New user trying to get out of debt could use your advice

[hoobatech]

Hi, my name is Matt and i recently joined your forum, it looks like a wealth of knowledge and am i ever glad i found it. Ive been sort of ignoring my debt for a few years and its finally time to get back on track, I'm curious what you think i can settle some of this debt for and what my best course of action should be, heres my equifax 9 negative dings
AAMS LLC
$928 past due as of july 08
$185 past due as of aug 08
$146 past due as of oct 08
ASSET ACCEPTANCE LLC (old american express card, new collection agency?)
$4070 past due as of june 09
Captal one
$730 past due 30 days since aug. 09 still open ($500 limit)
CONSUMER ADJUSTMENT CO
this one doesn't give a balance/info in the status, but it looks like $250 i think
Account History:
Collection as of Jul 2009, May 2009, Dec 2008, Feb 2008 to Nov 2008
H & R ACCOUNTS INC
Paid/closed 4/2005
H & R ACCOUNTS INC
Paid/closed 9/2005
H & R ACCOUNTS INC
$536 past due Mar 2008

So, theres all my dirty laundry and im sure to most it doesn't seem like alot of debt, but im currently unemployed with about 200/month i can throw at past bills. ive been selling some toys and have about 1600 that i can put towards this mess, so i hoping i can get some input on howto negotiate a smaller bill with lumpsum payments.
Thanks in advance,
Matt

[Enigma]

As long as you remain unemployed or without a positive cash flow, all unsecured creditor's can wait.

Your main focus should be a roof over your's and your family's head, food on the table. Spend your time and energy looking for employment. Once that is done, then tackle your creditor's.

[hoobatech]

certainly, i guess i was asking this question preemptively; i just stumbled across your website and thought id get some advice for the near future, I'm on a temp. layoff so hopefully Oct. 1 I'll be back to work, whats your advice for my credit situation once I'm back to work.
Thanks for the quick reply

[Enigma]

I would contact each of my creditors directly (keep a log), explain to them that you are on a temporary furlough, ask that they grant you a hardship forbearance. If a collection calls, same basic message and send them a DV letter to preserve your rights under the FDCPA.

Once you have some money, contact each of your creditors to negotiate a payoff.