Credit wise, well my credit world completely revolved around getting a mortgage which I did in 2015, and to state I've been credit aimless for the past 1.5 years is likely a massive understatement (at least compared to my zealous pursuit in the years leading up to mortgage).
I learned something maybe important for me anyway though this past week, so I want to address that to do better in the future: my life doesn't follow predictable patterns unless I just sit on my ass and do nothing. Case in point, I picked up a HELOC which will be nothing but goodness for when I have a cashflow shortfall in the future but true to my credit view of the past, if I'm going to take one tradeline, I might as well pick up a few more.
So I did, added a Chase FU because it furthers my UR earning, picked up the Citi Costco because it's a great Sallie Mae backup, I got the Costco relationship anyway, and I did sort of want to open up the additional front if Chase falls apart (not that I expect it to but they've whacked other people before) and a stupid little Discover Secured card with a $200 limit so I could test some FICO things because our understanding of individual tradeline utilization is really really poor which I've never understood. Don't complain, go try to fix it right?
Anyway, my life may be shifting: from sitting on my ass after my work from home (read as, work from school) gig fell apart, and then school went sideways... and wouldn't you know it there's a job I'm eminently qualified for, headed towards the final interview round, with 50% international travel all over the world two weeks at a time. Kind of a mid-life crisis type response but when I have nothing going on in my life right now, hell, who am I kidding, if they make the offer at like half the listed salary I'd still take it.
What this lead to though credit wise: the CSR got released as pretty much one of the premiere travel cards period, but I'm not confident of being able to obtain it (though I could undoubtedly PC to it), and this is because I've opened a couple frivolous tradelines which really haven't worked out as well as they should've; really I should term them as not as productive as they should be.
So my lesson learned, and my New Years Resolution for 2017: no more random apps picking them up spree style (been pretty good not chasing the various FOTM, but once I make an app, not so good on restraint from additional apps); I have enough tradelines, I don't need more so hold onto my credit report sans inquiries for as long as needed in order to put myself in a place where when my life inevitably shifts, I can simply pickup whatever credit card or loan product I need in order to facilitate that... or in this case leverage a potentially dumb amount of rewards completely legitimately.
My goal for 2017 is to pay down debt. I finally have everything at a decent interest rate, so the process should go along faster. To facilitate this, I'm going to add additional streams of income in the new year. I may be haggard, but it will be worth it. My stretch goal is to be CC debt free by the end of the year. It's not a small sum, but if I work hard, it's totally doable.
Starting Score: 515