I came into some money, not a lot but enough that I would like to have a bank account now. I have a few debts SOL from another state. Is it safe to open up a few account and put my money in? I don't want to be improperly served a summons and get the money in my bank account taken from me without me knowing. I know I will be able to try to fight it, but it's scary to think that I might wake up without any money for food and rent one day.

I have an outstanding credit card from WaMu (Chase) and have settled with Integrity Financial Partners for 2100.00 (original debt is 4k). They sent me a letter stating the following upon request: "Integrity Financial Partners, Inc. is authorized by Chase / Washington Mutual to accept a settlement of $2100.00 is paid on the above referenced account by 02/17/2010. We are not obligated to renew this offer.

Anything would help! Need info on settling with Commerce Bank NA Visa (Regional Bank)

I live in KY and internet pdl are illegal. ARM just called me and would not validate the debt from instant cash usa. The guy just said I am terminating this call with refusal to pay and hung up. I called the DFI of KY and they said not to worry about it because they are not liscened and instant cash usa is not allowed to conduct business in the state of KY. Shoule I send ARM a letter explaining this to them? What advice does anyone have on this? What did he mean by refusal to pay before he even gave me a chance to talk?

I'm trying to settle a 22K debt with amex @ 25%. They are requring a letter of Hardship before they can settle with me. Is this normal? Do I have to write this letter?

I received a settlement offer today from Citi for 20% - and they will even break up the payments over 3 months. I called them right away to accept the offer, but they told me they would only accept payment by check by phone. I know from reading this site that you should never give your bank account information. I have a deadline to accept the offer that expires in a few weeks. When I settled with Chase, I was able to bring cash to a local branch and offered to do the same for Citi, but they said check by phone only. Has anyone been able to set up a different arrangement?

Today I was told that Bof A does not have settlements available to anyone for credit card debt. They advised that I call back next month to see if settlements are available.

First of all from someone who is about to pull the trigger on this perilous journey, thanks to all who contribute to this brain trust with their objective, real world experiences that have been such a benefit. Thank you for what you've shared and thanks in advance for the help you will be as all this unfolds. I've read that you shouldn't give any specific financial information (tax returns, etc.) to the CC's or CA's. Should you just talk in vague terms or should you get specific- do they have any legal right to demand those docs?

What elements seem to be essential when describing your plight for CC settlements to work with you.

Has anyone gone through this process (doing it by themselves) only to end up with no settlement, a higher balance and no solution. If so, what was the cause, why did this occur to you and not so many of the others? thanks