I am Afraid

[nvlizanem]

So, I have been really reading, researching, following all adivice on what to read, where to start, even printing all records, triaging, and everything just like psychdoc suggested through the seminars. I am stuck now. I am so afraid to start sending out my validations to CA because I am terrified of waking a sleepy tiger. Several of the accounts that I will have to deal with are past the SOL in Nevada, so I know that they cannot come after me by way of lawsuit, but I am just afraid that I will somehow get the laws mixed up, or coe out as looking like an salamander and end up screwing myself into ending up having to pay the CAs and still seeing them on my credit report. I am just afraid of carrying all of this out. Any advice? motivation? words of inspiration that can get me past this? It would be muc appreciated. I got to get this done!!!

 

Thanks in advance.

[stroked89coupe]

Hang in there and take it one step at a time. Research and research some more. Most importantly let us know what we can do to help.

[babyarho2010]

Start with the account where you have the least liability. Once you have a few small victories under your belt you'll feel better about the process. Good luck!

[lukegotswag]

In addition, the boards are pretty good at critiquing a letter that you put together before you send it out if you provide additional information about the trade and letters you may have received. So when in doubt, post a copy without personal info and from what I've seen, people will gladly proofread and give opinions on it as well.. Good luck! You will do GREAT!

[phoenixisrising]

First and foremost, just be sure it's not within SOL and I'm guessing you have your hard copies because you've already triaged....excellent already. Next have you reviewed for error and such within your addresses? That should be sent to CRAs first. You'll be fine and you can post info as long as its not personal or identifiable if you have a question . now just take a deep breath, exhale and smile - you've already begun working on improving your life.

[nvlizanem]

So, I really appreciating you all responding so quickly. I moved from my parent's home right into my husband's home where he has lived since he was a teenager, so no, absolutely no other addresses for either of us. The one thing is that my husband has 2 names listed, his full, legal name, and then his first and missle name along with his firat wifes last name, but that s just on Experian, but a letter has already been sent in to correct that. I have my maiden name and married name. Can I get rid of my maiden name? An individual at Experian told me that since I have legally been both of those people, I cannot.

 

We have already taken some really positive steps, such as decreasing our utilization on the one secured card we have from 70% to 20%. Will move that down farther as we can. My son just went through chemotherapy following a cervical vertebra break due to a tumor so I have tons of medical bills that I am fearing will begin showing up on collection . He had to be flown out of state and stupid things like the ambulance ride from the airport to the hospital was not improved by insurance, and a lot of the costs from out of state were approved at out of network costs putting us up at over $20,000 out of pocket. I sent some of those medical billing offices letters requesting to consolidate the amount owed so that we could comfortably make monthly payments before they ever hit a CA, but I have not yet heard back from any of them. I got concerned with my credit when the hospital was refusing to continue chemo unless we paid up our past due balance of $6,000+ and I could not get a loan anywhere. Thank God for family cause they really came through, but he is in remission now and if any of this comes back, I have to know that I can take care of may baby no matter what, no matter the costs, and without worry of denial or upfront payments because our credit worthiness is pathetic. I am putting my first letter together for the 2 CAs I know nothing about. Let me rephrase, I knew tha we defaulted on the OC once upon a time, but kind of thought that they fell of the face of the earth because I just never heard about them. No correspondence from the JDB. I was honsestly shocked to see them on the report. I will post the letter for those tomorrow.

 

Again, I thank you guys. I guess I just kind of need the moral support. My credit is just something I have always tried to ignore because its daunting. Thanks.

[phoenixisrising]

Wow, that's heavy. I hope everything works out well for your son's health. Just an fyi, the hospitals have a financial agent(s) you can speak to regarding the covering of costs of care such as this - be it a payment plan, some financial discount or on occasion, assistance in meeting the costs as they receive money from private donors and such for cases like this.

Edited June 7, 2013 by phoenixisrising

[Allisson0605]

Good luck to you, as BW says , faint heart won't win a fair lady.

 

Nothing to be afraid of if you follow the directions precisely.

 

Take your time double check everything.

 

Keep us posted.

[GR8WhiTE]

You must have a balance with anything in life. Right now it seems that the fear is outweighing your courage because of all your current circumstances (which is understandable). The only way to get this situation to balance out a little is by doing what "Babyarho" said. Get a few small victories under your belt. Those small victories will make you feel good and take you slowly out of that dangerous downhill momentum in which you are in (which needs to be snapped). Once you snap that trend, you will get a reversal and start seeing positive things happening all around you.

 

For now, do some homework on the laws and make sure your not sending the wrong letter. But... DONT BE SCARED! You will be fine. You're on the right track so don't let your mind play tricks on you.

 

As for your son. Faith heals everything. God's bigger than any doctor out there.

 

The thing that sucks is that problems always arise one after the other. If you have God by your side, all it means is that every problem that comes at you will be blown away. So always expect the worst. But at the same time, keep chipping away. One day at a time with everything and you'll see your progress one year from now and be proud of yourself. Good luck to you and your family.

[chugs102]

Sorry to hear about your son, but also glad to know that he's responding to treatment.

 

For those big medical balances, call the hospital's finance & accounting department. Ask to speak to someone regarding difficulty with payments. Explain your situation and negotiate those balances. You can potentially reduce the amount owed significantly.

 

Hospitals charge exorbitant amount for services because of financialization, cost-shifting, and BS politicization/laws/regulations. It can be overwhelming and, as you can read here, medical bills frequently send people to bankruptcy.

 

 

Good luck!

[GR8WhiTE]

good advice there chugs

[brainchasm]

Please remember, being beyond the SOL for a debt does NOT prevent them from suing you...it provides you an affirmative defense if they DO sue you.