I was going to hire a debt settlement company at a cost to me of many thousands of dollars to me AND no guarantee that they would do what i am paying them to do. So i decided, what the heck, why not self-negotiate with my creditors?

It is better to seek help from any reputed debt settlement company. Such companies can handle it properly as they are experts in that field. I took help of freedom debt relief to negotiate with my creditors. I have joined their debt reduction program one year back and almost debt free now.

I am about to start negotiating debt settlement with Bank of America. Have you been successfull? Does anyone have a good phone number for them where I can start the process?

If it's still in-house, they probably won't settle for less. Their main customer service number is 1-800-421-2110 and they should be able to direct you to the correct dept. If you go bankrupt, that will stay on your files for years.

Do you know how to do this w/o using a company that trys to "negotiate" debt with your creditors. Also, no home refinance and no balance transfers to another low interest credit cards.

thanks

The companies that "negotiate with your creditors" don't do anything you can't do yourself and charge you a fee for the service. Don't bother.

Aside from transferring the balances to the card with a lower interest or taking out a bill consolidation loan, you really don't have many options to get everything to one payment. So, pick the smallest balance, really work on paying that off (while maintaining the other cards) and then attack the next balance in the same way.

I'm considering trying to negotiate down my credit card debt so I can pay it off, and I want to find out as much info as possible. I was wondering if anyone on here has experience with negotiating/settling debt, and if you have any tips or advice for me.

Thank you!

You can do it yourself, please don't hire a company to do it for you. They actually make things worse. Especially, if your accounts are not that delinquent.
Depending on the status of your accounts, you may be able to negotiate a settlement. Creditors would like to have something rather than nothing. You will either have to pay a lump sum or split it into 3 monthly installments; they don't usually go for more than 3.
I've had original creditors negotiate 20-50% off the current balance.
However, you're not guaranteed the original creditor will settle. Your chances are better if a collection agency owns the debt.
If you do manage to get a settlement, get it in writing before you send them anything. Creditors/CA always seem to have a memory lapse when it comes to stuff like this.
Also, if you do settle for more than $600 off, the creditor will send you a 1099C to file the discounted amount as income.

I made a negotiated payment of $4000 to a debt collector (the total had been over $9k) to end my obligations. How long will this tarnish my credit? This was not done through an intermediary.

Since you settled for less than was due, you are unlikely to get that removed from your report until 7 years from last payment. In order to get it removed, you would have had to get them agree to that in writing before you paid "the full amount" due (unlikely for reduced settlement).

You will also likely get a 1099 and have to pay income tax on the $5000+ (roughly $750-$1250+ depending upon other income) unless you can prove you were insolvent.

there are a lot of companies that will negotiate your debt forgiveness by up to 60% ,but only in some states?

In this day and age it's very common to negotiate your debt with creditors. Most is asked the right way will try to work something out, but be cautioned. The remaining balance left on the account will be considered as income to you,and you will have to report it as income on your tax return.

I did an internet search and all lead me to already established debt programs. I want to set up my own debt management program, which can negotiate with creditors, consolidate loans etc… How do I get started?
I reiterate: There are literally thousands of debt management, consolidation, counseling website and resources. I am not looking to manage my own debts, I looking to start a debt management program for other people. I want to know what grants to apply for to begin a start up program. I want to know what regulations, fees, licenses I need to start my own debt management program so that others can come to me for debt consolidation services.

Make sure you have the skills, contacts and start-up money.

Establish a place of business and start advertising.

Best thing would be to map out the whole thing up front. You'll need to know permit/license needs, employer requirements and other general business details. There should be a lawyer in your area that can assist with applications.

I am not looking to consolidate my debt. I am not looking to declare bankruptcy. I am interested in negotiating down my debt however.

Dave Ramsey's plan is the only way to go. It's hard work but it does work. Read his books listen to the radioshow/podcast, and take it one day at a time

the company is called F.I.R.E i had to pay them to negotiate my debt and try to lower my debt. after being in the month for 5 months i paid them about 800 dollars now i got out the program because it was too expensive and they wont give me my money back because in my contract it says no refunds. Could i do anything to get this money maybe a lawyer?

You signed a contract stating there are no refunds. You have no recourse.