I feel your pain (at least somewhat). My Fiance of 5 years passed away, I had no credit and had to rebuild everything starting from scratch. I slowly paid off debts (some went into collections after his death) and then I sat for 2 years paying cash for everything. I started out with a secured card, I paid it early every month and treated it like my credit baby, gradually it unsecured and I got several CLI's.
Today? Well look at my signature, full credit rebuild, some great cards and most importantly I survived and rebuilt my life. I am now happily married and celebrating my 10th anniversary soon, but I will never forget the pain and struggle staring out and starting over after my loss. I still miss my fiance, but now missing him makes me smile at the memories instead of crying.
My point? You can do this, just be patient, pay on time and have faith.
I'll be cheering you on (and I'm sure somewhere your husband is cheering you on as well).
@Anonymous wrote:I'm rebuilding after the death of my precious Husband.
Just got a secured CC
cycle date is the 3rd of month
due date is 28th of month
i funded it with $1,100.00
please give me specific instructions on how to use it
what date to pay it
Etc
i truly appreciate sound advice
thank you
Just use it a little, then pay it off immediately. Do that multiple times per month. They'll increase your credit limit. Then after you've got a track record with it, see what your credit score is, and then based on that we could advise you for another good card or two to apply for. 2 or 3 cards is all you need to get your credit score up nice and high.
I agree. I had one secured card that I spent $100 a month on and paid it off every month early, gradually I added more cards and branched out and now things are great! I think my credit score was about 600 when I started, so I am proof it can be done without spending a ton. I just moved slow....now it may take a few years to get great results but it will be so worth it!
You can do this! I'll happily give any advice or support. Most importantly? Be kind to yourself, you are rebuilding not just your credit but your life, and so far you are doing awesome (though it may not always feel like it)
@SouthJamaica wrote:
@Anonymous wrote:I'm rebuilding after the death of my precious Husband.
Just got a secured CC
cycle date is the 3rd of month
due date is 28th of month
i funded it with $1,100.00
please give me specific instructions on how to use it
what date to pay it
Etc
i truly appreciate sound advice
thank you
Just use it a little, then pay it off immediately. Do that multiple times per month. They'll increase your credit limit. Then after you've got a track record with it, see what your credit score is, and then based on that we could advise you for another good card or two to apply for. 2 or 3 cards is all you need to get your credit score up nice and high.
I heartily agree. My score is awesome, and I have only 4 cards, but did most of my rebuild with just 2, one bonus of that was not having to make spreadsheets to keep track of everything!