GW or Give up??

[rycoop]

I'm about to go nuts. I have 4 paid collections with a small local company where I live and I've GW'd them 11/27/07 by mail, 12/19/07 by email, and now another letter. I wish I would have known about PFD but when I paid these bad boys off I had not a clue. Here is a copy of my letter and I hope it works! Any suggestions, feedback, or telling off would be GREAT! These things are just killing my score and I thought I could really GW with them and it would help. I feel like this stuff will never get better. I'm getting a little discouraged.

January 2, 2007

 Collection

Attn: Sally

PO Box

Re:

7/2004 & 7/2004

 6/2004

 5/2004

11/2007

I am writing to see whether **** Collection would consider making a goodwill adjustment to the credit reporting bureaus on my paid off accounts. I am asking whether ****** would remove the adverse collection notices in reporting to the credit bureaus. I understand this is a rather unusual request--particularly as it was my error in my checking account that caused these debts, however I did attempt to settle the debt as fast as possible. The purpose behind this request is to make a positive change in my credit report so I can move forward in life and possibly get a student loan. When I pulled my report it showed those collections and even though they are showing paid it is making it very difficult to get a student loan. With two little ones at home and being divorced I’m learning I need to get an education to provide a better life for them and myself.  I know this isn’t your “problem” but like I said I was told by the financial aid officer to ask if you’d consider a “goodwill adjustment”. I’ve never even heard of this until now. Apparently that can be done and it can help my future outcome for student loans.

******* was extremely helpful in working with me at a time of unexpected financial upset and multiple life changes. The ease with which I was able to resolve this account gave me something to pay off and helped me to move forward. You have gone above and beyond when it came to assisting me and allowing me to do what I could when I could. I only wish I could say thanks to the nice lady that I spoke with on the phone. I’m sure being in the business you’re in you deal with a lot of negatives. If anything I’d like to say thanks for your kindness. Having debt is a terrible feeling but you all allowed me to feel “ok” and helped me as best as you could.

If what I ask is too much, then any goodwill adjustment to the reporting bureaus would be most appreciated.

Regardless of your decision, please know that I thank you for helping us at a time when it was needed.

Sincerely,

[Anonymous]

I know, it's easy to get discouraged...some things change fast and others take forever. I'm discouraged about late payments not dropping off some of my loans. I also never got GW from a few lenders, so I know how you feel...you just have to stick with it

[SmartCookie]

Were any of these medical? 

Also, if there is anything incorrect reporting on these 4 that you can ethically dispute, dispute.

[rycoop]

Smart Cookie,

No, they are not medical... although I have a couple medical collections that I posted about yesterday!!!

And... they are my collections, I paid them, and I did try to dispute them just to see if they'd take them off but no such luck. Dang it.

Any more ideas??

I'm really trying hard to get my baddies shaped up. I just feel like I keep hitting the wall. My EQ score on 11/30/07 was 477 then on 12/03/07 it jumped up to 510 and it consistantly STUCK...

My scores with the other CRA are TU 11/30/07 531, 12/20/07 564, 01/02/08 559. EX 11/30/07 593, 12/20/07 583

I'm just really wishing I could clean some stuff up...........

[Anonymous]

I know its frustrating, and I'm in the same boat as you are (see my signature). As you are working on these, try to get a new positive TL going. Get a small secured card or other account from an easy lender. Just getting one crappity subprime card and paying on time shot my scores up right away. New accounts are weighed more heavily than old, so new positives will be very good for you. we both have a long way to go but keep reading and writing letters and you WILL see results.

[Anonymous]

ry..............patience is a virtue. Never expect prompt replies to your leters or inquiries. I would send a GW - wait 60 days - if no reply - send it again. Repeat this process, eventually your GW letter will be read by a csr who will do something. It takes time.

[rycoop]

Hippy Chic & Cobra.

You guys are right but dang it I wish it was a little more smoother. It's not funny but it's amazing how easy it was for me to totally hose myself and how much harder it is to get back in the good.

Ry

[SmartCookie]

Hrm.

Well, if there is anything reporting inaccurately.... re-dispute! 

Otherwise, keep up with the GWs until something gives if they do not respond favorably to the current one you have out.

Check your state's General Business Law articles to see if you have additional rights regarding consumer collection reporting.  I do not get into that though... but you can.

[Anonymous]

yes it's much easier to screw ones self than to unscrew. hang in there, you're not alone!!

[Anonymous]

ry..............we've all screwed up at one time or another. Every one of us. I know it isn't any consolation, but just keep plugging away. You will be rewarded.