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final demand letter

Date: Fri, 05/30/2008 - 19:59

Submitted by copandnurseplus4
on Fri, 05/30/2008 - 19:59

Posts: 14 Credits: [Donate]

Total Replies: 16


HI! I am so happy to have found this site as I sit here at my wit's end looking for something, anything that will help us...First, let me give you some background on who we are. I am a nurse and my husband is a cop. We have four beautiful children and one angel baby in heaven. In February of 2005, we moved into our new house with our 3 children and life couldn't be more grand. We also had recently found out that I was pregnant with baby #4 - yet another dream of our's would soon be fulfilled as we always had wanted 4 children!! July 1, 2005 our lives came crashing down around us - We found out that our baby boy had died in utero. I had to go and deliver him at the hospital - We got to know him and hold him and love him before just days later we had to bury our dream. His tiny feet will leave imprints on our hearts forever. He taught us more about life and the value of it in his short time. The expense of a funeral and burial along with all of the medical bills were atrocious! As a nurse in labor and delivery at the very hospital that my still baby's body had laid, I had a very difficult time returning to work - I used up all of my vacation time and we used a lot of our savings just to live. If anyone reading this has ever lost a baby - you will understand that the "empty arms" feeling needed to go away - I couldn't wait to get pregnant again. Lucky for us - God blessed us with another pregnancy almost immediately. I went back to work and tried to save up vacation time and we tried to work on our savings. However, the end of June 2006 came with problems towards the end of pregnancy - I would have to deliver early. Our perfect little baby boy was born July 1 - exactly one year to the day that our baby was taken from us. He had a few prematurity complications. He quit breathing at home at approx. 1 month of age so he had to be on an apnea monitor. I could not go back to work and take him to daycare as I felt that if I left him - although irrational, I felt that he would slip away from us, too. Our medical bills were again out of control and we hadn't even recovered from the death of our baby financially. My vacation time was gone and so was our little savings that we had. We "creatively" financed and then we creatively financed some more. We did what we had to do to get through, we thought. However, now we have created this huge "creative" debt monster that is killing us. We make a nice sum of money every two weeks between the 2 of us. We, on the outside, look like nice normal people. On the inside, we are dying. I can't smile. I don't feel happy. All I think about is our debt. We unfortunately got caught up in the payday trap. We have pawned some of our items and are paying huge amounts on those because we do want our items back - one is my grandmother's ring. Once our checks hit the bank, they are gone with payday loan fees, overdraft fees and we just can't seem to catch a break. The less money we have - the less money we have. We have robbed Peter to pay Paul too many times and we have now nowhere left to turn. We have defaulted on some of our pdl's. One of our checking accounts got closed due to overdrafts. We are making payments everywhere to everyone and everyone is threatening lawsuits. We can't make our house payment because we are trying to stop the pdl's and collections. My husband will lose his job if we are served papers for a court case. Today was payday for both of us and we don't even have enough to buy groceries for the next two weeks. My husband works all of the time and never sleeps. I also sign up to work as much as I possibly can. It all helps, but it seems that we are getting nowhere - and now our house lender is threatening foreclosure - we got our final demand letter. I feel like we are ruining our children's lives. We created them and now I feel like we aren't doing them any good. We are always on edge. We can't even drive to the park b/c we don't have money for gas. The bank had a tow truck en route to repossess our car - but thankfully, my in-laws paid it off for us - but now we make payments to them (please don't suggest they help us anymore - they nearly both died of heart attacks that we needed the 5,000 to pay off our car)I feel like I am working my kids' lives away and I hate it although I know that we are the ones that created this debt monster. So, after all of that - my question is - What do we do? Are there any thoughts? Our credit stinks - no, let me re-phrase that - our credit sucks so bad!! I feel like If we could just get caught up - actually get to live paycheck to paycheck (some people complain about that but it sounds good to me). Many of our credit cards are late or are in default. I have called all of them and we were put on payment programs - Bank of America worked the best with us. Chase was terrible - they put us on a short 3 month plan but now we are back to paying 150.00 per month and being charged 148.00 per month in interest. Does anyone know what Advance America does for collections? I also am working with Credit protection depot which was payday max - they are demanding 311.00 be paid today or they are going to "escalate the debt". I don't have 311.00. I don't have gas money to get to work for the next 2 weeks. Any thoughts will help! Thanks so much - I just want to smile again!


First of all WELCOME....and WOW< I'm so sorry to hear about everything you have been going through,I too had a premie 15 years ago and can relate to the stress, worry and the medical bills it was bad, but I'm happy to say he is strong and healthy, about to start his 2nd year of high school in the fall. Since its late on Friday night most of our experts have proably logged off for the night. But don't worry they will chime right in come morning. There's a lots in your post they will have questions about, like how many PDLS, internet or store front, additional bills, like credit cards, etc. We believe in paying our bills on this site, but I'm just wondering, have you considered Bankruptcy or credit counceling? You just seem to have so much on your plate right now. Don't worry...everyone here is SO helpful, they will help you smile again very soon:)


lrhall41

Submitted by lmale on Fri, 05/30/2008 - 20:14

( Posts: 742 | Credits: )


Thank you! I really want to pay my bills I didn't come here trying to find a way to not pay them- in fact I have a very hard time thinking about not paying them. Bankruptcy is not an option - #1 reason - our creditors lended us money expecting payment and we will somehow, someday get them paid - I just need a way to make it more manageable. #2 reason - because my husband is a cop - again he would lose his job if he shows any financial problems - any suit papers would be served by his co-workers - YIKES!! I have tried calling our creditors and making arrangements and lowering interest rates so that I didn't have to pay the expense to a compnay to do the job for me. I really hope that I can get some tips on just managing better and being able to live each day - while paying our debt back. Thanks again!


lrhall41

Submitted by copandnurseplus4 on Fri, 05/30/2008 - 21:12

( Posts: 14 | Credits: )


Hey nurse! A BIG welcome to you, first of all. I also work at a hospital (I'm in the inpatient lab) and it's always nice to see someone from my profession here--and btw, I have previously worked with nurses for almost 15 years--so welcome again!
First off, breathe. It's going to be better, because you have taken the first step down a very long road. I'm sorry to say it might be a bumpy one, but it WILL be better.
You listed a lot of issues in your post--and what I think you need to do is sort out how much and what kind of debt you have first. How much credit card, how much payday loan, etc. And with your payday loans, if you could list how many and how much you have already paid with rollover fees, etc.
The next thing you need to do is sit down with your husband and list priorities. Obviously, the kids are first--and that house goes right along with that. And with your house, depending on the mortgage and the forclosure mess that's going on right now, would it be possible to downsize and go to a smaller house?
Basic living expenses, such as lights, food, gas and diapers have to be first. Then hit the credit cards and loans--and only then, and ONLY then, hit the PDL's. And if you got the PDL's over the internet, chances are they are unlicensed, but we can tell you that if you tell us who they are.
Now you guys will have to be working extra, but if your hospital is not granting OT (mine's not right now), could you possibly work a few registry shifts? And alot of registries offer daily pay, which might be a way of fast cash--but the downsize is that it's a huge tax bite.
Hang in there, we care!


lrhall41

Submitted by kscornell on Fri, 05/30/2008 - 22:01

( Posts: 4407 | Credits: )


I think my biggest predator right now is payday max - I borrowed 300.00 on 2/19 - made a payment on 3/7 for 70.00 and then authorized the "balance" to be taken out on 3/21 for 353.27 to be taken out on 3/21. This is when our account got closed - I thought it had been paid although I should have realized it but I am the queen of denial b/c I don't ever want to know how bad it really is - AND - I was never notified by payday max. May 19th I received an email and a phone call stating that I now owed 655.52 immediately or they would take court action. I finally got them to take 311.00 (why such a strange amount??) on 5/30. 5/30 is here and I don't have it. I am very scared and am not sure what to do! Again - we cannot have suit papers filed against us or he will lose his job. Advance America is also due today for 500.00 - my husband just fell behind last week to them so with today's check, he paid his off (I am very excited about that but hate being short in the bank account). B/c he fell behind - they will not let me re-write. That's another 500.00 out of our account. Thankfully - people are having babies like crazy and there is no ban on OT - However - I work on the floor 1 day a week (12 hours) and I work admissions nurse 3 eight hour days a week. That doesn't leave me much time to pick up. I usually always stay after on my 12 hour day and work 16 and I usually always pick up another day of work. What are registry shifts? I would love a way for fast cash! I would love to travel and make that money - unfortunately it just isn't a possibility in my world. We have talked about downsizing - ALOT - however - the housing market is terrible - I'm not sure that we could get out of our house what we owe - AND - even if we did - our credit is so poor that we would never in a million years be approved for another home loan. I feel like if we could only get caught up and get these dumb pdl's paid off and get caught up on our credit cards and loans - I really think we could make our payments on time and then we wouldn't have all of the late fees, overlimit fees and so on!! It is such a spiraling snowballing mess! Thanks for reading all of my words- I am very windy tonight!! Actually - it is just so nice to talk about it with those who have been there!


lrhall41

Submitted by copandnurseplus4 on Fri, 05/30/2008 - 22:23

( Posts: 14 | Credits: )


Welcome to the forums and like it has been said before, you have taken the first step. I think what you need to do is to list (like ks said) what you owe and to what companies. This way the people here can help with your particular situation. I know it is very hard to see it all in black and white and is harder to deny but it is necessary if you want to resolve this. Also, with the pdl's the wonderful experts here will need to know who you borrowed from, how much you borrowed, what you have paid back, whether it was internet or storefront, and what state you live in. This way they can tell you what you need to do. You may find that you have already paid them enough but we can not tell this unless we have all the info.

I am so sorry to hear your story but be assured you are not alone in this. We are here to help.


lrhall41

Submitted by spatterson_40 on Sat, 05/31/2008 - 07:06

( Posts: 400 | Credits: )


Hi,
I had dealings with Advance America when I was PDL'ing and know that they can be a pain. I did make payment arrangements and was able to pay it off. What you need to do is figure out what you can afford and go to the store manager with that, which is what I did.
You'll still get all of their wonderful nastygrams from their corporate offices, but if your store manager is a human being, they'll tell you that as long as you make your payments, it will be OK.
Have you defaulted on all of your PDL's? If not, some might offer the Extended Payment Plan, which would let you pay it off in 4 installments, but you can't be in default.
If you could list what PDL's you have and whether they are storefront or internet, that would be great. Also, if you could share what state you are in, so we could research the PDL laws for your state, that would also help you.
And a registry shift is through a nursing agency. Alot are staffing in homecare right now--but if you hook up with one that does Mother-Baby visits for post-partum women, that would be ideal for you with your background. You would be snapped up in a heartbeat!


lrhall41

Submitted by kscornell on Sat, 05/31/2008 - 09:36

( Posts: 4407 | Credits: )


I don't have much time to post right now - but after reading many of the posts on here last night and researching the cfsa - I found that Advance America is with the cfsa. I called them today to tell them that there is no way I can make the payment to them and I asked for an EPP for the 4 payments. The lady told me that she had to do some checking on that. She called me back and told me that cfsa does not offer EPP's in Iowa anymore. What? Does anyone know if this is true? I went to the store manager whom we have grown to know over the years -unfortunately and said that I could pay 100.00 and that would have to be it for now. She said they would take the payment but she couldn't say for sure if they would cash my check. AGGGGGHHHHH - I am so frustrated!! I live in Iowa - I know owe 400.00 to Advance America - a store here. I owe 352.50 to Pay Day Express - also a store here. I am very thankful to say - although very short in my bank account - that I paid 280.00 off to American Cash Advance - and that makes that one paid in full. That is a bitter sweet feeling - paid in full on one pdl- but not a dime left to spare for 2 weeks! I also owe Check into Cash 500.00 and that store is in Nebraska - they deposited my check and it bounced - I am waiting to here from them after they get my check back from the bank. I also owe Pay Day Max - an online account as described in an earlier post. Any advice is greatly appreciated - Thanks so much - I feel about 1% better.


lrhall41

Submitted by copandnurseplus4 on Sat, 05/31/2008 - 13:58

( Posts: 14 | Credits: )


No problem! And we will check on the CFSA. I thought that was nationwide, but we need to confirm that. And with Advance America, I promise you, there is a very good chance they would deposit your check, sorry to say.
Now, is there a way you could close that account and reopen a new one, which is the first step you're going to have to take?


lrhall41

Submitted by kscornell on Sat, 05/31/2008 - 16:17

( Posts: 4407 | Credits: )


I had dealings with Advance America..I have to honestly say I didn't have any problems with them..I told them I closed my account due to fraudluent activity and that I could only afford to pay them $100.00 a month and they accepted that. I sent them a letter with my proposal and requested that they sign it and send it back to me for my files.

They did tell me they would have to deposit the check for their files which is fine...my bank didn't charge me..which is suprising...I live in Nebraska not to far from the Iowa border and I am not sure about the internet pdl's but I know in Nebraska the internet ones that I had were illegal so I only owed them the principal and not the ungodly interest.

Good luck to you and keep your head up other's will be along to advise you further:)


lrhall41

Submitted by ladybug on Sat, 05/31/2008 - 17:00

( Posts: 2753 | Credits: )


Sorry to hear about your situation...One thing is that you should go to your husband's boss and let them know your situation. They will not fire him for poor credit! I know many cops with finance problems! They must know what kind of hardships you had happen to you so that maybe they could even help you out?
But the biggest issue is that you need more money. You need another form of income. Suggestions- Yardsale- in home babysitting- dog-walking...these are things you can do if you are at home with kids. The only way to solve your problem is to find ways to bring money in..Again, sorry. Wish you the best.


lrhall41

Submitted by on Mon, 06/02/2008 - 15:52

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CFSA is nationwide, but the EPP is subject to state laws.

In Iowa, a payday loan contract cannot exceed 31 days. If the store knowingly and willingly allowed a customer to enter into an EPP, it would make the loan term longer then 31 days, breaking the law and putting the store in trouble.


lrhall41

Submitted by goudah2424 on Tue, 06/03/2008 - 07:42

( Posts: 7935 | Credits: )


A former DM for Advance America for years not being able to pay is a daily issue. Not only with AA but all others like them. If you can not pay they will bug the hell out of you for a few months and send threatning letters then they will go away.They know there is nothing they can do to you. Cost them over $150 to take you to court and only one out of 5 shows up. If you do not show nothing will happen to you. You win. Pay if you can. If not move on. Good Luck.


lrhall41

Submitted by on Mon, 02/09/2009 - 12:11

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