Ex: 572 Eq: 572 TU: 576 clueless

[kmids]

Alright so I'm 25, I live in Cali and I'd like to buy a condo as soon as i can. My credit sucks because mostly I just ignored it forever. I need to get started in some way because I want to be responsible and not have the shame that comes from not taking care of your finances.

I'm lost and I have no idea what to do. I need help and I don't trust those credit fixers. Also, I dont even know what some of the stuff on there is for. I happen to be in the unique position of being able to pay off all debts but I'd like to 1) increase my score as much as possible 2) pay as little as possible aka biggest bang for my buck.

Help, ideas, suggestions, ill take em all. Here is my situation. ..

CHEAP STUFF:
1) Aargon Agency, $100, 05/2012 - Collection, Closed (open in TU)
2) California Business Bu, $75, 2/2010 - Collection, Closed (open in TU)
3) CMRE, $514, 2/2012 - Collection, Closed (open in TU)
4) CMRE, $107, 1/2011 - Collection, Closed (open in TU)
5) Credit Coll, $141, 6/2011 - Collection, only shows in TU
6) Kumvall Tirey StJohn, $ 92, 6/2012 - Collection, Closed (open in TU)
7) Progressive Mgmt Syst, $ 274, 10/2010 - Collection, Closed (open in TU)
8) Progressive Mgmt Syst, $162, 3/2010 - Collection, Closed (open in TU)
9) Macys, $544, probably paid it last in 2007 - Charged Off

HIGH DOLLAR STUFF: (SOME I SUSPECT AS DUPLICATE)

1) Cavalry Portfolio, $ 3600, 10/2011 - Collection, Closed (open in TU)
2) Education Credit Mn, it says balance zero, high balance $2376, paid collection student loan, date "1/1/0001". I don't remember paying this.
3) ACS, it says balance zero, high balance $ 2655 , student loan assigned to govt, last paid sept 2008
4) Bank od America, zero balance, $1838 debt, $1200 limit, 2005 - charged off
5) City of (where I live), $1028, 03/2011, - Charge off. This was for library books!!!!!
6) ECMC, only comes out in TU , says paid collection. 6/2009. Can't remember paying.
7) University, $3304, 08/2005, it says collection account student loan, Closed all around.
8) Williams ans Fudge, $969, Unpaid - Collections

[madmann26]

First off, welcome to the forums. Secondly, it's not so bad. My score was worse then yours when I started.

1.For the collection accounts, start with a DV. Make them prove that they have a right to collect.

2. For the "cheap" stuff, start contacting and asking for a PFD (pay for delete). Get it in writing if you can.

3. For the "cheap" stuff where a PFD won't work, pay it and then send in GW letters.

You're really not that bad off.

[peepers]

I actually had a very pleasant experience with Aargon! Did a PFD, I had my letters in less than an hour, and the lady was very kind and reassuring saying "its ok, we can fix this" and offered the PFD before I could ask when she explained their process. and even went on to explain how the utilities company name I didnt recognize (as them collecting for) had bought out the company I was familiar with about 4 years ago.  So they are a slam dunk PFD if you can PIF

[kmids]

Thank you! I'm glad I looked here, I dont feel hopeless anymore.

[kmids]

Did you call them directly? I have tried calling some creditors in the past and mostly they intimidate me. I can hold strong but I'd rather not deal with pushy people.

[peepers]

yes, I did.  And I spoke with a woman named Linda (I think).  Very refreshing experience!