I have approximately $30k in debt (both credit and student loans) that I'd like to pay off. But I've always been hesitant about these types of things. How effective are these programs and how badly will it affect my credit in the long run?

I have a collection from West Asset Management on my credit report for $1607. I sent them a letter using your sample letter because I cannot think of who I could owe this money to. Under this negative factor on my report was a notation to contact the company if I suspect fraud, which I do. Do you have any other suggestions?

I just received a call from Northstar on both my home and cell from this company for a person that is not me. When I tried to call back to figure out what was wrong they became very angry and combative. What can I do to get these people off my back.

I had an account with Ford Motor Credit when I filed bankruptcy in 2006. My statement of intent in the bankruptcy stated I keep the car and continue to make payments, unfortunately the reaffirm debt box wasn't checked. I continued making payments and paid it off a year early in 2008. My credit report shows the account as charged off in bankruptcy. I called FMC to see what could be done and they said they saw the bankruptcy was discharged in 2006 and all payments were made on time until the car was paid off in 2008 but said they could do nothing about it since I didn't reaffirm the debt.

If you pay the original creditor, does the collection accounts automatically get removed from your credit report?

Who calling me now!

Citi sent me an offer to settle at 40% at 39 days. The offer expires May 26th. I want to counter offer 25%. I looked at the sample letters here and will base my counter on these. First question is should I wait until closer to the deadline to hope for a better settlement? Second question is that I have another Citi account and would it be more helpful towards me getting the 25% if I mention it in this letter saying I also want to settle it. I already know that they won't combine accounts but maybe if I mention it it would help? thanks for any input. Kaylee

AMEX after 90 days to NCO, after 120 with NCI. Haven't seen that many people talk about NCI recently, any experiences out there? Is there a reason they sent it on? Or is it just a tactic to confuse? I have read the forum, and it seemed that most all were with NCO till charge-off.

hello and thank you for your time, i have multiple bills that are keeping me from accumulating credit and opportunities to build credit. the amounts are fairly meager(no more than $2500) but i am unsure about how to resolve the this issue as i do not know institutions whom i owe. can i arbitrate my debt even though they are not loans or does this not even apply to me? i am fairly young and don't want my life to get any worse from here, how can i clean up my situation and get myself on a better track?

Just in case anyone needs Experian dispute number where you can get a live person: 800-509-8495