I have huge credit card debt, is it best to file bakruptcy or continue to build up fees I can't pay.?

Question

Credit card debt adds up to about $21,000 and the only thing I seem to be paying is late fees and interest. I do nt see any hope because I'm still in grad school and can't work a second job.

Answer 1

First step -cut all the cards in half so you don't use them for anything. Call the companies and ask for a reduced interent rate-some will work with you some won't. Check into a bill consolidation loan to pay off the higher interest cards and be sure to make the payments on this loan on time. If possible pay the interest plus some of the principle on each card monthly and as the principle lowers the interest will go down. I have been working for 4 years to get out from under credit card debt and am beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel. It means doing without things and telling yourself "no, I can't afford that". Good luck and God bless you.

Answer 2

Bankruptcy should be the last resort. Many employers will now pull your credit report to see if you are trust worthy.

First, stop using credit if you haven't already. Second, do you have a $1000 emergency fund so if a true emergency happens you can pay cash instead of use the credit card. Third, can you sell anything? Example: if you own a $12,000 car and only make $22,000 year, sell the car and buy a beater car for the next few years while you clean up this mess. Sell extra clothes you own on eBay or a garage sale. If you live on your own and don't have a roommate, get one for a short period of time to help with rent. If you own a home, then rent out a room for a short time. And most importantly, get on a budget.

I HIGHLY suggest reading: The Total Money Makeover or Financial Peace Revisited by Dave Ramsey. He has a great plan to get out of debt and to live without debt. It will take hard work but it is worth it.

I have taken Dave Ramsey's class "Financial Peace University (FPU)" and it has helped us pay off over $13,000 in 5 months and our income did not go up. His books and classes also talk about how to deal with collection agencies and what to do with credit card accounts and how to invest when you are out of debt and how much life insurance you need, etc.

Good luck!

Answer 3

Absolutely the best option for you is CCCS consumer credit counciling. I think the website is www.cccs.org...not sure so do a google search if wrong. They will help you set up a monthly budget, consolidate all of your unsecured debt into a single payment each month that is a fraction of what you've been paying, and they will lower your interest rates on your cards usually cutting them in half or more. I would not recommend using anyone other than CCCS for debt consolidation. They are the ones that the CPA's and financial specialists recommend. There are so many scams in that market and I have personal experience with them and they are a legitimate business that doesn't take advantage of its clientele. I am not affiliated with them in any way, simply a previous client. CCCS is nonprofit and really helped me out a few years ago. It doesn't show up on your credit and I was out of debt within 2 years. They saved my financial life. I think they charge you like $5 a month or something like that. Thats nothing compared to the $100's I was saving each month in that program.

Bankruptcy is not nearly as bad as everyone thinks but I don't think it is neccessary in this case unless you simply don't have any intentions of paying back the debt.

PS. I almost forgot. Whatever you do, DO NOT CLOSE YOUR CREDIT CARD ACCOUNTS after you pay them off. Keep them open so that your balance/credit ratio goes high. It will really help your credit score. I messed up and closed all of mine as I paid them off... to the point that I no longer had any available credit and it ended up hurting me. Lesson learned. Hope you heed this advice. good luck

Answer 4

It all depends on how much debt you have. Bankruptcy is nothing to take lightly. I did it after a year of thought after an injury forced me to have to close my business. I'm really glad it's over and I did it, however it's still humiliating to think about. If you have SO much debt you'll never dig yourself out, it may be your only option. I didn't have that much credit card debut but I had huge amounts of medical bills. If you decide not to file, pick the credit card with the smallest balance and try to put any extra on that and just pay minimums on all the others. Try to start wiping them out one at a time. It won't be easy, but you can do it. Also, another trick I heard of was if you go anywhere and say it cost $3.12. Also pay with bills only, never throw in the .12. Take all of your loose change and put it aside. Each month, take that money and pay that towards your credit cards. All that change adds up. I wish you the best of luck!!!

Answer 5

If you are still current, then you should try credit counseling. You can avoid bankruptcy and be debt free within three to five years. I recommend talking with a credit counselor to see what your options are.

Make sure you find an agency that has a satisfactory rating with the Better Business Bureau.

Answer 6

Check with your bank and work with a loan officer to consolidate your debt. If you have anything that will secure your debt IE a vehicle will actually help you because it is secured. I took a loan out on my car =( It did help though! I now have one low monthly payment and my credit score is improving because it shows my "SEVERAL" credit cards as being paid. Good luck! I know how you feel.

Answer 7

Call the credit card company and ask if they can do payment options that are low enough for you to pay each month.... I've done it, It helps.. rather then not paying and letting the late charges add up and up

Answer 8

Well, You know what, you should really contact me because I work with a great Financial Service Business in NYC and we are looking to help people become financially independent. We Help eliminate debt, mortages, life insurance, IRAs, 401ks, etc... In many various things. So if you live in the NYC area, I can definately help you eliminate that debt and get you back on track. Just message me back when you get this message. k, I'm really willing to help you.

Answer 9

No, do not file for bankruptcy, pay off the cards with the highest interest rate first! You need to get on a tighted budget, spend less where ever possibe!!! You can do it

Answer 10

Consumer Credit Counseling
http://www.cccsintl.org/

You've probably seen the ads on TV & on the net.