First time poster, long time lurker. I just thought I would re-confirm that the things you learn here WILL HELP if you follow the advice. I have a BK from my past ('00) and only fair credit since then. I have managed to secure two mortgages since then but my scores have been low 600's. I also had 3 baddies (besides the BK) that have popped up since then. Utilizing what I have learned on this forum, I have been making changes. First of all, I sent PFD letters to my collections. Two are medicals that should have been paid by my previous employer. One has not responded to date; the other deleted since the OC did not verify!
The real reason for the post....another voice for preaching what lower utilization %'s will do for you scores. I have a WAMU card so I can see what my TU score (bankcard enhanced) is each month. It has been fluctuating between 611 and 629 for a long time. I had consolidated most of my CC debt using BT's on a new 0% card and paid it off before the intro period expired. Then, I took out a HE loan and paid off all my and my DW's CC debt. This lowered my util % from nearly 80% to zilch. I still charge several hundred $'s a month, but PIF right before the statement date. At no time to I let my util % exceed 5%. The result, my score at TU has jumped to over 700! If you wish to raise your scores, lower your revolving debt to below 9%. GREAT THINGS HAPPEN....FAST