Hey, all.
Over the last 5 years or so, I have completely disregarded my credit situation. I have several accounts that have gone to collections due to my wife having some medical issues as well as one from Verizon Wireless. I've been deployed with the USMC for almost 6 months and have been paying off those accounts that have gone to collections. I am open to any tips/strategies that I might have available to assist in cleaning up my credit report. Over the next couple months, I should be able to finish paying those collections off. In addition, as soon as I return to the States, I will be getting applying for a credit card. If anyone has any experience/preferences in regards to a specific card to apply for bad-credit situations, I'd be more that happy to hear them. All-in-all, over the remainder of my contract with the USMC (roughly 2 years) my entire focus financially is to repair and build my credit so that my wife and I can buy a house at a decent interest rate when my contract ends. Looking forward to the learning experiences and regular updates with you all.
Starting Score (Feb 2013): 577
I am tired of my score fluctuating between 640-720. I see the biggest issue with the way I use credit is the utilization and credit inquiries, I have never been late or missed a payment in my entire credit history, yet whenever I take out a new loan or open a credit card account, my score takes a dive and totally disregards the 10 years of no issues (not sure why it is only ten years though, as I have had credit for a lot longer than that). So I am going to aggressively pay down my debt to get my utilization under 30% and not have my credit checked the rest of the year in hopes of finally eclipsing the 750 mark.
Woo hoo! Starting out 2013 right!
| Alert: | Your FICO® score has exceeded your target score of 590 |
Score Watch alert/Changes to your FICO® Score
 | Your FICO® score has gone up to 593 on February 10, 2013. |
 | Target score alert: | Your FICO® score has exceeded your target score of 590. |
Your FICO score may have gone up because the following 4 factors are not hurting your FICO score as much as before:
|
Greetings All!!
It has been a challange address my credit issue. Unfortunately, I have been a victim of identity theft. I was under the impression once I notified the credit bureaus and supplied them with documentation, then the items within question would be removed and thoroughly research. That was not the case, especially with Experian.
However, good news. I have gotten the Certegy account from Equifax and First Premier account from Experian removed from my credit report.
Additionally, my sister added me to her $7500 credit card, which increased my score by 25 points to each bureau. Also, the deletion from Experian added 34 points and the deletion from Equifax added 68 points.
I am still in the process of fighting the big 3 credit bureaus, but I now that I am well equipped with knowledge and tools to have successful disputes, I am well on my way.
Again, thanks everyone for his or her input into my personal situation.
My financial situation is your basic start-over. I was laid off from a good job in 2010, just recently started a new position which doesn't pay well, have about 57k in student loans, 16k in credit card charge-offs, afew accounts in collections, a $500 joint unsecured cc with my lady, a $500 jewelry store card, and was just approved for the Capital One secured cc. I'm unsure of what limit to set/deposit, so I have been pouring over the threads, in an attempt to gain some insight. I may just go with the $49 deposit for $200 CL. Any advice is more than welcome!
Anyway, that's a brief run-down. My goal for the year is to see my FICO score increase in general, and hopefully into the 600s, with the ultimate initial goal of 650 being more of a long-term pursuit, as I'm unsure of how long it will take. Loving the forum thus far, and appreciate all of the effort and knowledge that you all put forth, helping everyone in their quest for more financial freedom. Thanks for reading!
Hi, I just joined the fitness challenge this year. I've been working on my credit for a while, but I really need to have some real progress for this year. I am looking to buy my first home and I need my credit scores to start climbing faster. If all works as planned, I should be moving into my first home soon. Wish me luck 
Im doing my best but a little stuck. started below 600 for all 3 but cracked 600 for TU and EX. I currently have 7 Paid Derog but sending letters today to see if they will delete. Though I just spoke with Rep from NationWide and he said they do not delete but still sending the letter. Practicing way better credit practices and looking to be at 700 by august and purchasing my 1st home......
Starting Score: EQ 540 EX 560 TR 603
alright, I'm in.
I demolished my credit several years ago with a divorce, layoff, dismissed bk13 and a foreclosure....then for several years I survived mostly on cash.
I decided that I want to try buying a house again in 1.5 to 2 years, but this time I want to do things right. I want to have a down payment. I want to have a good interest rate, and I want to have a house that I can afford. This time around I'm gonna do things right and not bite off more than I can chew. This time the house will be all mine with nobody to mess me up and bring me down.
So, the process starts now.
I have 3 collections, a BK and a Foreclosure.
The foreclosure is aging off soon, the BK is aging off in January, and I'm working on getting the collections paid/deleted.
I'm also trying my best to obtain some revolving credit so I can re-establish myself and put myself in a good position.
I'm going to baby the hell out of my credit from now on.