I don't like that word either!

If you want the collection agencies to stop calling you, tell them you’re going to file for bankruptcy. If they ask you when, tell them in the next 90 days. This will buy you enough time to come up with some money to settle the debt with a one time lump sum payment. If you can not come up with the money keep telling them you’re going to file for bankruptcy and that should stop the calls for a while. They do not like the word bankruptcy.