I was going to do a 6 month update (I'm a little behind so this will have to be a 6.5 month update). After being embarrassed about my horrible state of credit in March of this year, I decided to get serious about my credit in early June. I was approved for 2 secured cards (Wells Fargo and Cap1) and I begin rebuild process. Tried for Walmart card and was denied. After removing all my collections on my reports and a couple bad accounts as well as some GW late adjustments....Ive come a very long way.
1st step out of Garden was in early September (6 months after failed March app). I was approved instantly for AMEX Zync (NPSL) and borderline approved for AMEX Delta (2k). Then I decided I would app for Walmart and was instantly approved for the Discover version (1.8k). Not to be stopped there, I was instantly approved for Chase Amazon Visa (2k). Then one infamous night while watching an LSU game I drapped for my Freedom card. Got 7-10 day message. Called for recon and they said I had just recently applied for Amazon card and they didn't like back-to-back apps. I explained how the Freedom card was the one I really wanted but I felt that the Amazon was an easier card to get my foot in door.
After some very direct questions, BAM, approved for 1.5k Freedom card (without a HP 
) (all of this was necessary as I had to take out loan to fix damage home due to hurricane Isaak - some good really did come from it.) Wolf and others tried to get me to go 6 for 6 on app spree but I was done for now as having to Recon the Freedom card was enough to get me back in garden.
Garden didn't last too long as my second phase of rebuild finally was about to happen. After months of planning, I was able to get a roommate that helped me join the Mecca of CUs! I joined NFCU (HP membership) and apped for NFCU Flagship Visa Siggy. Instant approval for a whopping 25k!! Most recently, I got my 61 day 3xCLI on AMEX Delta (6k now) and Walmart CLI up to 5.4k.
In 6 months I had gone from horrible credit and not a single credit card to eight (8) credit cards with a total CL of above $40,000! My EQ has gone up about 130 pts, TU has gone up between 154-188 (depending on if I use MyFICO or TU Version) and my EX has gone up around 160 pts.! I'll refi in June and do another round of apps and CLI's. Its been a great 2nd half of this year and looking forward to 2013!
Well that is one helluva success story for 6....oops I mean 6.5 months! 
Congratulations on your accomplishments and many more to come!
It makes me wonder how quick I can do something in the next 6 months.
+1 Congratulations on your achievements this year!
Congrats Duncan!!!
This is awesome encouragement. It can happen quickly!
Starting Score: 495 (12/2012)
Wow!! Super progress! Congrats! I love reading stories like this.
You've done great Duncan,, now keep it up and keep helping in here.
July 2013 score: EQ FICO 819, TU08 778, EX "806 lender pull 07/26/2013
Goal Score: All Scores 760+, Newest goal 800+
Take the myFICO Fitness Challenge
Current scores after adding $81K in CLs and 2 new cars since July 2013
EQ:809 TU 777 EX 790 Now it's just garden time!
June 2017 update: All scores over 820, just pure gardening now.
WOW! Very impressive, informational and inspiring! Thank you for sharing. It makes this daunting road for a lot of us, look less...well, daunting!
I realize that everybody's job/family/financial life is different, but it's great to see all walks of life and their sharing their personal stories.
I love sphinx13's story too!
@Jutz wrote:Grats Dunc. How many derogs were you able to remove? Major vs. Minor? Obviously amazing progress, seems you've been able to let your credit rebuild and your credit growth work hand in hand, rather than the "Rob Peter to pay Paul" I see a lot of people doing to get more credit products quickly
Two past due accounts for 299 - paid for delete
3 collections for total of 400. PFD
1x30 and1x90 SM lates GW removed
1x60 day late cap1 auto GW removed
Entergy CO. Paid then GW removed
BB&T old neg account - dispute and removed
Discover 6x30 day lates (very old account) - dispute and removed
Added secured cards and gardened
Then added sept cards
And then added NFCU.
edited for spacing -why is spacing correct on iPhone but not on iPad?