I am a new member...got a lot of work and questions ahead of me!

[Anonymous]

I have a credit card debt that was written off (Capital One). I called them and set up a payment plan on the balance ($909). I've been told that it will not help my credit score to pay this off. I'm confused about what it is best to do. I was a home builder hit by the recession and had to file personal bankruptcy in 2010. I went to school to learn to drive a tractor trailer and I am paying on that debt. I have a current personal truck loan as well that is in good standing. My score is only at 550. Should I get a couple of secured credit cards or what else can I do to get my score going up? Any help is much appreciated!

[Shogun]

Just paying the debt will not help your score, the negative information will still be on there.  You will need to start the GW process once paid.  Yes, a secured card or two will help put positive TLs on your CR to help your score grow.

[AndySoCal]

You may or may not get a couple point increase depending how paying off this debt would affect your credit utilization. Once it is paid off you would need ti try the goodwill process to see if Capital One will remove this form your credit report.