What can I do to help debt situation without getting behind?

I guess I didn't include very much information in my first post. It seemed so much longer in that little box. Anyway, I have about 27,700 in credit card debt, two car loans, a mortgage and a second mortgage. My interest rates are good on a couple of the cc, fair on a couple, and dismal on a couple. My payments on cc and cars are over $1000 each month. I was trying to lower it with the BofA loan to around 600-700 a month for 72 months but the rate and corresponding payment didn't help at all. I don't know what to do to help the situation I'm in. I read some of the Dave Ramsey stuff and I would love to follow it, but there is not enough extra left over to make a difference. Please send advice my way.

I agree with you that most programs require you to be in default before they can help.

Have you looked into consolidation? Not a loan, but a company that consoildates all the debts into one, and you only make one payment a month. The only problem I see is that it may lower your credit score.

goudah-
Thanks for replying- who is reputable for that? I have looked at web pages until my eyes cross and most want to negotiate my debt down rather than consolidate it. I charged the stuff and I'll pay for it (eventually) but right now I just need a lower total payment.

You could try negotiating on your own . . . I've never consolidated before, so I can't recommend any companies.

I'd try to call them and explain the situation. Since you are willing to pay what you owe, they may be willing to work with you to get your payments down to something more affordable.

I've heard that alot of cc companies will max out your rate if you try to negotiate because they assume you will default. I am scared to do anything that will possibly cause payments to go up instead of down because then I couldn't make the payments at all. Does anyone out there have experience with consolidating and know who I should try?

The only debt consolidation company that I personally know of is Town & Country Acceptance Corporation (T&C), they are who I deal with. If you would like their phone number let me know.

just an idea - perhaps you could try speaking with the cc that have a low rate about a transfer of the balance from the higher rate ones, then your payment might be lower because it would reduce the interest rate. I did that on one, and it helped - plus seeing the balance go down faster helps too.