Amex drastically cut my limit - my fault

[W261w261]

I would read up on it here or Google it. There are sample letters etc. Some people write a hundred times, to different recipients. It's a thing. 

[jmw1]

I think you need to be way more concerned about your utilization and your finances in danger of falling apart. 30% is financial quicksand territory. Before my finances blew up, I took everything off of minimum payment autopay due to cash flow.  So I needed to manage the cash flow manually rather than let the payments go out before I got paid. You also can't assume the 0% offers will continue to arrive. There is no reason not to have autopay at minimum payment unless finances are in trouble. Although GW might be worth a few minutes of effort, you should be spending way more time and worry on the 30% util. Get a second job, cut your expenses, or do both. The student loans, Amex, and Barclays are a sign to me that you are actually starting to drown.  Been there done that. It can get worse. Good luck.

[calyx]

Chiming in late on the SL information - who is your servicer? is this federal loans?  I'm not saying it never happens, but 60d late reporting for federal loans is rare, I've never personally heard of a 30d late.

I'm thinking it might be a private or one of the Perkins loans directly with the school (not subject to the CARES act?) - in which case you might have a good shot at GW (federal = terrible shot at GW, but you probably wouldn't have had a late if it was).

[Remedios]

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@jmw1 wrote:

I think you need to be way more concerned about your utilization and your finances in danger of falling apart. 30% is financial quicksand territory. Before my finances blew up, I took everything off of minimum payment autopay due to cash flow.  So I needed to manage the cash flow manually rather than let the payments go out before I got paid. You also can't assume the 0% offers will continue to arrive. There is no reason not to have autopay at minimum payment unless finances are in trouble. Although GW might be worth a few minutes of effort, you should be spending way more time and worry on the 30% util. Get a second job, cut your expenses, or do both. The student loans, Amex, and Barclays are a sign to me that you are actually starting to drown.  Been there done that. It can get worse. Good luck.

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I really do not understand this response. 

I'm absolutely certain nothing OP said indicated "drowning".  This is way more doom and gloom than simple question about late payments would warrant. 

Is it serious issue, of course. 

Does it mean their life as they knew it is over, nope. 

I mean, here  you're suggesting a BK out of blue just because question was about settlement. I understand everyone here is an alleged adult and supposed to digest information provided to them, but this is so over the top. 

Also, when we start lashing out at people over utilization, they may be inclined not to mention it all, and by extension, never ask for help. 

[bradlin]

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@calyx wrote:

Chiming in late on the SL information - who is your servicer? is this federal loans?  I'm not saying it never happens, but 60d late reporting for federal loans is rare, I've never personally heard of a 30d late.

I'm thinking it might be a private or one of the Perkins loans directly with the school (not subject to the CARES act?) - in which case you might have a good shot at GW (federal = terrible shot at GW, but you probably wouldn't have had a late if it was).

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Yes indeed these are private loans. In fact you can't get a late on federal loans right now as they are not even in repayment. 

I think I'll call them first. Then mail them. Then incessantly mail them. Email them etc. 

My util is under 4% now. Just waiting for it all to reflect on the reports. Then I'll call Amex. 

I realize some responses were harsh but I guess they were in a good spirit. There's no need to have balances on these cards. They just cost $$$ when you do. I was just in a bad position in my personal life I guess and just let things get out of control. That student loan should have been either on autopay or monitored better. I wish they emailed instead of calling. The calls don't reach when overseas and I don't pay for roaming. Texts do reach. Emails reach. I would have been able to avert this situation. 

It's okay I will try GW them. I think it's the first late with this servicer anyway. I suppose they may have a first time forgiveness policy. Their customer service people are very nice in general but I don't know how much power they actually have. 

[bradlin]

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@W261w261 wrote:

I would read up on it here or Google it. There are sample letters etc. Some people write a hundred times, to different recipients. It's a thing. 

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Yes thank you. I suppose it's an art. I think it's like a squeaky wheel getting the grease sort of thing. I'll keep bugging them until it gets on someone's desk who might be inclined to help. 

I'll be back in the high (score) life again. 

[W261w261]

When you start dealing with Amex again, if you request anything, they will probably refer to their SP's from at least a month ago. So if your situation has taken a positive hop, wait a month.