Can I Get Some Assistance, Please?

[Anonymous]

The most I can do right now is to get the 500 and under down to about 60% utilization because of funds.  I have my car financed at a credit union.  My only concern is that they will not give me a card because I am max at my unsecured limits just about and that has been the problem with getting a personal loan to pay off those cards and either close them or keep them at 1-9% util.  I can't keep taking hits on my fico score because of inquiries. 

[Platinum25]

First and foremost, in order to eliminate the debt you need to eliminate the cards.  Keep the accounts open but either destroy the cards or put them in a ziploc bag in the back of your freezer and forget they exist.  This is one of the issues I used to have.  I would carry 5 major credit cards just because I could but realize it did nothing but dig a deeper hole for myself.  Now I carry only 2 majors, AMEX and Chase Visa, and it's more than I need.  It will be a great feeling for you once you get these debts paid down, but if you have the cards on hand chances are you'll max them out again and be right back at square one.  GL.

[Anonymous]

Cap 1 (and all the other cards that pull the same crud) really needs federal regulation.  There is no reason on earth that they should be allowed to issue 5 cards, each with a $500 CL and differing APR's.  We've read about this in another thread, and it is really ticking me off. I was fortunate, and never had this happen to me, but of course I went through a BK before I got to this point.  Anyway, they only do this crud so that they can collect over limit fees with are totally outrageous.  If anyone knows of any grass-roots organizations that are lobbying for credit card regulation, please share because I would like to look into getting involved.

[Anonymous]

This just goes to show how tight a pinch I am in.  I have applied for 5 jobs and no one calls for an interview or anything because I have been home and I guess they feel my skills are not up to date. I am trying to work so that I can pay the cards down or off and I don't use them.  These balances have been this way since last year with me paying only the minimum payments.  Money is extremely tight and I am doing all I can to pay on time even if it is just the min. payment, but that is not getting the utilization down.  Oh well.  

Thanks guys for all of your suggestions, support and comments.  I am bookmarking them so I can remember what you said.

[future]

keep your head up!!!!!!!its not hard to wheather the storm, its just rough try to get the cards from being over the limit, the 2 you have.. thentry to tranfer some of your balances, and combine some of them cap cards(you might whine up pay less if they are combined, rather than being seperate acc), if possible.. let me ask you do you have protection on your accounts? well if you do, then give them a call.  explain to them that you current arent workn,and you dont want to fall behind (isnt that what we pay for every month), they should be more than willing to give you a hand,  i wish i would of done this when i was younger, maybe i wouldnt of had as many problems as i did,when things went bad.. now things are starting to look up for me,and in time for you as well the ball is in your court... we are all behind you here!!! good luck

[Anonymous]

I'd start with Harlem Furn and HSBC. They are overlimit. Pay 'em down to about 90 percent util. End overlimit fees.

Pay a little something on IKEA, SST/Visa and 1st Premier. Get them down to 90 percent util.

Do you have a windfall you are working with? Even a small one. Consider a 401K loan, or an IRA withdrawal if that's an option.

If you have a recently paid for car, you could consider refinancing that. The interest will be lower, it will be installment debt, and that could buy you a big chunk of debt relief.

[Anonymous]

I do have a car that is paid for 200 chevy cavalier but I don't know that I could get that refinanced.  I don't have a windfall to start paying down debt with, but I do have a job interview today so wish me luck.

My dh has a 401k w/10K but he won't touch it.  We have 2 loans against that already but the interest is only 5%.

I will get HSBC and Harlem down this month so I won't get those overlimit fees as you suggest and I will update you on my progress.

Thanks for caring guys..

Eve

[Anonymous]

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myhearts07 wrote:

I do have a car that is paid for 200 chevy cavalier but I don't know that I could get that refinanced.  I don't have a windfall to start paying down debt with, but I do have a job interview today so wish me luck.

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If it's a 2000, in good shape, and the mileage is reasonable, I'd check with a CU. Some I see offering between 6 and 14 percent on used vehicles, some even for vehicles over 8 years old.

It's a good way to get in the door with a CU, or improve on an existing financial relationship. They might then be willing to offer you a personal loan or personal LOC.

[Anonymous]

Eve-

Just an idea, and maybe something to consider...

I am a district manager at a large metro paper. Almost all of my carriers are throwing their routes for extra money. It only takes about three hours per day, and some of my carriers make 1200 bucks a month. It's great if you have kids, or want a part-time job to pay bills, etc.

Tex

[Anonymous]

Good idea.  I am going to look into it.  I had an interview with Walmart today and they offered me a job, $10/hr cashier.  Waiting for background and blood tests.  I will call the Tribune and other local papers tomorrow to find out about that.  Thank you...