HELP! Need real answers

Please share the names of each of your creditors, how much you owe to each, how much you're currently paying monthly to each and the APR for each.

What the law firm didnt tell you is that settlements kill your scores too! IMHO debt settlement companies are more likely to be a scam that debt manangement plans. That said, save your money and do your settlement yourself. Stop paying your accounts ...they have to be late before any of them will talk settlement. Save your money and once you have enough, start offering settlements. Do you research....some creditors are quicker to sue than others so you need to watch the order in which you settle...creditors like crap one, discover and citibank can be fast to sue. Read the forum here and see who much other people have settled for.

OK..

CItibank-$21274 APR 29.9%

FIA Card Services-$6012 APR 15.55

Wells Fargo-$4035 APR 29.9%

Called and asked for rate reduction, all said no.

Most wont reduce the rate. However did you ask for hardship?

They are not going to settle until you go late/past due.

You have to watch both wells and citibank...they will be your mostly likely to sue.
Search thru the forum here and see how and when others settled on these accounts.

I'm not an expert...but I also have $30K in CC debt. I called one creditor (BOA) to ask about a hardship program...they declined and said I needed to go through credit counseling. I was very wary about that...but I called. The counselor I spoke to was very understanding and sympathetic. I just signed up for my DMP. I will be debt free in 4 years, 7 months. Even though I just started, I feel like a huge weight has been lifted from me. I have a set payment amount every month (which is lower than all my minimums combined before the DMP) and feel such a sense of relief that I'm taking control, while paying back what I owe.

I refused to stop paying on my CC's in order to "settle". I spent the money...I should pay it back. I'm grateful that I will be able to sleep at night, knowing I'm paying back my debts in full.

I'm not a huge fan of consumer credit counseling, as I've seen it fail for too many people. But, if a counseling service indicates that they can get you on a plan for $1,000.00 a month, this may be a good option for you.

I suggest contacting at least three consumer credit counseling services to get an "estimate" of what it is you'll need each month to get your accounts paid off within a 5-year period. If it's affordable, and you believe you can commit to such an arrangement, this is probably preferred over debt settlement.

If, however, you'll need more than $1,000.00 a month for consumer credit counseling, you'll probably want to consider debt settlement. If you choose settlement, and hire a company, remember that you don't want to hire a company that charges up-front fees or monthly service fees. Don't pay a dime until AFTER they get you results. Again, interview at least three different companies, and only hire one that makes you feel very comfortable.

Good luck!