I am always and forever grateful to this community for helping me dig myself out of credit hell. And yet I find that once I started getting credit cards and having my credit limit increased that I am at 60% utilization and wondering how I got back to this place. I pay all my bills on time and now working on paying off credit cards to get out of the hole. So it feels like I am learning one more lesson about how to maintain my credit. In other news I have been in gardening mode for 3 months and super proud about it.
Starting Score: 512
I can relate. My score went up about 15 - 20 points allowing me to recieve credit cards, etc. so I went on a bit of an app spree. Some I got with the shopping cart trick. It seems once the credit starts rolling in, it's difficult to remember why you got in in the first place, and that was to NOT spend it. lol I keep telling myself the things I want in the future and tell myself I won't get it if I purchase items that I don't have the money for or don't really even need.
I'm sure you'll get back on track!
Good job being in the garden! I'm hoping to get there within the next few months, myself.
i think the toughest part is realizing that credit isn't a way to finance what you cant afford but rather a cash flow tool. I just went in to the garden, barclaycard haha. gosh its tough with all these guys on here talking about their 20k amex cards lol but they all did the work to get them. stay strong!
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I can completely relate to that! I used to have those types of credit limits in my former life so it is tough to see the others who have them. A bit of the green monster of jealously, I dare say. haha, but being persistent and disciplined will get us there. I just received a Kohl's card and a VS card yesterday in the mail. I activated them, and now, I'm going to forget that I have them and hope they do their magic!
@CreditSeductress wrote:It's a great feeling, coming from not being able to get credit, because you messed up so bad....to rebuilding, and being able to get the credit that you want.
Although with that being said, you always have to remember where you came from. The struggle that is was, and that it took to get you back in that good place.
I know it's hard, (From Experience), but you have to be Disciplined. If you don't NEED it, LEAVE it! That's my motto! If I WANT it, but can't pay for it by my credit cards due date, then I won't get it. That's how I stay out of trouble.
We also find ourselves applying for credit just to see if we'd be approved. I had to stop my brother in his tracks. I got him to a good place credit wise, and he applied for 2 cards he didn't need. (Actually he was approved at the register.) That's how I got in trouble in College. Just applying for every credit card they sent me. I'll never go back to that dark place, called BAD CREDIT. I have lived and learned, the hard way. Trust Me, I know it can be a struggle, but let "Discipline" be the word of the day, month, & year!
Always think in the back of your mind where you've come from, where you've been, and where you don't want to go back to.....Credit Wise!
Good Luck.
Good advice in any situation, my parents raised me will full knowledge of our financial situation from the time I was very young. I appreciate every bit of it, as I've avoided many of their mistakes.
