[tommy_1812]

It might be interesting to note that contacting Amex when you are having trouble is the best thing to do. Since I had a collection pop up then dissapear, my interest rate on one card was 27%. I contacted an account reviewer and explained my difficulties in making the monthly payment but my full intentions to pay every penny. They said I would be placed on the hardship program where my interest is reduced to 9.9%. I have to make 6 months of $260 payments, afterwards the payments would be much lower.

Is this similar to the oasis program? I haven't defaulted with them the entire time I had the card.

And Jlynn quick question. Have you ever been to Old Fort Parker?

[jlynn]

The Oasis program I think is generally used when a card has been closed, and an account defaulted on, but Kudos on getting into a hardship program and getting straight with them. I did this many years ago with Citibank.

I wasn't even aware of Fort Parker sounds interesting - I have read alot about Quanah Parker and the entire family over the years. I actually have a TX Cattleman's book from the late 1800's that has a very good account of the tragedy.

[tommy_1812]

Thanks. Between my loans and the reduced pay I get due to the economy, I am finding it a cumbersome task to pay everything and meet the definition of breaking even. This hardship program will allow me to knock a large amount to the principal balance and at 9.9% its a deal I won't turn down. They'd rather hear someone say they have difficulty making payments than someone not pay at all.

I was asking about Ft. Parker because I went to the historic fort there on a small retreat and stayed in a cabin. There was a guestbook signed by someone named Jlynn. Thought it might've been you since that is near your neck of the woods. It is a neat site to visit if you ever get the chance.

[jlynn]

I don't go by Jlynn in the real world.

I'll have to take the kids down there one day.

[tommy_1812]

It's a nice place to go for the afternoon. The fort itself is pretty surreal to stand in. The rooms have a ton of wasps in them so becareful! It's not exactly disney world, but great for Texas history buffs or anyone interested.