Can I get some advice?

Staying in contact with your creditors and letting them know your situation is always a good idea. If they know what's going on they are less likely to hound you. Since I don't know who you owe to and all the details I can't tell you which solution is better, but if you are currently in a program I would follow that and make sure everything is done on time.

The creditors that I have in the program are Wells Fargo, Dell, American General, and Citi Visa. What do you think?

Have you tried to work out arrangements on your own??

No I haven't. I spoke to one of the creditors in the past but I felt very uncomfortable because I felt like they were getting upset the only way they would get off the phone was if I made a payment. A friend advised me to just do a management program because it worked for them in the past.

If you aren't comfortable standing your ground with your creditors then a management program sounds like it may be the best thing for you. All your creditors are major companies so if you stick to your program you shouldn't have problems. Once they realize that they are getting monthly payments reqularly they should stop bugging you. When they call you are you giving them the name and number of your debt management group?

I agree. If you're uncomfortable dealing with them, it'll be hard to stand your ground with them, and they'll take advantage of that. Also, if you let a management company deal with them, it's less stress for you. Good luck to you!

Well I've been late 2-3 months and my program will not officially begin until 12/6/06. I was advised by my management program to send some kind of payment (even if not minimum) to each creditor for November which I did. I'm just afraid that they might come after me with a lawsuit or something, is that possible?

I also got a voicemail from american general today stating they spoke with my management program already but they WANT to talk to me.

I think as long as you're working with them, they would be okay. The fact that you're in a debt management program also shows them that you're not trying to dodge them, that you really want to take care of your debts.

As far as American General, I would call your debt management place and ask them if they think it's a good idea, but generally speaking, it's always good to keep in contact with your creditors. Let us know how things are going, and good luck.

At what point can they come after me with a lawsuit or anything of that sort? That is what I don't want.

They can come after you at anytime. However, if you are paying your debts on time and keeping your receipts, then you shouldn't have a problem if you did went to court. At least you are trying to pay on your debt.

Be very careful with the choice of a dmp...

Are dmp's not advised?

dmp is not to be an option for those people who can pay the debts on their own. A credit is viewed at the best if you are making regular and timely payments. If this is not the case, call the credit company and try to get some arrangements done in your favor. In most cases it works, otherwise, consider a debt management program when you really need a professional help

I can only speak on American General because my husband has a personal loan with them. They were always willing to work with him when money was tight. He joined our local CCCS chapter in September so his first payment was due in October. He made a small principal payment to them so it would not get further behind. It was only like $15 and they are very willing to work with CCCS.

Since I am already enrolled in a debt management program, which doesn't start making payments until Dec, is it too late to call my creditors to see what kind of payment plan they can do for me? This forum has really provided some excellent advice and now I kind of regret not trying to work something out with my creditors first before joining the program. Is there some breech of agreement if I call my creditors tomorrow?

Well I contacted American General and they were more than happy to help out. They even told me that I should have called them first before going to a dmp. 1 down, 4 more to go. I hope its just that easy?