[sweeps]

peepers, it sounds like these debts are really weighing on your conscience. My opinion is that for your own piece of mind, just start settling them and paying them. Short term, your FICO will probably fluctuate quite a bit, but long term your score should improve faster than it would otherwise.

I would write down every debt on a piece of paper (or enter them in an Excel spreadsheet). Go down the list and call these companies for their best settlement offer. Be polite and honest, but don't be afraid to play a little hardball either. Be sure to record exactly when you called, who you talked to, and what was agreed upon. Plus I've said this many times -- Get the settlement offer in writing with the assurance that when the agreed amount is paid, it will show PAID IN FULL on your report.