I'm a 45 year old divorced woman. In the past my husband made all of the money and expertly handled our finances. I didn't have to worry about my financial future until I divorced a few years ago... Here's my story!
When I initally found this site in 2012 my credit score was in the mid 500s. I had to pay a full deposit to rent my apartment (they waive with better credit) and I was paying 12% to finance my new vehicle. I had a JCP card with a $300 CL, a Sky secured with $500, and a Cap One with $300 -- no late payments. I had a few collections and lates on my credit report and I wanted to purchase a condo. When I went to inquire about the condo I was told I needed a 620 to apply. After reading, lurking, asking stupid questions and reading some more, I began to take steps... I made phone calls, I wrote letters, I paid off old bills, I took out a small credit builder loan with my CU. Soon I had a 580. Soon after that I had a 634. The lender was astonished that I made so much progress so quickly but it was all thanks to reading this site.
I kept going. I closed the Cap One and Skyy. I increased the JCP to $3500 and acquired two Amex cards (both backdated to 1994)! I apped for a Discover card and got that as well, in addition to a Visa with the CU and with the CU an auto refi at 1.99%! Today I was able to get a CLI (Amex) to 15K! Who knew?!
I say all of this to say that not long ago, not long ago at all, I felt desperate, embarassed, scared, and panicked. I was angry at myself for having been so irresponsible with my credit and my money. It took a mindset change and then it was easy. Forgive yourself and face your credit fears. Look at your credit report and face the ugly. I did it and I know YOU CAN! I would have never imagined I would be sitting here with a new construction condo, a car at 1.99% finance and yes I've been saving ($10K in a money market account)!
Stay the course... You can do it. Thank you to myFico for such a wonderful informative site and for providing the opportunity to share information.
Wishing you all well in 2014 and beyond.
NYBeauty
@notfancy wrote:Congratulations on all of your progress! What a wonderful post! I assume you also were able to get your condo?
Yes! I closed at the end of May!
@NY_Beauty wrote:
@notfancy wrote:Congratulations on all of your progress! What a wonderful post! I assume you also were able to get your condo?
Yes! I closed at the end of May!
Terrific!! Congratulations! 
Wonderful story! Thank you for posting your accomplishments!
Congrats on all of your credit success!
I would have never thought it possible. I know many feel the same way and they don't have to. You can dig out of this! 
