I have a serious problem. My credit card account has been in collections since 2003. I was stupid enough to use a credit card while I was in college but long story short the collection agency has been hounding me ever since. I was stupid enough to answer one of their calls and attempt to schedule a payment plan. First question, did I mess up by doing this because I really don't have the means to pay.

Next question, the collection agency just served me with a summons to a clerk at the local court house. What does this mean? They want a response in thirty days. I can't pay now or in thirty days. I TEACH for Christ sake. Will this lead them to garnish my wages? What happens when I tell that I cannot pay? Will it be reasonable for me to file for bankruptcy? Will I lose my state job because of garnishment? PLEASE HELP. I don't know what to do.

Hello rya:

If they get a judgment, they can garnish your wages and attach your bank accounts. I don't think you'll be fired because of this, but I don't know.

The court doesn't care if you can't pay. The creditor isn't going to accept payments. Why should they? You were supposed to make payments once and you didn't.

If you want this to go away for the LEAST amount of money, borrow some CASH and get on the phone and settle it.

excon