Collection Agency Won't Negotiate With Me

[@cesarsosa4617]

My problem with these bills is that you can never know how much it is going to be until after you get the services

[@Dampheria1]

What happens, it doesn't sit there. They send it to legal. Some states say, can't garnish but they can put a lean on all assets: bank accounts, property, etc... then legal add their charges... but to save you ask for payments...

[@betterthanemril988]

What annoys me with collection agencies is buying debt is a risky investment. You take a high risk purchasing a debt from the OG creditor that a consumer never paid or in some cases never owned. Sometimes I just wanna go to the afterlife and seriously asked what the hell was wrong with the people who created this type of stuff. It makes me so angry that these agencies can actually end up suing us and damaging our report for nearly a decade.

[@rrdevries100]

I owed tens of thousands of dollars at one time and offered them 25% to settle with the collectors. They refused so I just declared bankruptcy - problem solved! What was funny was that after I filed for bankruptcy, then they were then willing to negotiate! Too late!

[@BPb123]

I think if you threaten bankruptcy too, then they'll change their mind and accept an offer.

[@austinkeho7567]

Yeah I’ve heard that once you say the word they wanna work with you just to get anything at all 😂😂😂

[@dianecelento4974]

Love it!

[@maririzzo1971]

She doesn't know to do this. I had 8 collections on my credit. I call them & say how low will you go?? It took them off guard but I've gotten settlements for each of them. I have 4 left to pay.

[@HappySunshineDay]

2/17/24 Way to go! I'm just beginning my journey and I' scared. I am curious to know how you have fared in the last 3 years. I realize you may never see this 😃

[@bmaiceman]

I owe a hospital a bill from years ago. Like $1100... But now that I have the $$$$ They cannot find the ccx debt. It got sold to a collection co , then re sold, then re sold... Now I and the HP cannot locate the debt. Soooooo WHAT IN THE NAME OF GOODNESS DO I DO NOW???

[@kyjshawhite6487]

He’s so right. I had a account in collections and told them I wasn’t paying the full balance the sent me a letter in the mail weeks later to settle for less than half of the balance

[@lizwick]

kyjsha white I have worked with collection agencies for the past year. You have to call and call and speak to different people. That’s nothing, she can pay that. I settle on accounts that where over $2k to 5k.

[@firstnamelastname-ve9gj]

@kyjsha white when your account was in collections, how much was it for? (how much was the principle amount and how much was interest/late fees). Did they end up JUST removing the interest and late fees or the principle too?

[@wlonsdale1]

Never pay unless they delete

[@ogj13]

Walt Lonsdale will they really delete it if you pay it in full? i just got a medical bill that went into collections this week 🙁

[@prod.gregupnext2958]

jimi ange some times the main person be wrongfully sending it off

[@philliprogers2383]

This women is lost. She is worrying about an $800 bill but is probably about to go into debt for $80k to get her master's.

[@mannyrodriguez3933]

Well we don't know that. No sense in assuming everything about this person's life without being there.

[@AndyinMTL]

ikr! So stupid smh

[@mannyrodriguez3933]

@John Galt right on buddy.

[@sandyg.8318]

And than on top that most master’s degrees are pointless now. Smh

[@DigitalDezinesCEO]

@@AndyinMTL Yea, you are.

[@pattitorres4343]

I continued to make double the payment agreement with Marshfield Clinic, never missed a payment, and they decided out of no where to send the rest to collections. This was even after I called them to see why they were doing this, and they said they didnt care that I was making the double payments, they said they wanted full payment or it would be sent to collections.

[@c_mac8633]

I WISH I only had $800 in medial bills. I have over $25k in bills from my baby boy being in the hospital

[@ImVeryBrad]

C_Mac86 ya thats rough. I live in Canada. We had 2 kids and walk out with no bills at all.

[@gigi8528]

Smh. Sorry to hear

[@milehighac2738]

Enjoy your socialism.

[@coreymorrell6272]

Bankruptcy takes about three years to recover from. 25k in medical debt will take 10 to 15 years to pay off if your lucky. You have your answer.

[@JuanKukoc]

C_Mac86 should have aborted

[@mikew2848]

It may be the client who the collection agency is working for will not accept a lesser amount. Not all clients are willing to negotiate. So it’s not always the collection agency.

[@nutzofsteel676]

Dave Ramsey showed us the way to financial freedom years ago & Dave is simply awesome!

[@Goldie-kw5ju]

Do not pay nothing keep your money

[@jesseperez1907]

I was recently in the hospital back in April. I called the hospital for the bill a month later. They told me that the billing wasn't finalized yet and for me to call a week later. I called a week later. Still not ready. Call again a week later. I did just that. Then it was every two weeks I would call and still not ready. I finally got a bill in the mail early August and along with the bill i received a letter that that bill was in collections already. So I waited four months for a bill not only to get it but to also have a letter stating that bill went collections. Ain't that bout some BS. Neither one will be getting paid. Nah. I had the money then and was willing to pay. I now used my money to pay my other debt that was willing to accept it. I really don't care that it to collections.

[@argihispanicamerican7857]

if you have documentation that you called (probably screenshot those calls you made to the number) you can probably let the hospital know about the situation. If you care about it that is now...just my 2 cents.

[@voldemort3713]

Contingency based collections can’t settle unless the client wants to ... I’m a debt collector with a small small company in Indiana, we don’t own the Debts and it sucks but depending on who they owe the bill to we can’t always let them settle! It’s heartbreaking because I don’t have money either so I definitely get it

[@lifewithzoeh4680]

$800 dollars she dont want to pay it😂 Silly

[@mouse879]

You dont ever pay collections they just company that want a profit. the original debt get a tax write off Dont PAY COLLECTIONS

[@jwaynecitizen]

Right, that sounds like an ER bill too. A lot of times if you call the hospital and talk to them they'll take half off immediately because they're gouging you anyway.

[@kiyyahmoney4826]

can you help me learn how to get a tax write off ? 215-439-0296

[@mouse879]

@Jimmy from Philly Wiped you can pay the original creditor but not the collection. There just companies that pray on ppl

[@lifeonthewestcoast]

what if they sue you?

[@mikaelav8964]

People are acting like they have thousands laying around, Ivehad almost 2k debt for 2 years and its VERY HARD to pay off!

[@jwaynecitizen]

Yea these people sound crazy. Sounds like she went to the ER. The markup on those services is criminal. Usually medical collections are a service and they didn't buy the debt. Call the hospital and negotiate with them. They're happy to get half.

[@mr.speyside5240]

Stop paying them and they offer a settlement and move along.

[@leeannvan1422]

@@jwaynecitizen she also could have asked to make a payment plan with them. I went to the ER and this was about what my bill was after insurance.

[@josevelez7539]

However, even if you pay the $800 the collection remains in your credit report, unless they remove it and you pay within a few days after it goes away from your report.

[@leeannvan1422]

Fortunately it’s not like that anymore

[@jackjarkin340]

Even if you have the money never pay them straight up Always try to screw them because they will screw you

[@auntiel.6238]

Dave I just love you.....Thank you so very much!

[@mzgemini0006]

😂😂😂😂😂😂 She has it she just don't want to pay... this is too funny

[@docholliday4546]

mzgemini0006 I would never want to pay a collections agency either...

[@johnbelt5204]

@@docholliday4546 I was in bankruptcy 20 or so years ago. A little debt like this, $800. Pay it. Good lord, if you don't have $800 bucks you need to get a real job or a second job and choke up the funds. If it were 10 grand, yeah, a little negotiation but a piddling amount like this?

[@jabhassan6397]

Agent: where do you work Me: at deez Agent: deez what Me:deez 🥜

[@lashandaeller4821]

Man, if she doesn't pay that $800 and keep it moving!!!!!!!! I wouldn't even bother Mr. Ramsey with such a silly question.

[@jordanpoole7183]

He didn't seem bothered. And it was a pretty general kind of question on how to negotiate with the collections agencies.

[@azeemsiddiqui4764]

Just because you think it is a silly question doesn't mean it is.

[@PoeLemic]

LaShanda: Totallya gree. Her even trying to negotiate that little money down, is ignorant. Just pay it and move on.

[@tonib4625]

She doesn’t have the $800 is what she’s saying

[@mannyrodriguez3933]

@@azeemsiddiqui4764 no it was a silly question. It’s a measly few hundred bucks and she can’t pay that? And she’s going into further debt to get a Masters degree, it wasn’t just a silly question it was freakin dumb.

[@BaileyZLeone]

thanks i needed to know that and what to tell them. :)

[@davidfoulk3078]

An debt that is “settled” is very different from a debt that is “paid in full” and yes this has two completely different calculations on one’s FICO score always remember this when dealing and negotiating with a collection company.

[@elementalstudioyt]

Man, im glad I found this video.

[@acetreyner2906]

If your medical bills are sent to collections. Can you go back to the hospital and negotiate straight with them to make a settlement?

[@heavymechanic2]

OK, my doctor's office gave me a statement inflated for insurance, I paid the amount on the statement in full and was given a discount; this happened three times for the same treatment. Six weeks later, I started getting bills in the mail stating I did not pay the correct amount. How is it my fault if the billing agent does not know how to file insurance claims and charged me a lower rate? This account has been turned over to several collection agencies and all three cannot validate the debt, the fourth collection agency just contacted me about additional bills reported by the hospital collection department.

[@CashLL83]

I recently settled $10,000 in medical bills with the hospital. Collections accounts are currently reporting paid in full. How can a collections agency report paid in full when I never paid them, I paid the hospital?? Can I dispute the collections agency since I never really owed them anything?? The hospital said they never sold these debts to the collection agencies, they were just assigned.

[@dannesharris3363]

Landon Cash did you ever get them desputed and off your credit report bc I'm dealing with the same thing

[@Jillian420]

Call collections and tell them you paid the hospital give them all documents and receipts and tell them request validation it was paid so it can be taken off credit report

[@greenearthblueskies8556]

No disrespect intended, but this call was more embarrassing...on her part. I’m sure he’s not telling people to drop his name while negotiating 🙄.. geez ..so juvenile

[@dianecelento4974]

I know right

[@babc4323]

So, we have plenty of debt and 2 extremely medically complex children. My wife has 32k in student loans/tuition and they wouldn't budge, even with 2 kids on SSI, me applying for SSDI(narcoleptic, back and neck injury) and she works full time. We ended up settling by agreeing to send them our tax return at the end of the year every year until it's paid. Honestly, we said "considering our situation,this is the absolute best we can do without going broke every month" because they were asking for 600 a month I think. That way, we honor our debts, and don't have to stress about this debt, which is at the bottom of our debt snowball list. Gives us a few years to get to that 32k debt, and by the time we get to paying just the student debt, it's probably half way paid off and at that point, just full on every extra penny on it every month until it's paid off, that's the plan. Just starting step 2, excited to see how fast we can get this over with.

[@capriopirivers9122]

I told them do not call me or send any letters to my home since they won’t negotiate.

[@nancypritchard7575]

I'm struggling with this one. Can't pay an $800 medical bill, but headed for graduate school?

[@CourtneyyMorriss]

🤣🤣😅

[@imsethman]

Dave, first time watching one of your videos. I really liked your negotiation tactics and can relate to the caller because I too had a medical debt that went to collections because my ex wife took my son to an urgent care that wasn't covered by my insurance using my insurance. The collection agency stated that they represented the company and that they can't negotiate because they're hired to collect the debt. I really couldn't tell if the original creditor actually owned the debt or if they were lying. Could you help me understand that scenario? One critique to you phone convo that I think you should have mentioned is that if the bill is yours and you owe it... pay it as long as they're willing to remove the record from your credit report (in writing). Thanks

[@weirdnomad8868]

Settling doesn't do squat for your credit, it may hurt it even further. Unless they're threatening to sue you then just ignore them. Also, it highly unlikely they'll bother to sue unless you owe more than 5k

[@benitotorres8757]

How small of a debt is to small that would be better to just lay off and what debt amount is better to negotiate settlement

[@jrgd9083]

Can i settle with an agency that i am already on a payment plan with?

[@adambozentko5877]

800$ collect cans on the side of the road. Thats ridiculous

[@adambozentko5877]

I owed $580,000 medical. Shut your crying faces. Its all fake $ anyways..

[@barackthecomposer6642]

@@adambozentko5877 Wow! What is fake?

[@randywiley66]

Love Dave

[@lewisteixeira1012]

Good one 👍

[@feiwong70]

When calling the collector, should I use a public phone so they don’t know my phone number and starting harrassing me with phone calls later?

[@Givingitmyall2011]

How about a $18,000 balance on a helicopter bill for a life flight... we in no way could pay that and they threatened to put a lean on our house after paying $300/mo for months and months...its all we could handle but it wasn't good enough.

[@JohnnyBGood11]

If you don't intend to move who cares the IRS puts leans on houses all the time, it means you cannot finance and you cannot sell it until the lean is taken off..or you can go into a little more debt pull the rip cord and file bankruptcy..keep this in mind banks get help via bailouts and banks walk a way from debt all the time. Just remember the banks were bailed out in 2008 and left the tax payers holding the bag now it's time for the bankers to give back.

[@thomashaas5965]

Isn't that last sentence the truth?!?!? Lol

[@glbcpa]

Filing a lien is a hassle but typically liens are filed after judgments have been rendered by a court. And, liens can be withdrawn at any time. We get that done with IRS liens on property all the time. You need to challenge that.

[@Mozart2024]

I don't think they can do it that.

[@greenearthblueskies8556]

@@JohnnyBGood11 👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽

[@lonewolf5316]

simple don't pay the collection agency!!! send them a debt validation letter instead chances are you don't owe the debt. while i do agree with the posters that say pay your debts off meaning the OC and not some junk debt buyer

[@Preservestlandry]

I think there's an overestimation of how many times they call without having the statements before they call. They already have the doctors invoices. This is not like a mortgage that gets resold and resold and resold. It's $800 at a doctors office. They'll EASILY validate it.

[@RainbowManification]

The only thing the validation letter does is get it taken off your credit report. They can still collect as long as your not bankrupt

[@brizzchizz7302]

Great str8forward advice. Should I tell them I am unemployed or just flat out say this is what I can give you or you get nothing? Thanks

[@zjones9876]

I don't blame them. She has a degree she can pay. She just doesn't want to.

[@JuniperMoonshine]

Exactly. The entitlement

[@GuitarGuy650]

I understand life events happen, but the fact that people can "negotiate" out of paying money that they owe is bonkers

[@MuscleandHealth]

risk of being a lender, guess thats why they charge so much interest

[@joeJoe-pb3su]

Good Advise..

[@kentwilliams1653]

Even if you pay a collection, your credit is still damaged

[@bigroy38]

That’s why I pay who I owe to medically directly.Some idiot collector didn’t take care of me.

[@brizzchizz7302]

Exactly in my case I will go to my Bank Creditor who charged it off and say this is what I can give you as a lump sum take it or leave it

[@chakritsasorn]

I have a similar situation. Mine was that they refuse to take the collection off from the credit report. They said that they cannot remove from the credit bureau the only thing they can do is to updated it, but here is the thing the debt collector reported this collection to the credit bureau but they said they cannot remove it. What should i do in this situation? Thanks

[@Ojfanta]

don't pay until they agree in writing too take it off you're credit report.

[@222222e]

Chakrit Charoensuwankiri if they can’t remove it than they most not be the creditor and you owe them nothing. Go to the credits bureau and force them to prove you owe the debt or remove it with in less than 30days. If they can’t remove it, why are you dealing with them?

[@JD27831]

So I have a question. I took out student loans and now they've gotten completely out of control for me. The federal student loans are at least somewhat manageable since I'm a First Responder, but my private student loans are ruining my life. Long story short, my private student loans are roughly 4.5 times my yearly salary and they expect me to pay $2.5K per month for it. No matter what, when I do the math; I'll never be able to afford the payments and will never pay off the loan. I've spoken to Navient several times and they aren't coming to a reasonable payoff at all. They pretty much asked me to sell the house (that's not even mine) just to pay them back. So they want me to be homeless just to pay them. Anyone have any ideas of anything that can be done so I can get a handle on these loans?

[@MarkYeung1]

Don't be homeless. Get a second job. Cut down your lifestyles. Pay off the crazy loan as soon as possible. Marrying a rich girl will be helpful too.

[@coreydouglas1920]

What if I have debt reporting from college for $600 sold to the collection agency now they agency is reporting it for $800 they added a $200 fee is that right ?

[@michaelwoods4495]

If they won't negotiate, don't negotiate. Who needs 'em?

[@forrestcourtney514]

What if I want a lower monthly payment I owe over $5,000 and they want $400 a month

[@CindyCya]

my debt it $1k. i just graduated highschool and i have a bit of money saved up for college but id really hate to take out a sizeable portion of my savings. should i just pay or am i entitled to negotiate?

[@TonTreyMarc]

Negotiate sweetheart

[@fortis619]

How do u get in contact with Dave ? Kinda in the same boat as this lady

[@cpressley57]

So what about larger balances where they are threatening legal actions

[@heidimarchant5438]

If you haven't been summoned words are just words. Keep in mind they can't issue a judgment on you unless it goes to court and the judge rules in their favor. Do your research and know both federal law and state law, hipaa law and fair credit laws. Request in writing to them to show evidence/proof that they own the debt and that the debt actually belongs to you, statements are not evidence. I'm not an attourney but I'd suggest you find one in your state that offers free consultation, but know your facts first so they don't buffalo you. GL! If you get a complaint letter then file your response to the court. Keep it simple and don't admit to nothing.

[@zk191]

Pay the bill! Next..

[@mph5896]

They are being jerks because they want to get paid for work rendered? Go to work, at the end of the week your boss fails to pay you. How does that fell, Not to good.

[@thomashaas5965]

This is true, except one relies more on one than the other. I definitely understand your point and it is no less valid, despite what I'm about to say...because what I'm about to say is meant in no other way but to put it all in perspective. Not getting paid from my employer would be more detrimental to me as the little man than a big guy with millions of dollars not getting paid their relatively small $800 payment, especially when they probably have a type of insurance against loss of that magnitude or smaller or higher.

[@geomodelrailroader]

they are loansharks the only purpose they have in life is to rip you off and steal your money. Don't deal with these guys.

[@Preservestlandry]

@@thomashaas5965 her bill is for a doctor, not some huge bank. But even financial institutions go under if they don't get paid. People like to believe they aren't hurting anyone by not paying, but it's not true.

[@thomashaas5965]

@@Preservestlandry yeah but by the time it gets to the collection agency, its already been written off as loss by the original people owed. The hospital, doctor, etc already sold it to the collection agency for less than owed. So NOW if you pay in full, its just profit for the collection agency. Its too late for that to help the real people owed. So yeah...thats why I say settle collection debt for pennies on the dollar.

[@chendawilliam7052]

What to do when you walk away and then getting sue for 9k us bank bill what to do next Mr. Ramsey ? File bankruptcy or ..... please help. Trying to help a friend w the info.

[@methatlovescats3602]

Chenda William look up brandon weaver he can help you.

[@katejohnson3409]

I know you need to request for a written amount due through the mail, but would an email work the same way?

[@carmonmya2075]

Yea just make sure it states that the account will be settled and closed for less ,

[@RainbowManification]

As long as it's physically signed (not electronic) and dated by someone from the company and is on company letterhead and states settlement in full and the amount it's good thru email. They will probably push to get your bank account information and electronic funds transfer consent from you but it's just a tactic to use as leverage against you. The more morally odorous companies will clean out your bank account and/or pretend the settlement offer doesn't exist (this is why you get a physical signature). Offer to FedEx overnight a cashier's check or money order and pay the shipping, but never give them a personal check or anything with your bank account number on it.

[@JuniperMoonshine]

You owe the money, you need to pay it. No excuse.

[@Htownkid-ot8uf]

Nah fuk em

[@twilliams842]

She was talking to a collection Agency not a debt buyer

[@kimhoward9977]

the people on here commenting "Just pay your bills on time and you won't have to worry about collections." Why are they watching this video? lol...

[@randy944]

Exactly. You borrow money, you pay it back.

[@skdjirrrdjdm3926]

They watch so they can feel morally superior and make assumptions about the callers. 80% of the comments under his videos are the same judgemental, nasty people.

[@jacksycz]

Next time, apply for hospital charity care.

[@williamhbynumiii5269]

Can collection agencies have your license suspended?

[@andrearedburn7345]

no, only the scamming child support

[@betterthanemril988]

No the only entities that can have that type of power are government agencies, like say you wrote a bad check to the DMV and they put your balance and fees in collections.

[@jimeiden2360]

$800 can be a lot of money for some.

[@luizavieira6352]

For me to..i lost my job..helllllp me god

[@CGU123-k9r]

Sometimes some of those creditors are fraudulent. That happened to me with 2 company's just make sure you always check the 3 credit bureau's and sometimes if you dispute the charges you can get them taken off your credit. People ig you do not have proof of debt and or the company seems shady do not pay them a dime because they will use your car to make extra changes and your be in an even worse hole than when you started. Watch you you are sending your money too. And if they are really put the money on a pre paid debit card or a money order. Nothing else.

[@bsharp1981]

Yeah right off the bat medical bills don’t settle sorry. Almost everyone else does but medical bills don’t. Your best bet is to pay a reasonable amount per month. I took $25 a month on medical bills

[@cottonflannigan3671]

My credit card balance was $500.00 at the time I lost my job. Now the debt collection company tells me my balance is $1229.00. I offered them $500.00. They laughed and said, " We will require 80% of your balance to clear this account." I told the man it was $500.00 or nothing. He wouldn't budge off the 80%. I said, " This is very unfortunate, but thank you for your time." What do I do next, Dave?

[@edwinmedina4338]

What did Dave say?

[@peacewithangelamarie]

Consider a request in writing to agency with your offer to pay $500 and request to remove entry from your credit report. Make sure you get this in writing from them b4 you pay by money order or prepaid card.

[@cottonflannigan3671]

@@peacewithangelamarie They refused. Oh well...

[@peacewithangelamarie]

@@cottonflannigan3671 If they are not suing, try to resubmit request in writing every 3 to 6 mths. Dispute on your credit report. I hope with time you can resolve or save to pay. But I personally wld not want to pay an extra $700+ in fees.

[@Rahuljadhav-wb7vl]

Pay ur bills on time

[@random-nz7dy]

Glad he made clear not to lie. Negotiating for a settlement should be done if you are TRULY in a tight spot and cannot pay. If you have the income such that you are able to pay you have an ethical and moral obligation to pay back what YOU borrowed.

[@swisstrader]

Price of the call to Dave was more than her debts

[@voldemort3713]

Question for anyone out there ..... they shouldn’t be calling you without sending a validation statement right .... as a debt collector I don’t even see accounts until they’re validated ?? Maybe the company I work for is different. We’re not fancy or nothing lol

[@duddude321]

Congrats, you work for the one collections company on the face of the earth that isn't 100% complete and utter garbage in corporate form. Most of your field are nothing better than inhuman vultures come to pick the flesh off the downtrodden at best and criminal extortionists at worst. We had to start legal action against a CC once to get them to back off. Comcast (being a garbage company themselves) lost track of a final payment and return of rental box in their system and just decided we kept our box and never paid our final bill. Naturally instead of resolving the issue they just kept sending the bill over and over with more fees until they could write it off as a bad collection and sell the debt. The CC refused to validate the debt or accept our copies of proof that the "debt" was never valid in the first place (a bank transaction statement showing the payment of the final bill and a shipping receipt for the return of the cable box) and just kept on harassing until we had a lawyer shove it down their throat.

[@humptydumpty1575]

This woman is going for a Master's Degree? Yeah sounds about right.

[@917-l1o]

I wish i can find these male debt collectors who apply this pressure over the phone so i can really make them bleed. I dislike that unprofessionalism when u CAN NOT EVEN go to jail for owing a company who sold my debt to a collectors agency.

[@mouse879]

True facts and it get written off at the end of the year the original company gets the money back collections is just trying to profit if they dont have ir signature on any contract or regular compnay document which they wont you do not have to give them anything collections are rip offs

[@twinny555]

It’s so disgusting you still have to pay for medical care in the USA.

[@emeliafeliz91]

I am so tired of this😭😭😭

[@johnmorris8444]

I know, I wish they would just take $20,000 in taxes out every year so that I can go to the doctors once every 8 years for free.

[@twinny555]

@@johnmorris8444 if only costs that much because it’s run for profit. Privatised public services push prices up for citizens. It doesn’t cost that much to deliver. They just charge that much for profit. I pay monthly national insurance that’s wage related at a rate of about £65 a month. This gets me free healthcare across the board. I pay £10 per prescription and fixed prices for dental treatment. If I’m ever out of work, I get the prescriptions and dental care covered too. My children pay nothing, my disabled sister pays nothing, my parents won’t pay once they reach 70. The £65 a month also covers a basic state pension. If we can do it, you guys should be able to find a way.

[@yvonnewensloff6983]

a) if you can pay the bill, make monthly payment arrangements and pay the bill. b) if you CANNOT pay the bill, you will need to have a legitimate reason for incurring an expense that you cannot pay AND it will show in your credit reports and they may even ask for a prior year W2, or a SWORN WRITTEN STATEMENT, as an indication that you are not making enough money to pay. IT IS FAIR AND REASONABLE for ALL OF US to pay for what we can. Getting out of debt is not screwing people out of what is owed them. Not wanting to pay a bill that is difficult to pay and UNABLE to pay all your bills are two entirely different things. Paying for things you buy, medical care you receive is PART OF BEING AN ADULT. THAT SAID. I have negotiated with collection agencies and credit card companies successfully. IF YOU LEGITIMATELY CANNOT pay your bills they WILL work with you. It will not be pleasant... but if your credit history is not showing that you are upside down, behind paying bills, etc. they are NOT going to negotiate with you. And your creditors CAN pull your credit report, they know basically how much debt you have. When they can see you're alternating which bills you pay each month based on late payment records on your credit report... WELL, they will bend over backwards to get whatever you can convince them is reasonable. Be ready to give a PERSONAL explanation as to why you have bills you cannot pay. If you are legitimately in a situation where you cannot pay your debts in 3-5 years and are unable to make monthly minimum payments, then bankruptcy might be a consideration. If that is 'way too extreme' then maybe your situation does not warrant a reduction of debt either. Food for thought.

[@MichaelJacksonzGlove]

I'm a bit confused when people say "don't pay collections." In my case, the bill is legitimate, is in collections, however, I have one month to make payment before it's reported to the credit bureau. So, I have to pay the collection agency in this case?

[@Jerisquared]

Depends on what type of collections it is. Medical collections are a whole different ballgame and if you send them a dollar a month (which, I don't know why you'd do that) they can't do anything to you. Debt buyers, like the one I worked for, buy those debts in bulk and pay pennies on the dollar for them. That's when you can say stuff like, "I didn't sign a contract with you," or, "this is what I will pay you, it's this or nothing," and then cease and desist them if they won't budge. They will budge. They will make, "exceptions," etc. because at that point, the collectors are just trying to get to their goal.

[@loveinautumn3978]

They can garnish your wages

[@Xantank]

Her negotiating angle was weak, quite pathetic! Who enters the conversation “that’s not he says”

[@pwade8080]

In the end it is a legitimate debt. Getting cheeky about paying a legitimate debt is low-life behavior in my book. Celebrating screwing someone out of money owed is the mark of a huckster.

[@mannyrodriguez3933]

The hucksters are the debt collection agencies who tack on fees and interest rates you didn’t ask for. I agree this is a small debt to pay that anyone should be able to pay or at least make an arrangement for another month to pay it off, but what you’re saying is just moronic

[@jjminor]

You have to play hard with these guys. Remember that they want money.

[@jayallen1334]

You owe $800. Dave is not your financial advisor for starters. Secondly you automatically go to the 50% settlement. The agency is trying to get their client paid. Mind you the agency gets a fee for collecting so the Doctor is not being paid in full regardless of what you pay. The first thing Dave said is the first time I agree with him. Negotiate does not mean you call and they give you whatever you want. Finally a true statement. but, then he blows it by settle or get nothing. How about paying in full the charge? the office treated you and now you want to pay less than agreed. Work 40 hours after you graduate and see if you would like your employer to only pay you for 30. i bet you would not agree to it. also, an agency may sue for $500.00 so now you just may have pushed them to that. Be sassy and mess with them. Sorry Dave not very Christian of you. and you have no idea if they were sassy with her. by saying they won't settle does not equate to sassy. You never even ask her why she isn't paying it. You side with the consumer right away always. Man you shell out some misplaced advice.

[@Excalibur2]

Hospitals aren't transparent with pricing. They don't deserve the full amount because it isn't an agreed upon price and has little to do with the actual cost of the services rendered.

[@MrSartorius1]

so basically to any lender listening never ever loan this person money, if she's not will to pay an $800 debt good luck expecting her to pay down something larger

[@andrewf4623]

I kinda disagree with Dave that they are “being jerks”, ultimately they are just trying to recover a debt they are owed.

[@SammySam316]

As a Canadian I feel sorry for Americans. The medical bills seem to be placing a dent in a lot of pockets. I pray that somehow you guys can get universal health care sometime in the future.

[@orion3706]

Under the Affordable Care Act, we're required to have health insurance. If we don't make enough, the Fed. govt will provide assistance. But by law, we are required to have health insurance.

[@SammySam316]

papa tim I can personally confirm that I have never had to wait that long to get specialized care in Canada. Obviously those who wish to get speedy service can also pay additional money to get faster service from private sources. The reason why some have waited that long is because they would rather wait than pay. My statement was empathetic not boastful by any means. It was in response to a college student who is obviously struggling to pay her medical fees and is being bombarded by collections. I was not referring to financially competent individuals like yourself who can afford insurance or have the cash and means to get your surgery the day after your knee blows out.

[@Papatim85]

Loves Yehushua was my comment snarky...yeah it was but for a reason. the way many americans like myself see it is as if saying "wow there are homeless people in your country i really pray the government forces all of ya'll into housing projects". America has the most Quality healthcare in the world. Most of us would rather have the best healthcare in the world and have to pay a bit more for it than the european/canadian socialized medicine.

[@SammySam316]

papa tim ok I get your point.

[@bradleymaravalli2851]

I'm curious. What you're tax rate? Typically countries with national health care pay higher taxes.

[@RainbowManification]

I avoided talking to collectors by paying my bills on time. Works every time

[@athomewithrobin292]

Then this is not for you brown nose. Unfortunatley some people in life have various issues loss of job health or mental health break downs kids with disabilities.. need I go on. It lands them in situations where paying on time is not a possibility. Pay a debt or give ur kids a hot meal that month type of situation. I hate when ppl who don't no struggles act like others are refusing to pay on time when they are totally ignorant to other ppls lives.

[@RainbowManification]

@@francescapoteet5481 Medical debt doesn't count, I'm talking consumer debt and debt you choose to get into.

[@user-us9fk9tf3r]

She obviously sucks at negotiating.

[@colin1818]

This sounds like she called them one time and was surprised she didn't get exactly what she wanted on the first attempt. I've heard Dave talk about this process of negotiating a payoff before and he always describes it as a long process with repeated conversations. She just sounds like she has non patience and a lack of understanding in general.

[@karnige5804]

its because its such a low amount they wont budge

[@blazegarcia5607]

If they ask you where you work, tell them you're not working right now.

[@lumpy368]

It's $800 freaking dollars. Boo hoo, pay it

[@quikzilver9331]

lumpy368 wrath why would you ever pay a collections?

[@kevinharsley5436]

Apparently she has student loans. Was some of you not listening? She's trying to get answers and I was always told there's no such thing as a stupid question!

[@marcelaa9498]

It's still gonna be hurting her credit, so why pay?

[@DavidPittsChess]

Dave should have told her to pay

[@LifebytheBowRiver]

Ugh! Pay your bills! It's so unethical! You borrowed it, pay it!

[@MsAussieSheila]

Yes. I completely disagree with Dave on this one. Unless you are at a point where you have to choose between necessities and paying your bills, you pay your full amount. You shouldn't ask for a discount on your debt just because you can. Nothing this lady said suggested that she couldn't pay the full amount. She just didn't want to. It's not different than theft from an ethical POV in my mind.

[@allinlen]

having medical bills is not borrowing money. The amount of overcharging for medical services is what's unethical

[@LifebytheBowRiver]

allinlen you have a point...

[@thomashaas5965]

Did she ACTUALLY borrow it though? The answer to that would be YES, but ONLY if she signed a credit agreement, like a LOAN document. I have never once been asked to sign a credit agreement from my doctor's office. Otherwise, they just entrusted her to pay an $800 bill without any written and signed promise to pay. This isn't to say she shouldn't pay, BUT it is different from BORROWING the money. The sad thing is, here in the US, you can be a responsible citizen and do your part and pay for insurance and then STILL get hit with a massive bill from the doctor. As a student, $800 is DEFINITELY a massive bill. Of course, they won't tell you WHAT you will owe until AFTER you used their services, at which point, you can no longer change your mind about using the services. However, even if she DID sign a loan agreement, its not like borrowing money to buy a car where you are told the MSRP and monthly payments up front before signing the contract. This would be the healthcare equivalent to signing a loan document for said car, but instead of knowing the MSRP and monthly payments upfront, it's some mystery amount, that can vary greatly from person to person. Then, AFTER having taken delivery of the vehicle, where ALL contracts are signed, and you can no longer cancel the purchase, they can THEN fill in the "financed amount" portion with anything they want. Same idea.

[@realluckysgirl]

If everyone who just boo hoo'd her deposits $25.00 in a PayPal account for her, she could settle her bill no problem. You all just said 800.00 was nothing, be a decent human being and help out a college student. Random act of kindness. And Canada, we are being ripped off here, probably to bow us down to socialism, but, we do not want a panel of wicked people deciding when to send us home to die. Keep your socialist healthcare, we will pass.

[@PoeLemic]

Glad that Dave told her to JUST PAY THE BILL. I said exact same thing below. Stupid to even worry about $800 bucks. Boy are you poor. Cheating your fellow man for $800 bucks.

[@xyzxyz-hi8lp]

“Better than I deserve” what a knob!

[@newlawnottawa7354]

If that is her mindset, she is in deep trouble! There's gonna be a list of Dings on her credit report 😵

[@pompeothepig962]

Nice lol i like this show