I live in New york state and have worked all my life, I had good credit, an apartment, all bills were paid. I am 58 years old. I lost my job about a year ago and can not find work anywhere... not even mcdonalds. I have a huge debt of around 40k+. In the course of a year I lost everything... 401k is gone, retirement money is gone, health insurance is gone, everything GONE! I now live with a friend who helps me out. The credit card companies r after me and call ALL day and night.. I have told them I have NO MONEY and can not at this time pay. They r putting a judgement in against me. What does this judgement mean to me? I have nothing except a small bank account left from unemployent insurance... can they take that?

I no no one wants to hire me due to my age... it seems my whole life was for nothing.

As far as the debt is concerned, yes, creditors can get Judgments and sit on them, waiting for you to get a job, inherit money, do whatever would ultimately get them paid. If they do nothing - don't get a judgment - the statute of limitations will expire and they will be out of luck.

Yes, they can move against your bank account.

Remove all money from bankaccounts you want to keep.. you need to go on a cash to pay for things lifestyle.. you can buy visa gift cards to pay bills online maybe.. or money orders..

You may want to consider filing for bankruptcy under Chapter 7. This will grant you a blanket of protection and prevent your creditors from getting a judgment against you. On the downside, it'll kill your credit but I gather that that's already shot anyhow.