It's nice to see folks like me on this board. I went crazy last year! I started 2006 with all credit scores about 680,then some old medical bills hit me! They went to collections and killed my scores. I got down to 618 and 620's. I was so upset but what can you do.
By Sept of 2006 I had a new Gateway credit card $2,500, Best Buy $2,300, AMEX green. When I finally checked my credit scores with my Washington Mutual credit card, my TU fico score was 691.
While I was happy to get the new credit lines, I wish I would have waited. I would have hit the 700 mark! Now my TU fico score is 683. My lowest score is EQ at 643 due to a ton of credit inquires. I got two additional credit lines totaling $3,000. I canceled two of my other credit cards.
Threaten to canceld two Cap.One cards that I have had for 8 or years. In one phone call, my limits went up by $6,000.
I will wait for at least 6 months before I go and refinance our mortage. My scores should be high.
I want to say thank you to everyone on this board. You are heaven sent!