Although I have been reading the messages boards off and on for the past few months, this is the first time I have had the courage to post a comment. I am doing so because I want to encourage others who are struggling with bad credit issues. I’m embarrassed to say that I refused to look at my CRs for 5 years because I knew they were a hot mess. Poor spending habits, denial and pride kept me in a financial prison. After watching Oprah’s debt diet episodes last year, I reluctantly pulled my CR’s and began to deal with my credit/debt issues. My scores were 610, 635, 625 respectively. I was depressed initially but when I stopped feeling sorry for myself I decided to commit to a drastic debt diet and credit repair plan. I began to pay cash for everything. If I had no cash, I didn’t make a purchase. With this new mindset I was able to pay off 75% of my debt in 18 months. In that same time frame I was able to remove 5 collections and 3 charge-offs. As of today, my scores are TU 735, EX 730, EQ 718. I’m still working several lates on my Discover account. I sent a GWL in hopes that they will delete the lates I earned in 2004/2007. These blemishes are the only negatives I have now. Please wish me luck and I’m open to suggestions. Not only to I contribute my credit/debt transformation to my faith in God, I also want to acknowledge those of you who have contributed to the MyFico forms. Your advice has been invaluable. Thank you. For those of you who are still struggling, be patient and diligent. Your hard work will pay-off. Good luck and God Bless!
Starting Score (2/2010): TU-767, EQ-745
WTG, bbygrl! You've done an amazing job and you should be proud of yourself! 
Thank you. It wasn't quick or easy, but it sure feels good now!
WTG! Congratulations! A very good story. Your hard work and self-discipline on NOT using the cc's have paid off big time for you. It's a good feeling to see the results of your labors.
Never, ever, ever be late. Never
Never, ever, ever be late. Never