Boosting my credit

[Anonymous]

I am trying to determine the best methods of upping my credit.

In March 2007 I was roughly at 700, of particular thanks to no lates on a completed 5 year auto loan.  In August 2007 I opened a line of credit to buy furniture from a department store.  In October 2007 my company drastically cut back the hours for all employees and by March 2008 the company disolved and continues to owe us backpay of 2 months.  With my 1200/month rent, utility bills, and the furniture payment the amount for furniture eventually went into collections.  I didn't communicate with the credit company about my situation.  I had moved several times prior to the the bill going to collections.  I received a job offer in another state, moved, and paid off the charge through collection.  Upon paying off the charge my score was right at 600.  

I have no credit cards (of course the reports show old store credit cards with zero balances that I no longer have/use), I have zero debt, no student loans or anything at all--I don't even have rent to pay.

What is the best and easiest fix to my credit now?  I know I can't change the past (yeah, should've talked to the credit company about the company disolving).

I have a job with the state and in January I am moving to a new position that will increase my salary nearly 12,000/year.  Considering I have no debt I do have a decent amount of money saved and am expecting to receive my backpay in a few months.

I really want to buy a place so I need to determine how to up my credit in a quick--but WISE way.

Thanks for your help! 

[Anonymous]

FICO likes to see a mix of credit. auto,mortgage and most importent CC.

IMO you need to go to the CC board and ask what CC you can apply for. If needed you can try a secured CC with BOA.

CCs count more toward scores then anything else.

My scores are over 700 and I do not have a mortgage,  Just do not abuse the CC. Use it the first 3 months for small things and PIF after they appear online for payment.

People on the CC board know alot about what CCC is accepting and which CRA is pulled.

You need to know what your FICO scores are for the best info.

Would you like me to move you to the CC board?

[Anonymous]

HappyDays, Would one cap1 card and one Amex green do the trick over time? I've had my green card since 2005 but didn't realize I needed as real credit card until I joined here. I just got a new cap1 card in the mail today with a small limit, will that be enough?

On a side note, I thought I had a credit card for years. I have a First Equity Card. I have had that card since 05 and just pulled all three credit reports and guess what? First Equity has not reported anything on any credit report. It's like I never had the card. I am going to pay it off and close it because I hate the card anyway. I must say that their interest rates and lines of credit are horrible anyway.

Also, I do have several store charge cards but I am tired of dealing with them. i am in the process of paying them down to 0 and put them in my sock drawer.