Here's what I don't get about Dave Ramsey: The dude's primary goto advice is "pay down your debt". Above everything. Sell your car. Sell your plasma. Get a job delivering pizzas...use proceeds to pay down debt. Pay pay pay. Has Dave Ramsey, ever once, recommended negotiating with collections? Maybe offer than 15 cents on the dollar/and see where it goes? These people took a risk on you and lost...why are you the only one that has to suffer for their mistake?