Hi combs,welcome. Take your time and read the threads that may deal with some of the same issues as you have. Don't rush, the bills will still be there. I will give you some links to check out.
The first is loaded with info. fo newbies. there is no need to memorize everything. Ask as many questions as you need!!!
when cleaning credit you need to know what CRTP & SOL mean
Know your SOL very important as these are the years that a creditor can file a lawsuit
a little more detailed SOL
NEVER NEVER talk to a CA!!!! they will lie and want your first born!!! Even when getting what you need in writting you must be very careful how they word it.
Don't let that worry you. Many people here are dealing with CA also. I know you said that you want to pay off your collections. There are ways to do that and maybe get them deleted from your CR. That is what we all want to do and some do it. Everyone here will walk you through it.
First you must pull all 3 CR.....you can get them free once a year...do it online and print all 3. Take your time and match all OC with CA if you can......IMO I never touch anything that is not past SOL unless I am ready to pay!!!
Once you have you CR you can move on from there. IF that CA returns your call do not answer your phone if you have caller ID. IF you answer just say that whoever name they ask for isn't there. DO NOT TALK TO THEM.
In the letters that we use to contact a CA we always say " everything in writting NO phone calls"!!
Never give info. to any CA.and when you are ready....you will send a DV CMRRR and do not sign it just type your name.......but you are not ready yet.
