OK- I wrote to 5 credit card companies after attempting to discuss my situation with someone over the phone- I decided to Put it in Writing after becoming increasingly frustrated with the flunkies I spoke to- some of whom had very poor English-

I debated over which approach to use.. should I play stupid- friendly- poor pitiful me-

Ended up just being sorta honest. I told them that I got in over my head, can't pay them back at the interest rate/minimum payment due that they want me to.
Asked if they would lower my interest rate, or work out some sort of payment plan. If not, I have been offered a position teaching English overseas (true) and already sold my home (not true). So if I have to, I will take the hit on my credit rating and they get nothing and good luck finding me in Asia.

Any guesses on what they will come back with? Should I crawl into the corner and start crying now? One card is Discover; they seem to be the biggest bullies of all.

I'll keep you posted!

Well I know they would probably much rather you talk to them via phone because by writing the matter doesn't seem as urgent if you have the time to write them and wait for a response in the mail.

If the Asia teaching tactic doesn't work maybe tell them you are consulting with a bankruptcy lawyer and looking to file bankruptcy if your credit card companies don't help you or something.

__________________
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How to Make Money on the Internet

Vanman:
I tried to talk to a real person; basically, got some employee who wouldn't even let me speak to someone in charge; one told me that they can only lower my interest rate through a "special offer" offered only once a year??? I just couldn't take her seriously when she said "like, you know" several times and wouldn't let me talk to her supervisor.

I can hold out for a while. I WILL go overseas and sell my house if I don't get some relief by late spring.

I wonder, if I just shoot them $20 monthly, for example, would they still hunt me down? No doubt they will continue to tack on interest and late fees.

Minerva58,

I've found that dealing with any company regarding any problem via the telephone is an absolute waste of time. The person on the other end of the line is a call center employee that does not understand American language.

They are in India or the Philippines or some other part of the world and have no idea Dorothy and Toto are having trouble in Kansas.

Learning to speak English and talking American are two very different things.

For example consider this, a couple of years ago I went on a cruise ship and when the waiter would ask, "Would you like some more coffee?" I may pause a moment then reply, "Why not?"

Well with that reply I'd get a perplexed look. This kept happening until I finally came to the realization that their understating of "American" was that when I was saying, "Why not?" meaning yeah, sure, go for it, give me some more. His understanding of English was that I was asking him "Why not?" meaning for him to tell me Why I don't want another cup of coffee!!!

True story.

BTTT, whenever I have any problem with any company I'll call once and if I can't get the problem solved I'll send them a Certified Letter Return Receipt. They can NEVER claim they didn't get it because you get the post card Return Receipt back in the mail.

This doesn't mean they'll fix the issue but at least you'll get a perfunctory non-responsive computer generated reply which makes them look stupid to put in your file. Send the next Certified Letter Return Receipt to their "legal" department and you'll almost always get your problem solved then.

Anyway, sorry for the rant but forgetaboutdaphone it DOESN'T work.

__________________
Gary Spicuzza, *SAFE
Copyright 1956
No Rights Reserved
*Self Appointed Financial Expert

Gary: Exactly. I have no problem with people in India or the Phillipines having a decent job but when the only job requirement is to speak English, perhaps they should be interviewed in this language...although I must say I prefer them to like, the Valley Girls, like you know?

When I call about my internet or satellite, I get employees in those countries on the line and I try to be polite and inquire about the weather, how they like their job, etc, and am usually met with pauses and silence because their training programs do not include How to Handle a Friendly American.

So, yes, point taken- I made the obligatory call, sent the letters certified, and am waiting for what I am sure will be a computer-generated letter that will NOT even come close to answering my question, and thus the whole process begins again.

They don't know what they are in for, however- I work for the government; I can do passive-aggressive until the cows come home. The problem is that interest and penalties are building up while we play our game...

Definitely recommend any serious issue is dealt with in writing - not only does it allow you to place the facts of the matter out clearly, it also ensures the right person responds to your letter, and additionally means you have confirmation in writing on any action to be taken - which is legally very important.

2c.

Ok, I have been brainstorming and networking and trying to use my talents to get out of this debt!
I am sending out letters today to attorneys in several counties to let them know that I am available to do home studies for the courts. As long as they are private studies, such as adoption and custody, and not related to my business of child protective, there is no conflict of interest.
My question is: This should be considered a Home Business, shouldn't it? I noticed that Dru & Hermes online here were especially knowledgeable in this area. How do I go about establishing myself as a business? What links and research can I use to learn more about this process (without anyone trying to sell me something online?)
I'm trying, folks, using my brain and education to get out of this debt. Unfortunately, my degrees are in the liberal arts and I paid little attention in those pesky required business/finance/math classes.... In retrospect, I should have gone to law school like I started to- billable hours
Thanks for your assistance, and as usual, any advice is considered and appreciated.

Minerva58 wrote:
Minerva58, you're probably not going to like this answer but to establish yourself as a business you simply wake up one morning and make a declaration that now you are in the "Fill-In-The-Blank" business.

It's that simple.

You need permission from no one EXCEPT yourself.

There isn't anything extraordinary that one must do to operate as a sole proprietor and your self-employment income would be reported on Schedule C.

You've already taken the first step by sending letters but the best way I've found to solicit attorneys for business or get free legal advice is to take them out to lunch and have a friendly conversation.

The above are just random thoughts gleaned from one sentence that caught my eye. Don't fall into the mind numbing trap of focusing on everything that doesn't produce income BEFORE you think you can start making money.

__________________
Gary Spicuzza, *SAFE
Copyright 1956
No Rights Reserved
*Self Appointed Financial Expert

Gary, you are wrong- I LIKE your answer! I want to keep it simple.

So far, all I have invested is stamps and envelopes and I am going to an outlying county today to network. Over the years I have gotten to know many attorneys and they appreciate the quality of my work. (Simply put, I read & write English).

Next year, I will pay a professional to do my taxes so I won't have to fool with it. Right now it is simple- I own a home and owe everyone money.

Again, appreciate your advice.
If you think of ANYTHING else, let me know.

Minverva, are you saying that you could do freelance writing? If so, feel free to PM me.