I started off with scores in the low 700's last summer and now they are currently in the 630's. Here is what is hurting my credit score.
1. Most cards are near their CL's.
I recently got married and wasn't focusing on paying down the balances, just the minimums since I needed the extra cash for wedding stuff. Now that the wedding is over, I plan on paying off my cards, one at a time, working through the cards with the highest APR's and fees first (ie. HSBC Household Bank). My goal is to do this over the next 12 months.
2. paid collections
I owed the publc library a book. Paid the collections agency, who told me that this account should be off within in a year (by the end of this November)
3. paid judgment
I owed $700 to NY State for my 2009 taxes. Since I was in a payment plan already, they wouldn't let me enter into another installment plan. They immediately filed a judgment against me. I paid the remaining amount on my previous installment last November, which allowed me to enter a new installment plan. i paid the entire amount with my tax refund in May.
i have basically no inquiries because I haven't been looking for new credit and I pay all my cards on time.
So besides paying down my balances, is there any way I can get rid of the judgment? I've been researching online and it seems as if there is not much I can do except for wait. Ultimately, I want to graduate from my sub-prime credit cards and get two good cards from prime lenders. I am looking at cards issued by my credit unions and my bank.
Are there any other suggested actions that I should take? Any input would be appreciated. Thanks!
Starting Score: 608 EQ (FICO) 8/11/11