Dolphin~ I can't seem to post to the proper thread so here is the info

**nodmicks** · 06-18-2006, 09:54 AM

Dolphin~ Here is the info. Just be sure to send registered mail (costs a few bucks) so the bill collectors have to sign as proof they recieved your letter.

If you want to stop the bill collector from calling your home, cell phone, references, neighbors, or other creditors, you must send the creditor a cease and desist letter. In the cease and desist letter, you should state your account number, your name, your mailing address, your telephone number, and include your signature. You should also use a phrase such as “I am exercising my rights under the FDCPA to request an immediate cease and desist for all collections activity on my account.”

You will love the Dave Ramsey method too!! We didn't use all of it but (quite a bit though) and it is a God send!!! The first 11K of our cc's were paid off making around 30K right along with making the mortgage and car payment. Thankfully Dh's income grew(come 2 yrs april) by a good bit and it got easier. I guess my point is it can be done.
I especially think learning to do a weekly and monthly budget is so so so so so helpful and even kind of fun!! I actually have done them for quite a few friends(who think it is nuts I enjoy it).
All the budgetting and frugal books sure help to save the pennies that turn into the dollars to get out of the debt trap.
Seriously though you are so ahead of the game by formulating a plan!!! Yeah for you and DH!!

**homesteadmamma** · 06-18-2006, 10:05 AM

I have to agree that sitting down and working a budget plan is incredibly important. Paying off debt can be done even if it looks like it is slow going. It takes time to get into debt and it takes time to get out (kinda like a weightloss plan).

I would also look at anything you can sell. Whether $5.00 or $500.00, every penny helps when you are struggling with debt.

**dwallyfam** · 06-18-2006, 10:17 AM

Also find out what you can collect for money. Like aluminum cans, metals, paper. Cans and metals are at a all time high for paying out here in the US. For 4 yellow bags of cans we can get almost $30. Before we didn't even get $15. I have even been picking these up as DD and I go walking every day.

Kellie

**nodmicks** · 06-18-2006, 11:49 AM

Wow! Those prices for metal are really up!

**dolphin** · 06-18-2006, 02:45 PM

Thanks for the link Rodmick.

: Question...Can you do this with all bill collectors including the collection agencies?

I took my cans in on Thursday and sold them. Here in Nevada it is .40 cents a lb. I had 8 big black garbage bags and got $15.50. I will continue to save all of the cans and add that to getting my bills current. I was told they are getting .99 cents a lb. in CA. Need to check and see how far the nearest recycling place is in CA.

#1 copper is at .72 cents a lb. here in town but over $1.25 a lb. in Las Vegas but I don't have good transportation to make that 140 mile trip. I sold 133 lbs. of the scraps that dh is picking up at completed job sites (he's an apprentice electrician) on Friday and I got $100.50 cents. I did ask him to increase the price since I had over 100 lbs and the guy paid me .75 cents per pound. I used this $100 to buy mine and dh's medicine, gas for my car, $24.00 on groceries, and to pay part of my phone bill and of course, ds can smell money so he met me in town and he got $20.00 of it.

: Oh, I also bought $5.00 worth of tole painting magazines and craft magazines to sell online. I know I can make about $25.00 on the tole painting magazines on ebay as I have sold them before and I never fail to make a good profit on them. Not a good idea to be buying at this time but I do know I can get the money back within a week with a little extra.