I got behind on the bills

Thank you for sharing with us. You do not provide many specifics, but there are several steps that you can take immediately. Call each of your creditors and expalin your sitautaion and ask for a settlement. Although there is no guarantee that each one will be helpful, they usually are if you appoach them with honesty and a positive attitude. A creditor may reduce the amount owed, the minimum payment and/or the interest rate. If, after soig this with each creditor, pay the new minimum on each of the credit accounts except for the one with the highest remaining interest rate. On that one, find a way to pay more than the minimum and pay it off as quickly as possible; then move on to the next one. You may also wish to see a not-for-profit credit counsellor in your area (see the phone book). A counsellor may give you additional advice or assistance as to how to settle or consolidate your credit and get it paid off.

Please let us know how you progress, and come back with additional questions. We wish you the best of luck!

First thing you must do is call the credit card companies and try to work out a payment plan. Since you want to pay back your debts, they will be willing to offer you a lower interest rate in your repayments. In case they are not ready for this, you can take some professional help. You may find a reputed dmp company who will negotiate with your creditors and set up a suitable plan.

Pull your latest credit copies from each of the bureau and find out the status of each account. If there is any incorrect item, dispute it with the CRA and get it fixed. Incorrect negative items hurt the credit scores severely.