Q: Last year, my wife had some serious medical problems that put her in the hospital. I'm grateful every day that she has recovered, but we now have a lot of unexpected credit card debt. Our mailbox and voicemail are being hounded by debt collectors.

I was really looking forward to retirement in the near future, but now I don't know if it's a possibility. Before making any plans for the future, I need to start settling what I owe.

What's the best way to get started on my debts?

A: Settling credit card debt is attainable but requires discipline and a realistic outlook.

Aim to get a good deal on your debts, and be a consistent communicator.

Contact the debt collectors before they take you to court. Being sued will increase your costs and reduce the likelihood of getting a good deal on your debt.

Consistent, realistic and honest communication with collectors will avoid escalating the problem. Collectors are used to dealing with people who are financially insolvent and want to recover as much money as possible. Reliable communication will assure them that you intend to pay them in the future.

Make a deal on debt settlement at the end of the month to save money. Because many debt collectors are primarily paid on commission, they're eager to make their numbers and earn bonuses.

When a debt has gone to a collection agency, the agency generally doesn't expect to receive the full amount. It'd rather make a deal than receive nothing, and it's likely prepared to sacrifice some of your debt (often 50% or more).

When negotiating, start with your lowest offer, generally in one lump sum, to get the best deal.

Get the settlement agreement in writing, with clear terms and conditions. This will avoid any fraud or future issues.

To get a better deal, make the collectors like and sympathize with you. Keep a polite and respectful demeanor. Explain the circumstances of your delinquent payment, and apologize for not being able to pay the full amount. Thank them for spending their time to help you out.

If your circumstances are more complicated, a good bankruptcy lawyer could advise you on settling debts, the possibility of bankruptcy, tax consequences and other related issues. — Emma, Doug's granddaughter

TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS

Q: I haven't wanted to admit it, but I think my memory is finally going. I've never been the most organized, but I've always made it work.

I've forgotten to pay a few bills and had to call up the company.

I've been getting irritable and blaming people around me for miscommunication and mistakes. But in all honesty, I think I'm the problem.

How do you deal with memory decline?

A: Establish a new system, and stick to it.

As we get older, we can no longer rely on our memory. The good news is that you have the knowledge you need. The bad news is that it gets more difficult to access what you need when you need it.

Many seniors find themselves relying on family members to remind them of things or check in. Although this can work well for a while, you might run into the same problems.

Some people prefer to keep a task list, calendar or journal to track all of their important information in one place. You can also set up reminders or alerts to keep yourself on track.

Technology can be great for automating tasks (like paying bills). This makes you responsible for fewer things and allows you to concentrate on what's important.

Routines allow you to rely on a pattern of behavior, rather than an individual memory. The repetition forms a stronger pathway in the brain that will compensate for your memory troubles. — Doug

Doug Mayberry makes the most of life in a Southern California retirement community. Contact him at [email protected]. Emma, Doug's granddaughter, helps write this column. To find out more about Doug Mayberry and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.

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