A while back my phone broke during a very stressful time in life, so I made the mistake of going to a shady phone store and leasing a phone through Acima. It was advertised as 90 days same as cash but, considering I’m here, it didn’t work out that way and I’ve been paying on the phone for about a year now. I’ve since worked alot on my financial habits, and finally have acquired a new separate phone so I can theoretically return this lease phone and try and find a way out on the huge amount the lease has racked up in remainder, failed payments, and fees (approx $600). Obviously I doubt they’ll just write it off and take their phone back but I’m simply curious if anyone has experience in negotiating down settlement amounts. I called in. And one lady offered a settlement of 290. Another gentleman said it would be 690 if I returned the phone right now. I’ll likely take the 290 settlement and pay it back asap to try and save my credit. But just wanted to post here to see if anyone had tips on dealing with these crappy lending companies and ways to negotiate a way into a better settlement. And before you start yes I know this was a dumb situation to get myself into, but my main goal right now is an effective escape escape plan.