Hi Madre,
Thanks for the clarification.
I understand and sympathize with your desire to pay off your debts, but you need to pay for your basic needs first. This is a hard concept for many people, especially ones who have been self-supporting and always paid their bills on time.
I am not advocating that you be irresponsible, but you must see to your basic needs first and foremost. And your mental and physical health should come first.
If you have student loans in your name, call them and request a grace period because of temporary hardships. If you have credit card debts, consider your options. Call and negotiate a lower rate, a payment plan, a negotiated settlement. You may have to stop paying before they will work with you, but that is an option. If you owe back rent, make a deal with the landlord to get it paid. If you are behind in your mortgage, call for options. If you have outstanding utility bills, ask for assistance. Look into state-assisted insurance programs or Medicaid to see if you qualify. They will often pay previous outstanding hospital bills. If you have medical bills, and don't qualify for any programs, most hospitals will renegotiate your bill (as much as 90 percent off, depending on your income)and make a payment plan you can live with. Some providers will, also.
Their is always a way out. Bankruptcy may be an option, but look into other ways as well. There are free credit counciling services that will help renegotiate your bills as well. Look up consumer credit counseling in your area, but don't go to the ones that want payment. The govt provides it for free.
