GhostofXmas
Junior Member
2007 I got very ill and was laid off from my job (not due to illness)
I was unemployed for about 3 months and did eventually take a temp job but it wasn't enough to cover my bills so I ended up moving in with a friend. By the end of 2007 I had given up on my bills. I wish I hadn't but I was overwhelmed and didn't know what to do. I let everything go to collections. When I was able to pay the debts...I did. The ones that I lost track of ended up on my credit report.
Now I'm trying to repair the damage and not sure where to start.
The first debt was a utility company. On my credit report is says "Paid Collection" I did write them a letter asking them if they would remove it.
I have 4 medical bills that were sent to collections that total about $2000. I did not pay these. I know they are my debts but I believe I should have received some sort of assitance since I was unemployed at the time. If not...I'll pay them. If I repay this debt will they remove the negative items? Or will they just be listed as "Paid" Can I negotiate these to be removed?
The third debt is a cell phone company that I have not paid. It is Verizon and I do remember having a $200 bill at the time of disconnection and an early termination fee. The collection is for over $700 and I don't believe that is accurate. What should I do in this case?
The fourth collection account is for a credit card that I believe I paid but do not have proof. It is only $200 and has not been updated since the end of 2007. Is it possible that this is a mistake?
The LAST debt is for breaking the lease on my apartment. I have been making payments on this debt but can I negotiate to pay a lump sum smaller than the actual debt?
Any advice or suggestions will be greatly appreciated.
I was unemployed for about 3 months and did eventually take a temp job but it wasn't enough to cover my bills so I ended up moving in with a friend. By the end of 2007 I had given up on my bills. I wish I hadn't but I was overwhelmed and didn't know what to do. I let everything go to collections. When I was able to pay the debts...I did. The ones that I lost track of ended up on my credit report.
Now I'm trying to repair the damage and not sure where to start.
The first debt was a utility company. On my credit report is says "Paid Collection" I did write them a letter asking them if they would remove it.
I have 4 medical bills that were sent to collections that total about $2000. I did not pay these. I know they are my debts but I believe I should have received some sort of assitance since I was unemployed at the time. If not...I'll pay them. If I repay this debt will they remove the negative items? Or will they just be listed as "Paid" Can I negotiate these to be removed?
The third debt is a cell phone company that I have not paid. It is Verizon and I do remember having a $200 bill at the time of disconnection and an early termination fee. The collection is for over $700 and I don't believe that is accurate. What should I do in this case?
The fourth collection account is for a credit card that I believe I paid but do not have proof. It is only $200 and has not been updated since the end of 2007. Is it possible that this is a mistake?
The LAST debt is for breaking the lease on my apartment. I have been making payments on this debt but can I negotiate to pay a lump sum smaller than the actual debt?
Any advice or suggestions will be greatly appreciated.