I was searching on the internet for this subject and came across it. I understand how exactly you feel. I have had great credit for my entire life until I lost my job in 2009. I always had corporate jobs and made a great salary. I have been working since the layoff in 2009, but I am working as an independent rep. The dowsnide is that I am making a quarter of what I used to make. When I lost my job I had a lot of credit card debt to pay back. I refused to declare bankruptcy and wanted to pay it back myself (sometimes I wonder if I should've just declared bankruptcy back then because of where I am now). I have paid back more than half of what I owe since then. I owed $70K, but now owe $29K. However, the downside is that my credit is shot. I have one account that charged off in 2009, but it was paid right around the time it was charged off. I also have a medical bill that was charged off but was paid in full right after it was charged off. I missed the timing on these. I also have a few credit card accounts that are teetering on the edge of charging off. I have worked out payment arrangements with all of tmy credit cards, but I just don't have the income that I used to and I have been struggling to pay the minimum payments. I too got really down this morning because I checked my credit report and it was 485. I used to have credit in the upper 600's-700 for most of my life. I literally almost broke down and cried, but I am trying to stay positive. I think it is sad that we can go through one little "blip" in our lives and it destroys our credit and possibly job futures. I have been wanting to look for full-time (non-independent) jobs, but now I am worried they are going to run a credit report and not hire me. If I have to get a corporate card, I would probably not be approved. Luckily, I do have some credit cards that are open and that I am paying. But, the late payments and inability to make some of these credit card payments is killing me. This forum is helping me feel that there is hope. Thanks for this sounding board. My goal is to buy a car in a year.
I'll look at my reports again today, start to categorize my charge off's, collections and anything else on there. I'll also start writing those letters mentioned. Once again, thanks! -Sonya