Hi!
I am fairly new here, first time posting. I have been looking around a bit for a while though... Anyway, on to my questions!
My credit karma score shows as 583. I have 2 auto loans, and a secured credit card which I unfortunately maxed out due to extenuating circustances. $500 limit, currently owe like $530. I wll definitely pay that off right after Christmas. I have been paying the minimun due though so at least it doesn't show as a late payment.
While looking around on here, I found that shopping cart trick, which is awesome, although I've only been able to get the VS pop up. Was approved for $250. Haven't gotten the card yet, although I was just approved last week so I'm sure it's coming.
Also, I've been getting a bunch of pre approval letters in the mail. I always thought they were just junk so I've been throwing them away. That is, until I've started reading on these forums. I received one from Capital One for their "Platinum Mastercard". I figured, why not, gave it a shot and was approved for $300. Don't have that card yet either as I just applied Monday.
Soooo, I'm wondering what else I can do to get my scores up? & Why can't I get any more pop ups? LOL I have tried like 7453 times for New York & Co. but can't seem to get it. I currently only have 2 inquiries on my report and they are both set to fall off next month (Excluding the capital one inquiry that just happened ).
I do have some accounts in collections. 12 
They are all medical related and are all failrly small. I do plan on calling one of those places like Lexington Law after Christmas to help get those taken off.
My goal is to get to at least 640. Obviously, the higher he better, but I want to buy a house so 640 is at the very least what I need.
Clearly I have rambled a bit. I just wanted to give all the info possible. I'd just like some advice on what to do to get things rolling.
I also have two "other loans" that are on my report. Those and the 2 car loans.I have never been late on any of them. Payment history is 100% 
For some reason, I can't get one of my credit reports. I can't remember if it's Experian or Euiifax but it keeps saying that they are unable to verify my identity or something like that. That's also what's been holding me back from starting with one of those credit repair places. They require all 3 current credit reports.
Anyway, thanks for reading my rambling!! Any advice you could give me would be great and very much appreciated!!
P.S...I'm trying to learn the lingo. I did look at that thread that explains what they all mean. I have some down, but definitely forget a lot of them....I'll get there
Thanks again!!
Thank you.
I would normally agree with you about just trying to do it myself, but I honestly don't have the time right now. I'd just rather pay the $100 per month. From what I hear, they'd probably be able to get them off within two to three months.
I know if I did it myself, I wouldn't be nearly as organized as I should be. I'd forget who I sent what to, etc. It would just be a mess LOL
Thank you again!
Congrats on the approvals!
I know you're working on it, but keep your utilization low. Going over your credit limit is never good for your profile.
Your scores are too low; work on the baddies before applying for anything else.
I understand you're busy but you'll appreciate and maintain your future credit health better if you clean it up yourself. Make it a priority.
Wish you lots of luck!
Thank you again for the info
I do know that there;s only those 2 inquiries though as I have pulled my credit reports in the past ( The two that I could ) & I haven't applied for anything in years. The VS was a soft pull. I know the capital one was a hard pull but I figured it was worth it since the two inquiries I do have are set to fall off next month.
Also, The New York & Co. - I didn't apply....I've just been trying for that pop up for the soft pull LOL No luck yet :/
Thanks again!!