@Lola412 wrote:Good evening everyone! So here is the issue. I recently had some financial trouble. I lost my job back in 2013 but am currently employeed. Due to this mishap I have about 7-10 Collection accounts depending which report is pulled. My scores are TU 722, EQ 563, EX 548 FICO 587. I am desperately trying to PFD on ALL collection accounts and have no idea where to start. I was even turned down for a secured credit card. I am so confused and losing hope. Please help!
Welcome to the board 
The first line of defense against CAs is a DV, since these are all likely within states SOL I would only contact them if you truly are able to PIF. On the ones that do validate the debt I would probably try calling the OC and asking them to recall the CA and settle directly with the OC.
@JBG wrote:Step 1. Take a deep breath
Step 2. Make a list of the creditors and search each one on the board [great way to get best practices]
You will also find out if that particular company is willing to pfd.
Step 3. Complete the debt validation process [do what gdale recommended]
Step 4. Take another deep breath
Step 5. Review the new list of creditors after dv [celebrate the big and small wins]
Step 6. Contact the creditors starting with the smallest balances the work your way up [ some are even willing to delete with a settlement]
Step 7. Be patient and willing to play the waiting game. Visit the board and checkout other folk win stories. [Great way to jump start the motivation train]
step 8. Complete the good will letter process [never hurts to see if they are will to remove lates]
Step 9. Take one more deep breath.
Step 10. Don't give up!
I have been where you are and I can tell you that if you have patience and are willing to put in some work. Everything will work out. I went from 17 write offs/collections to 5 paid write offs by putting in the work. Alot of us have come a long way and so can you. The great thing is that you are not alone and you can ask as meny questions as you need to.
Yes you will get frustrated but it will be worth it in the end.
Good luck on your journey...
+1 I like this advice, deep breathing and all! lol Follow this and gdale's advise OP and you'll be on your way!
Gdale, you mentioned contacting the OC and asking them to recall the CA and settling with them. If they do recall it from the CA does that make it where the CA can't report it to the CRA?
Starting Score: 643DO NOT GIVE UP! Its frustrating and depressing, but just follow the advise the people here give you and you will start seeing results. I thought my situation was hopeless. I read and read and read and asked questions. I had 9 baddies 6 weeks ago and I now have 3. I have taken steps on 2 of them and I think they will be gone soon. You can do this, the more I read and and more steps I took to remedy my situation the more I wanted to do. I got restless waiting for things to happen, but as they all will tell you, "its not a race its a marathon"
@growing123 wrote:
@JBG wrote:Step 1. Take a deep breath
Step 2. Make a list of the creditors and search each one on the board [great way to get best practices]
You will also find out if that particular company is willing to pfd.
Step 3. Complete the debt validation process [do what gdale recommended]
Step 4. Take another deep breath
Step 5. Review the new list of creditors after dv [celebrate the big and small wins]
Step 6. Contact the creditors starting with the smallest balances the work your way up [ some are even willing to delete with a settlement]
Step 7. Be patient and willing to play the waiting game. Visit the board and checkout other folk win stories. [Great way to jump start the motivation train]
step 8. Complete the good will letter process [never hurts to see if they are will to remove lates]
Step 9. Take one more deep breath.
Step 10. Don't give up!
I have been where you are and I can tell you that if you have patience and are willing to put in some work. Everything will work out. I went from 17 write offs/collections to 5 paid write offs by putting in the work. Alot of us have come a long way and so can you. The great thing is that you are not alone and you can ask as meny questions as you need to.
Yes you will get frustrated but it will be worth it in the end.
Good luck on your journey...
+1 I like this advice, deep breathing and all! lol
+2