One more thing, negotiate with your creditors. Threaten them with bankruptvy if you need to. I think you will be surprised that they are willing to work with you. They want their money, not what bankruptcy will give them, which may be nothing. Also you can go to a lawyer and have them negotiate a reduced amount owed to your creditors, but then your creditors would make the arrangement immediately due. This may work with your credit cards. I do not know. You can also short sell your house if you are underwater with the mortgage. This is if you have to do this. If you file for bankruptcy, pay a couple of your credit cards off first. Then you get to keep them. You do not have to report the bankruptcy to them if you owe them nothing. Check all of your options out with a financial expert.