Credit Card Hell

Okay, so I'm going to put it all out there. Credit card debt= 28K. Got a little behind on some of my payments this summer when I couldn't get temp work (studios have a hiring freeze). Subbing work usually doesn't pick up until October, so hanging in there until then. Anyway, my bank panicked when they realized I was a few months behind on my payments and offered/ threatened to write off my debts as a bad debt, since this year it's easy for them since they received Federal money to cover that. They told me they would settle with me for $10,000 if I could pay that by this December, with my first payment on Tuesday. My brothers offered up a combined total of $4,500.00. This wasn't enough for the bank, so they lowered their offer to $7,500.00, but it still doesn't look like I'll be able to make the $3,000 difference. Part of me thinks I should take up the offer, but without all my ducks in a row, that's way too big a gamble.

It's dangerous because if I'm lucky enough to land a job and make great money that will allow me to pay the 3k by December, then I'm worried they might withdraw their offer, and then there I am back with my 30K debt, and the ruined 3 year credit (due to my non-payments) that I already have if I settle with them. And yeah, I dug the hole so it's my responsibility, and completely my fault... and I have no problem facing the consequences, as any adult should. BUT I will say that the banks were very tricky throughout the ten + years I've had the loan and screwed me over at every corner and opportunity possible... I've probably only charged $10,000.00 total, but because of the snowballing interest over the years at various high interest rates... at one time as high as 30% due to some of the crappy stunts they pulled on me (one example: due date of payment falls on a Saturday... I used to work for a bank and they would post the payments on a Saturday if you came in and paid in cash... apparently, the rules changed because I tried to do that, and they wouldn't accept it. Counted it as late and slapped a $300 late fee to boot, and hiked up my interest by 10%)... so don't think I feel too bad for them! And yes, I should have taken care of this a long time ago, but I didn't, and here I am. A part of the problem! Shame!

Anyway, still plotting and planning and looking down a few avenues. After I pay this crap off (IF I ever live to see the day that is), I will never touch a credit card again. Oh. My. God. It's just been hell. I call them back on Monday. Wish me luck!