@LS2982 wrote:I'm spending way too much money for what I bring in. I actually feel humbled. I remember some oddball poster saying negative things about me here and what was said was not far off from the truth.
I have to settle down and spend what I can afford. My CC debt got up to over 10k.
I have to thank my lucky stars for PSECU, they have never let me down. I was able to get a personal loan to clear half of my CC debt and thankfully the rest is on a 0% card I can make big payments on monthly.
I have this forum to thank, because I realized I grew my credit garden way too fast and got irresponsible with it. This is a lesson learned.
Thank you everyone!
(And yes, I had to take a HP on EX but this is something that had to happen to get things straight. My butt will be parked in the garden for 2 years, all of my credit aspirations have been reached and they need to age!)
I am so glad I read your post. Gives me a different kind of wake up call. Currently, awaiting BK discharge and I've been thinking about all the cards I want to app for to start rebuilding. I've been obsessed with trying to strategically receive CLI's and new cards but never thought about how I would manage all that new found credit. I don't want to end up back in place I started in. 
I am gratefully humbled...thank you.
@maiden_girl wrote:Everyone should see this topic. Getting approved is all good and great...but you have to use credit responsibly.
+1
FICO 9: 
Filed Chapter 13 on 6/1/2017 after job loss. Discharged 6/1/2022.
Goal: Gardening!
Filed Chapter 13 on 6/1/2017 after job loss. Discharged 6/1/2022.
Goal: Gardening!
Thanks a lot for your posting..............Most of us here need to realize something specially those young folks in 20+ ...............We all never know when that day came.........
Starting Score: 560
Great post, LS.
I know personally that it's very easy to get into bad shape again. I have been paying debt down with a vengeance this year; went from over $25000 in revolving debt to around $6000. However, I "took a break" over the last couple of months and went on vacation, bought a new TV, etc. - I'm already back up to around $10,000.
I've realized that it's old habits that I have to break, as well as develop new patterns of financial responsibility. Thankfully with what I've learned here and with the improvement in my credit profile I have the remaining debt on two 0% cards, so the financial impact will be minimal at this point. So, just last week I re-dedicated myself to getting back on track/paying everything off as originally planned, as I've got to stop this before it gets out of control.
I appreciate you sharing your story and giving us all a much-needed reminder.
See you in the garden!
P.S. If anyone wants to know the FICO score impact of having absolutely no negatives with a 75% revolving utilization, take a look at my siggy and compare my starting to current scores (util now at 6%). Uncontrolled debt/reckless spending can cost thousands more in increased interest, etc.
LOL I can't talk this month, I MAXED out my Navy Federal account 
but on the fair side I did it for a good reason, I usually keep my utility at 0-2%
Had 50k in the bank, and house shopping, I was looking for 2006 built homes, but ran across a diamond in the rough, 4 bedroom, 1980 built house, close to the beach, freeway good shopping, nice neighborhood, school districts etc. And a backyard I could probably make a 50 yard line with LOL. Anyways Asking price $78,000.
It honestly doesn't look great from the outside, but the inside is spectacular, and the backyard and the amount of land in a good area of town is MORE than worth it. Offered $75,000 and offer was accepted.
Only problem is it had to be a CASH offer only. Borrowed 10k from parents, and 15k from Navy Federal Convience check 
(my interest rate is lower than most 2006 mortgages so I don't care much lol! I'll have it paid off in 3months anyways)
LS2982, I applaud you for this posting! I love this forum which has provided invaluable information and allowed me to obtain cards that I thought I did not qualify for. However, it's been a gift and a curse. I too am in the garden at least for a year until I figure a few things out. I no longer use my CC's, just a AMEX prepaid and my debit/check card. With the holiday season approaching, I'm taking control before it gets out of hand. My goal is to let the foolish inquiries & (very old) baddies fall of while paying down my debt. I have roughly 7k which I can handle with ease. It would be in my best interest not to apply for new credit until 2014, my report will no longer list any negative information. This forum had me obsessed with wanting new credit, especially when I saw other folks being approved for cards on my wish list. I have some pretty great cards in my wallet and I will exercise patience and let them grow. I put a freeze on my EXP report this week and will be doing the same for the other two tomorrow.
I wish you be the best of luck and appreciate your transparency.