Just wanted to share some data points as I have found this website extremely helpful thanks to the generosity of everyone else. I decided my goal for the rest of this year was to get my credit in shape.
I had the following at the start of my journey in July(these are approximate balances didn't take notes):
NFCU Platinum 5600/6000
Target red card 634/2500
NFCU car loan 3993/15342
Student loans 40000
1 Derog $534 (broken lease)
I have been with NFCU for 6.5 years and used my credit card both irrepsonsibly and to supplement my lacking income before I found my current job 4 years ago. As such, my SL had never received an increase in that time. I first attempted to get a APR reduction on the NFCU card so that I could tackle the payments easier. No dice. Then I applied for a couple of new cards to pad my utilization. Approved for Capital one Platinum $1000 limit, then Citi DC $600 limit. I thought that all indicators pointed to a time to stop and "garden". But then I received a "last chance" targeted offer from NFCU for the cash rewards card with 3% cash back on gas until Dec 2019 because I had my car loan with them. I hesitantly applied and....approved for a $20000 limit. Wow, wasn't expecting that. At this point I decided no matter what I was gardening for 6 months during which I would tackle my NFCU balance and then ask for a CLI to improve upon my UTI. This week I receive an email from NFCU that my credit limit has been increased to 7500 due to my excellent standing and history. I was beyond thrilled. NFCU has never done me wrong even when my credit was lacking. Hope this helps someone, like all of the posts have helped me as I embark on my journey to better credit and financial health.
