Hey guys,
Well it's finally done. Experian took their sweet time but nonetheless, it's over. Got those pesky derogatory remarks and those deadweight tradelines off of all my credit reports. It's been a journey but I'm glad it has come to an end in that chapter. All that's left are the positive "Paid as agreed" Nelnet loans and the one thorn in my CR's side... a Midland Funding "paid collection" that was originally derived from T-Mobile in 1/2010. I'll leave that matter to another forum. So for all those that have followed my blogs, I hope it has pointed you in some direction to credit-stability and possibly give you ideas on new ways of solving any related matters to mine. If you have any info to share, no matter how seemingly insignificant, please do share. All I had was a single sliver of light in the darkness to help me get to where I am now. Taking the road less traveled in my minor situation within the world of those looking for credit resolution has opened a door that hasn't been available to me before (I do give great amounts of credit to the similarly created blogs and the insight they've given me).
At this point, I've acquired all my updated CRs with the most updated information plus my credit scores. I've gone to my local bank (Capital One) on 3/13 and with faith in mind and the numbers in the "system", I applied for my first credit card.....ever. I have a good rapport with my bank representative and proceeded with the process. She already had my information since I was a long time patron there and we discussed the options of what CC would suit me best while remaining within my credit/financial boundaries. The "QuicksilverOne" card was the first to be pre-qualified for me along with two others, "Platinum" and "Classic Platinum". I opted for the "Platinum" because of the low annual fee but sacrificing the lower APR of the "Classic Platinum". Plus, I just wanted an in to the credit system, not attempting to go straight to the V.I.P. section while barely getting by the two-drink minimum, so I kept my sights at mid-range. So she entered me into the bank system and asked those words that made the hairs on my neck stand up: "Do you give me permission to apply for the CC chosen?". I casually responded yes and waited for what seemed like the longest 30 seconds I've ever experienced in my life, all the while contemplating the possible credit-related plans that I would set in motion depending on the approval or denial of my application. As I was caught up with my thoughts in an ADHD moment, I caught her smile in my peripheral vision and she informed me that I was approved with a CL of $2500! I felt like I won the lottery for a few moments but realized the postion I was in at that moment. I thanked her like she gave me the golden ticket to the positive credit factory. From that day and the weekend that followed, I felt absolution from my seemingly financial hell that I've created for myself all those years, even though I was indirectly responsible for those occurances.
I now held the power to start the process of building my credit to optimum levels using methods I've researched at the same time I started posting to this blog. I'm now starting a new journey and being careful not to haphazardly fall into those financial pitfalls and sticking to the plan: Spend low, pay the balance in full a week before the due date, and keeping my will strong to not make impulse purchases. Six months later after resposible payments, ask for an increase. Also, the one thing to not do is acquire too many CCs over a short amount of time and the one thing to do is to call that number to opt-out of being contacted my mail or e-mail for the so-called "Pre-qualified" offers for other CCs. They should replace that deceiving phrase, "Pre-qualified" to "Your credit scores meet our standards but your CR might deny you our original offer solely on a single red flag....but please do try again a.s.a.p - we appreciate your business" 
Well that's all folks. It's been a pleasure and Good Luck to all those who are fighting the good fight. Don't give up and make your own fate. Signing off for now.
Sincerely,
Steven
