topic Re: Newbie here...Needing a great deal of help in Rebuilding Your Credit

Newbie here...Needing a great deal of help

ReachingMyGoals — Fri, 12 Oct 2012 21:51:15 GMT

Hello...

I am so glad to have found this forum that I have had little sleep. I want to begin the road to credit recovery...TODAY!

I am thoroughly embarrassed about my circumstance, but no more it is high time to get things in gear. Let me state that I had started the process and was well on my way at least 6 years ago, but I was in school and had to move and well life happened.

Most of my report reads from my Student Loans.

I have 2 accounts that I'm currently concerned with that were closed and CO but, I'm still receiving correspondence to settle. Is that right? I'm scared that if I do, that will reopen and then they will stay on my CR much longer.

Okay I have a couple CA accounts for these same to CC accounts...what should I do?

Next question..Should I work on getting the CA accounts removed before applying for a secured card or do I leave them until after?

Thank you for your help. *Remember I'm a NewBEE so I am not yet acclimated to the Proper Forum Etiquette* :smileyhappy:

Re: Newbie here...Needing a great deal of help

somotao — Sat, 13 Oct 2012 02:05:09 GMT

Welcome to the forum and do not be embarrassed. A lot of us have been in simialr situations and slowly climbing the ladder of credit recovery.

First things it to get familiar with a lot of the teminology thrown around here. Next you need to work with the Collection Agencies (CA) and try and offer them Pay for Delete letters (PFD), a lot of them just want to make some money on the debt and would most likely accept. Some of them may prove stubborn but do not let that deter you...to road to recovery is a long one but not an impossible one. You should look to find a local credit union to establish yourself with, one that would be willing to open a secured credit card and possibly a secured loan. You want to start having positive credit lines reporting. If you have not burned capital one in the past you could see if you are pre-qualified for one of their cards before applying. Good luck on your road to recovery and keep us posted on your progress.

Re: Newbie here...Needing a great deal of help

Shogun — Sat, 13 Oct 2012 03:13:34 GMT

Hello and welcome to the forums!

Obviously you've done a little research because you are using the proper abbreviations, so I'll assume you've been lurking around a bit. That's great, but now it's time to get serious. I usually advice to build and clean at the same time. They often go together. Let's look at those COs.

How old are they? Do you know the DOFD of them? Were they sold or assigned to the CAs. If they were sold, then the OC no longer has any dealings with them so it will be all CAs. How much are they? Can you do a PFD? Look into this and post back, we will formulate a plan of attack. Good Luck!

Re: Newbie here...Needing a great deal of help

ReachingMyGoals — Sat, 13 Oct 2012 04:24:42 GMT

Thank you Somato for the welcome!

I did the pre-qual for Capital One and this was what came back,

we couldn't match your records to a card offer

But based on your answers, we think you might like this card.

They showed the Capital One Classic Platinum, Capital One Platinum and Capital One Cash P.S. * I have a a Cap 1 card in the past.

I am a member of a credit union. I have contacted them regarding the secured card about 5 months ago, I just never sent for it. I do not believe I even knew about a secured loan. Will call them on tomorrow.

Re: Newbie here...Needing a great deal of help

Shogun — Sat, 13 Oct 2012 04:29:22 GMT

Absolutely get that card. Revolving TLs account for up to 35% of your CR score. What I recommend is when you get the secured card, treat it like a bill. Put $25 or $50 into it every payday. It is like a savings account and adds to your CL. This will help you get a better unsecured card when the time comes.

Re: Newbie here...Needing a great deal of help

ReachingMyGoals — Sat, 13 Oct 2012 04:55:01 GMT

Thanks Shogun,

I have to respond to your 1st post as well. So, the recommendation is to only get the secured card. Don't worry about one of the other 3 that were mentioned from Capital One?

Re: Newbie here...Needing a great deal of help

Shogun — Sat, 13 Oct 2012 05:03:16 GMT

Capital1 has it's place in credit rebuilding, but your CU will offer you opportunities that you will most likely never see with Cap1. They are not a card that will grow with you, it really won't lead to bigger and better things like your CU will likely offer you.

Re: Newbie here...Needing a great deal of help

ReachingMyGoals — Tue, 16 Oct 2012 04:55:31 GMT

Shogun,

I contact the company that has the card through my CU. I was told that I could only add more to the CL once every 6 months. So I will save a little more in order to start out with a good amount.

Re: Newbie here...Needing a great deal of help

Shogun — Tue, 16 Oct 2012 05:10:45 GMT

Sounds good!