“I am guilty of never looking at my statement”
“The bank decided to raise my interest”
“I just stopped paying” “I just threw my hands up”
“My girls need new cloths”
“My oldest child’s father cheated on me”
“I trust my girls”
Dear K.,
Since you can trust your girls, let them know that you can’t afford a lot of new things -- if any and take an adventure to your local second hand stores. Some of the stores have brand new things (tags still on) at very low prices.
You missed a payment (late pay) on your new refrigerator. I wonder if you called them and explained you would be paying late and would they be willing to waive any late fees based on the fact that his had not happened in the past?
Looking at your history (in your “own words”), you are repeating the same behaviors in every area of your life, making yourself the “victim”
If you want to clean things up, be straight forward with each of your creditors, you do not need onc of those consolidation agencies to do this.
Create a form letter of (cease and desist) and simply be honest about your present financial situation. (i.e. single mom, limited income, what your expenses are and what you are able to do. Ask your creditors if they would be willing to reduce the payment, waive late fees, interest etc.) Once you've done this, they can legally, only contact you one more time.
Here is an example of a cease and desist letter:
Debt Collector’s Name
Address
City, State Zip
Re: Account Number
Dear Debt Collector:
Pursuant to my rights under federal debt collection laws, I am requesting that you cease and desist communication with me, as well as my family and friends, in relation to this and all other alleged debts you claim I owe.
You are hereby notified that if you do not comply with this request, I will immediately file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission and the [your state here] Attorney General’s office. Civil and criminal claims will be pursued.
Sincerely,
Your Name
You might consider bankruptcy (you can also do this yourself,forms are online or available at the court recorders in your area).
Most of all, give yourself a clean slate and don’t let anyone or anything make you feel like a victim again.
Blessings…….