 TITLE: How Do I Find Out What Debts I Owe? CONTENT: What to Do if Your Debt Is Already in Collections\n-------------------------------------------------\nAs you go over your accounts, you may find debt that is in collections. If this is the case, don't ignore it—pretending the debt doesn't exist won't make it disappear. Tackling it as soon as possible will eventually put an end to the collections calls, and quell those worries about the money you owe.\nOther potential action you can take once your debt is in collections includes:\n*   **Requesting that the debt collector stop contacting you.** If you make this request in writing, a debt collector must cut off contact in most cases.\n*   **Negotiating what you owe.** A debt collector may be willing to settle for a lump-sum amount that's less than the amount due or may be open to a payment plan.\n*   **Seeking assistance from a nonprofit credit counseling service.** A credit counselor may be able to develop a plan for paying off debt that's in collections and also come up with a household budget for you that prevents you from falling behind on more debt.\n*   **Hiring an attorney.** When the situation becomes extremely stressful—the debt collector threatens to take you to court, for instance—it may be time to seek legal help. END