I want every one to learn from my mistakes and progress I have made since then...
First of all, I have no family or relatives. Nobody was there for me to teach me or warn me or guide me about credit and credit cards. I got my first credit card when I was in college. (You can see the Part 2 - Credit Cards in Credit Cards section of the forum.)
Between 1996 and 2000, I had many credit cards, 2 car loans, one paid off, and good relations with my bank and all of my utility companies. Never been late on anything, until, I had an accident and lost my car, then lost my job. Then I let my friend use my credit cards which wasn't a smart idea.
After the accident, I looked for a job, but without a car it is very hard to get a job in Nebraska. About 4 months after the accident, I was approved for credit with Chevrolet. I got me a new car and I found a good job, and tried to take care of my credit cards but credit card companies didn't want to work with me.
Then I graduated from college, and moved to New York. Got a job at World Trade Center. I was making very good money and I was going to pay off my credit cards and catch up with everything, then 9/11 happened. I was off that day, if I wasn't, I wouldn't be here today. That meant I lost my job. I did a voluntarily repo of my car even tough I was never late up until that time.
Then my friend invited me to Texas and offered job and a place to live. I went to Texas, but he left Texas soon after I arrived, and I was by myself in a strange state. Because I didn't have a car, I suffered a lot, and I was homeless for about 6 months. Worst time of my life. in 2003, some good people gave me a place to stay at night, then helped me to find a job, then an apartment. for 2 years after that, I worked really hard to have a stable life. I finally saved up enough money to buy a car, then bought a better one that I still drive today.
Then, in October of this year, I learned about this forum. I learned about credit, FICO, PFD etc. Let me tell you what happened:
First, I got my 3 credit bureau reports, and reviewed them. I found out there are 2 medical collections which I had no idea, and couple of utility collections. I sent PFD letters and paid off medical ones, and the others were deleted.
Currently, I have my repo collection, Wells Fargo is OC and Main Street Acquisitions is CA reporting at all 3 CRAs. All those will fall off Between January 08 and May 08.
October FICOs are EX 566, EQ 665, TU 683. Experian is low because Main Street has been updating every month since September as late, they even sent me a letter to pay in full. Also, suddenly a Verizon phone bill collection showed up on Experian last month which I do not have a Verizon, I sent DV & PFD on November first, but no response, I didn't even get the green card back. So, yesterday, I did an online dispute with Experian. We'll see what happens. That collection didn't show up as a collection and scheduled to be dropped off in 2009. However, I will not wait that long and somehow get it taken off or PFD if they agree. All I want is a proof that it is mine, that simple.
So, why did I write all these? I want people to learn from my mistakes and teach me what we all need to know regarding credit management.
Because of my credit I couldn't get a car, apartment and a job. Because of my credit i was homeless. Because of my credit I am just starting to live a normal life, not to mention lost 5 years of my life.
I take responsibility on my all actions. I don't want to die owing money. I want to be a good example to others. I want to be a better person. I believe in second chances and tell people all about it.
Please, watch your credit, be responsible and DO NOT spend more than you can afford.
I am open to advice, lesson or anything that you would like to offer that can help me and many others, please do so. I will update my progress as time goes by.
It seems like July 08 is the month of salvation for me, and I hope each and every one of you reach your July 08 as soon as possible.
Thanks for your help everybody. You turned the light on in my dark life.
Message Edited by tomyboy on 12-05-2007 03:42 PM
