I am currently trying to get my life back on track and recover from a disastrous past when it comes to financial matters ( and some personal problems). I am not sure where to even begin to try and pay off all my debt since did not keep track of anything.

Any advise would be helpful. I am trying to avoid filing for bankruptcy or going with one of those credit repair places.

First, run your credit report (you can run it for free via the link below).

Look at what your report says, and usually it gives you phone numbers of your creditors.

Start contacting your creditors and see if paying off your debt will help improve your rating with them.

I hope you get good news.