I’m struggling and could really use some advice. I’m working as a line cook, getting paid weekly, but they garnish $150 from my checks. I can barely pay rent and feel like I’m drowning.
Can I try to negotiate with the debt collectors to stop garnishing my wages and let me pay smaller monthly amounts directly? I don’t have a car right now and can’t find a second job since restaurant gigs are hard to come by in Colorado. Just looking for some hope that there’s a way out.
You might want to check if the healthcare provider has a charity program that could lower or even erase the debt. But if it’s already with a debt collector, it might be too late for that.
Clove said:
You might want to check if the healthcare provider has a charity program that could lower or even erase the debt. But if it’s already with a debt collector, it might be too late for that.
What’s the name of this charity program? I’d like to know more.
You should consider speaking to an attorney about filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy for a fresh start. A consultation is usually free, and they can tell you if it’s the right move.
Keegan said:
You should consider speaking to an attorney about filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy for a fresh start. A consultation is usually free, and they can tell you if it’s the right move.
Chapter 13 could also be an option depending on your situation.
@Thyme
Good point.
Keegan said:
You should consider speaking to an attorney about filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy for a fresh start. A consultation is usually free, and they can tell you if it’s the right move.
I wouldn’t recommend bankruptcy for just $7,000 in medical debt, especially since it usually doesn’t affect your credit report.
@Sloan
Medical creditors can still take you to court. The free consultation with an attorney would help you figure out the best plan.
Keegan said:
You should consider speaking to an attorney about filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy for a fresh start. A consultation is usually free, and they can tell you if it’s the right move.
Bankruptcy costs money though, which OP probably doesn’t have right now.
@Dru
That’s true, but it’s still worth exploring if it’s the best long-term solution.
One option might be to quit your current job and find another serving job elsewhere. That could stop the garnishment for a while until they restart the process. You could also try negotiating with the collectors during this gap. Another idea is picking up a second job temporarily to pay it off faster. $150 a week means you could clear the debt in less than a year.
Once they start garnishing wages, it’s really hard to get them to agree to anything less than what they’re already taking.
Aeron said:
Once they start garnishing wages, it’s really hard to get them to agree to anything less than what they’re already taking.
This is correct. They might agree to voluntary payments instead of garnishment, but usually only if you pay the remaining balance in full. Also, they won’t return anything they’ve already garnished.
Try picking up a second job for now. At $150 a week, you’ll have this paid off in less than a year.
If you can find a way to deliver pizza or something similar, you might be able to make good money in tips. Could be worth looking into.
Sage said:
If you can find a way to deliver pizza or something similar, you might be able to make good money in tips. Could be worth looking into.
That only works if you have a car, though.
How did they get to the point of garnishing your wages? Did you give them any financial information?
Jade said:
How did they get to the point of garnishing your wages? Did you give them any financial information?
They probably sued and got a judgment. Once that happens, the court can order the garnishment.
Filing bankruptcy could stop the garnishment. It might be worth looking into.
Did you miss a court date? That’s usually how garnishments get approved.