How do I get started

Begin with what? This forum is for credit repair but it sounds like you need debt relief. You can fill out the form on this website and someone will contact you regarding your situation.

Sorry- I was looking for advice on this too as well as debt consolidation. Did not mean to post in the wrong spot.

For debt relief, you need to figure out how much money is coming in and going out.

The first thing to do is to make a list of all your debts, their total balance, interest rate and minimum payment due. This way you can see how much you actually owe and what you are spending per month on minimum payments.

Second, create a monthly budget. Write down everything you spend per month rent, car, gas, groceries, insurance, haircuts, etc. Write down everything. A spreadsheet program makes this a lot easier.

Add everything up and subtract it from how much money you bring in per month. Is there any left over? If there is then you might be able to get yourself out of debt on your own using a debt stacking approach.

If there is nothing left over, or you are negative then a more drastic approach may be necessary. My blog (see my signature) has a breakdown of the various ways to get out of debt. Try and research each one as it pertains to your current situation. If you want to purchase a home, then you need to try and save your credit. If you just want out of debt with no regard to your credit, then there are ways to do that to.

hi kim! welcome :) what are you trying to do with your credit?