How I did it: Care One Credit debt management.  It took me about five years because frankly, my debts were enormous - but once I signed up with Care One, the whole process was about one-tenth as stressful and horrible as it had been before.  I went from juggling bills and lying awake all night to knowing each month that the bills were getting paid.  Best of all, once I finished the program, all reference to debt management was removed from  my credit report and my credit score is now 732.  I have learned so much and my life has been changed so much for the better.  It's the difference between taking the easy way out (filing bankruptcy); continuing to struggle until you just drown in debt and ruined credit; or stepping up to the plate, taking responsibility for your actions and committing to a long-term plan to get the debt paid off. 

I am a better person today for having gone through this process, and I can honestly say I will never make those mistakes again.

Lessons & tips: Honestly?  Call Care One.  I'm sure there are other debt management services out there but I can't vouch for them.  I can definitely vouch for Care One.

Resources: Um, as if I haven't said it enough - Care One.  Every time I made a call for whatever reason, the counselors there were helpful, friendly and unbelievably encouraging.  I never got the sense of tired, overworked people just putting in their eight hours - they were always interested and the congratulations I received each time I paid off an account seemed so heartfelt - they were a big part of what kept me going through years of unbelievably tight budgeting.  It was all worth it.

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Dec 27, 2009, 12:10PM PST | 0 comments | 2 cheers