Hi quirkette,

I'm not actually going to talk much about Paraliminals in this post, but I think you'll find that your LOA work has manifested something you didn't expect - me!

I've been in the boat you're in. The first thing you need to do is get educated on credit law. When you do, you'll realize you have some options you didn't see before. You'll find out as I did that simply paying your creditors - particularly collection agencies - may not help your credit, and could in fact hurt it.

First things first: my problems started over two years ago. I was in panic mode, like you. But here I am, two years later, alive, thriving, debt-free and on the right track to repairing my credit. I'm living proof that it is possible to recover from these things, and even come out ahead.

That panic will eat you alive. The panic is a liar. Don't give it a place to rest. You are OK. You have some problems, and you will solve them. It is not all over. There are always options.

You can learn everything you want to know about the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act and the Fair Credit Reporting Act at http://www.creditboards.com. The site is full of information about how to deal with creditors, get your credit straightened out, and - most importantly - what collection agencies can LEGALLY do to collect a debt. You have more protection under law than you probably realize.

Before I close, a piece of very practical advice: if creditors are calling you on the phone, DO NOT take the calls. Do not deal with creditors on the phone. Do not agree to pay anything over the phone. Request that they contact you by mail only. It is your legal right to do this, so don't let them tell you otherwise. Don't let them intimidate you with threats of garnished wages, liens on property and court action.

You'll learn a lot more at creditboards.com. If there's any particular issue I can help you with, feel free to PM me.

I've been where you are and I'm fine now. I'm doing great, and the future looks promising. Please keep that in mind when that dark cloud starts looming.

Hang in there!

Take care,

Dave