I am at my wits end, I have about $20k worth of cr

Forgot to mention that my credit at this point is shot so a loan is not an option

As I see it, you have two options. You can default on your payments and try to negotiate a settlement with your creditors. Read the DIY at the top of the page. You can also do a search on this site for your creditor and read how others have handled them.

Another option would be to go to a debt management company (make sure it's a non-profit). They will do a financial inventory and negotiate lower payments and lower interest rates with your creditor. You pay them a monthly fee and they do all the work.

Four years ago I was in one and I had them debit my account for the monthly payment and they took care of paying my creditors. I paid off $10,000 of debt. Unfortunately, my finances took a turn for the worse and I have to withdraw from the plan and settle my cards myself.

I have $27,446 worth of credit card debt. (Most of these are 0% for the next year or so, one is at 11.9% and one is at 17.24%)

Then I also have $17500 with a personal loan at a credit union. (14%)

I am not late on any payments and do want to get that way.

Should I just keep paying minimum payments on those 0% interest and try paying off the higher interest rate cards? I am also making more money per month - so how can I negotiate with the cards that are charging me interest?

I have talked with a settlement company and I don't see a big change in payments - they cannot include the credit union loan for some reason. The only good thing is there is an end in sight and I can be debt free in 48 months. (but will ruin my good credit at the same time!)

Why on earth would you pay a settlement company money for something you can do yourself quite easily? Also, there is no way a settlement company can give you an exact $$ amount or time frame...at least no without ripping you off. Where you talking to a debt management company?

If you are going to settle, you need to do it yourself. Don't hire a company to do it. From everything I have read, most people don't seem to complete these programs and I think it's because of the length of time it takes to complete it. With settlement, you are usually done within 6 months of starting - not 4 years.

Greetings "Buddy ",

And to quote you;
"How can I get on help programs with these folks, I have called and called with no avail."

If you have explored your all options, then you've gotta default.
Once you quit paying....you'll get their attention front and center.

Actually you'll receive phone calls from the plastic masters voicing their concern and want to know how "we" can work this out? The ccc's will try every trick in the book to get you pay something.

And now I'll answer this question using my debt settlement experience:
"I am to the point to stop paying to see what happens, what do you advise?"

If you can weather the storm for about 150-180 days, you'll be able to settle out.
Just keep in mind that discover is a very tough one to settle.

Read all you can in here, create your plan of attack and stick to it.

Good luck & keep us posted.

Regards,
King "Kash" Jabba Labba

Greetings "mtnladysnow",

Your statement of:"I am not late on any payments and do want to get that way" won't get it done if you hire or diy settlement.

The almighty credit score will take a big hit.....so you've gotta decide how you're gonna get free from your plaster masters.

You stated that you're making more money.....etc.
That's great. But are you going to allocate that money to pay off the cc's?

I'm just pointing out the facts and in no manner judging you.
My suggestion is to read these forums.....read the older posts.
There's a wealth of information in here.

Just a couple of things left to say.
1. Good luck.
2. Please keep us posted on your progress.

Regards,
King "Kash" Jabba Labba

I would call 866-833-6398 they settled my debt for less than 25 cents on the dollar.