You're right; occasionally you'll find a collection agency that has their act together. Luckily, collection agencies purchase their debt for pennies on the dollar, so they're happy to get anything. Start by offering them 10% of the debt, and go from there up to no more than 25% of the debt, stipulating (in writing) that its "Pay For Delete". This will require them to remove the negative credit information from your credit report/profile in return for payment.
4 states prohibit wage garnishments at all, and other states set the maximum at between 15-25% of your disposable income: http://www.walkawayfromdebt.com/worksheets&charts/wage-garni... (Disclaimer: Colorado SUCKS. They permit up to 75% of disposable income to be collected).
I've helped negotiate away quite a bit of unsecured debt for close friends. Its easier than you think.
4 states prohibit wage garnishments at all, and other states set the maximum at between 15-25% of your disposable income: http://www.walkawayfromdebt.com/worksheets&charts/wage-garni... (Disclaimer: Colorado SUCKS. They permit up to 75% of disposable income to be collected).
I've helped negotiate away quite a bit of unsecured debt for close friends. Its easier than you think.