behind on them and they sent it to united recovery. I don't want to scare you but they are a real pain. They really try to pressure you to pay all in 2 or 3 payments. I have learned to be more assertive after dealing with them. We owed 7000 last June. Well I told them I could pay so much he was said he would send the money back since didn't meet min amount. So I said fine I will send certified check to you and when you refuse it then we can go to court and see who wins on that one. All of sudden the amount was ok. Then as prices went up I called and said I need to make if smaller. So this time I got sent to a collection lawyers office. They have been so nice and let me pay smaller amount and then I would seen extra when I had it. They were confused why it was sent to them since at that time it was down to 1100 and making consistent payments. Now I am down to 700. I am taking part of stimulus check and being done with them. Can't wait. I will be spurge and get my 6 dollar bottle wine and to one debt gone and 4 to go!!

Melissa
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-17-2003
Thu, 05-15-2008 - 11:39am
Wonderful feedback.

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