I started my journey in July of 2014 with my first Barclay's Rewards MC. $500 SL. Today, I am past the Comenity SCT and all the fads from this site (mostly anyway). Coming to this site at this point is more harm than good. It's too fun to be approved for new credit. I am a 1 percenter with my utilization so I won't blame this site for any financial trouble I would get into. Credit is just too easy these days.
Only 11 cards? There are people here with dozens 
I personally think 11 is modest haha.
Very nice! Your journey is very similar to mine! I started in September 2014 with a 500 limit Discover. I now have 10 cards and I am happy with that. I have all the cards I ever wanted, I might even combine a Chase card or two.
Gardening until September 2025
@Anonymous wrote:I started my journey in July of 2014 with my first Barclay's Rewards MC. $500 SL. Today, I am past the Comenity SCT and all the fads from this site (mostly anyway). Coming to this site at this point is more harm than good. It's too fun to be approved for new credit. I am a 1 percenter with my utilization so I won't blame this site for any financial trouble I would get into. Credit is just too easy these days.
I find it useful to come back, even if done. I have given up the mortgage process for a HUGE apartment that just became available (beautiful picture windows, top floor, views, space, just no fireplace nor washer/dryer. Not prevalent in Seattle, becoming less prevalent in newer apartments for King County). I plan on gardening a good long while.
Why do I not feel the same way? I built up from every conceivable baddie in the 2000's, collections, charge offs , student loans, back taxes. I fixed everything legally, and without a judgement (that I was aware of 
). I learned so much about the mortgage process, I can offer advice (which I may go again for in three to five years). I can read the approval section, the app section, and even FOTM threads, without feeling the need for those cards. I have enough credit, and even need to trim back some. I have future goal cards, but that is the reason for the trim.
But even better, I can give back my experience for building a great Fico score, having been 563 a bit over two years ago.
With all that said, I understand this place can lead to temptations. But if you are in the gardening mode, drop by our thread occasionally. And, there are tons of people in the rebuilding and bankruptcy section that could use some good advice. Good luck, just don't be a stranger if you can help it. 
(PS, this is a great place to catch up on changes to your current lenders and/or their cards).
@Anonymous wrote:Only 11 cards? There are people here with dozens
I personally think 11 is modest haha.
Some folks prefer higher limits on five, to each their own I say. I personally want to lower the number. But, that is just me.