How to pay off accounts in collections?

**CarrieN23** · 12-15-2010, 02:03 PM

My total debt is $3,196.00 with a credit score of 592. Most of my debt incurred when I was in my early 20's before having kids. I'm 29 right now. My question is all of the debts are in collections so how do you even go about contacting them to make payments? We currently do not own a home of our own yet (dumb stupid mistakes and not managing money is the cause of this

) But I'm starting the nursing program in Summer 2011 and would like to get this debt paid off before then since I will be jobless and only my hubby will be working. I've read online you can write letters but I wasn't sure how much progress I would get by writing a letter as opposed to a phone call directly to the company to negotiate payments or settlements. I guess really I don't know where or how to start. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

**Nishu** · 12-15-2010, 03:00 PM

I would get a copy of your report and find the names of the creditors that listed the account on your credit report. Google it. It shouldn't be that hard to find a number. If that fails, I'd contact the company that you originally owed money to and ask them how to get that information. They probably sold your debt but hopefully they'll be able to tell you to who.

If you negotiate, be sure to get it in writing before you pay.