credit cards and medical bills

Hi, Tina. There are several ways to pay off credit. If you take a look around the forums, and the DIY section here, you will find a lot of good advice. You can go through a debt management program or pay off the debts on your own and save yourself the fees. If you have more specific questions, feel free to ask. We're here to help.

Whatever way you choose to repay, make sure it suits your current financial strength. It's better you choose a payment plan for which you'd be able pay consistently. Also make sure, you know all their fees (including hidden charges if any).

Hi!
Welcome to the forums!
Which program are you referring to? Debt consolidation or settlement? In case of a consolidation program, the debt counselors will negotiate with your creditors to lower the interest rate on your outstanding loans. If your interest rates are reduced, you'll only be required to make single monthly payment to the consolidation company. The company will distribute your money among your creditors.

In case of settlement program, the methodology is little different. You'll have to keep on depositing money in the trust account till you have saved around 50% of the debt amount. Once you have done that, the representatives of the settlement company will negotiate with your creditors to reduce the payoff amount. If the creditors agree, then the debt negotiators will pay the settled amount to them. However, the settlement company will charge a fee for their services.