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Get Out of Debt! Stories:

How to get started and where to get help

Talking with Dave Ramsey

Teaching kids about debt and finances

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Video Extras:

Extended Interview with Dave Ramsey

Reporter Debrief: Melissa Swan on “Get Out of Debt”

Printable Budgets and Tips:

Your path to a Debt-Free Holiday Season | Holiday Gift, Budget Worksheet

FAQ’s for getting out of debt | Fair Debt Collection Practices Act

(WHAS11) - The response to the WHAS11 Get Out of Debt phone bank has been overwhelming. The phones rang non-stop for five and half hours Wednesday night.

Some people who called in to our financial experts were in tears. Another caller said she was embarrassed. But don't be, debt happens. It happens to a lot of people.

Take care when you select someone to help you overhaul your debt, there are many people out there who say they can help. But remember, it's your financial future, so take care of it.

If you are in debt, you're probably familiar with debt collectors, but you don't have to be at their mercy.

78% of Americans have credit card debt. Many have a lot, $8,000 – 12,000 on average.  

While finding the means and the money to work your way out of debt, expect your phone to ring. Debt collectors will be calling.

Yosetta Gaither went into debt because of divorce and credit cards and was often on the phone with debt collectors.

The financial experts Melissa Swan talked to and the people in debt all told a similar story, harassment is common.

Some say collectors call you at home, they call you at work and they may call every day.  

Nationally known Get Out Debt expert and radio host Dave Ramsey tells Melissa, he has two words for debt collections, psychological warfare.

But you can go to war too, with your rights. They're spelled out in the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. (click to view) It's a federal law that prohibits certain types of abusive or deceptive behavior.

For instance, you can only be called between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m., that's local time. Not the time in Kansas, California or India.

No repeated phone calls. No telling third parties about your debt. And collection agents can not call you at work if you've told them no.

Yosette fought back, writing letters that included details. But don't be surprised if you still get calls.

Ramsey says some collectors break federal law on a daily basis. He advises for people to talk to their debt collector once every two weeks, not anymore often than that.

WHAS11 contacted some former and current debt collectors and asked them to talk about their business practices, we even offered to conceal their identities. All declined the offer.

More Resources to help you Get Out of Debt:

Louisville Asset Building Coalition

Dave Ramsey's website

Consumer Credit Counseling

Money Management International

A+ Credit

Louisville Legal Aid Society

Better Business Bureau

Debtors Anonymous