I just read Noah's posting help; and figured I'd list all my issues/goals that I can think of and see what is recommended with your help. This may make that person's friend feel better too, there is hope, don't give up and FIGHT for your rights & yourself! This forum can and does help.
Goal - purchase first time ever home (poor credit during first 20 years adult life, dumb mistakes, recovered from filing bankruptcy twice during that 20 years); divorced 7 years ago, stability first time ever since that great decision 7 years ago to provide better life for myself & children.
During the first year of the 7 years, I paid a lawyer instead of (2) credit cards in an attempt to enforce my divorce, backfired & found out I had a poorly written divorce & instead of getting the $5k reimbursed for children's expense; I wound up owing him, and he cleaned out my bank account. Had everything documented in BLACK & WHITE, was reassigned a new "referree" and had to get the case completed (it sat for over a month on his desk). Anway, one of the CC's is now paid (twice amt due thanks to JDB); the other account, I'm about to get bit I believe by the second JDB, had Summary Judgment hearing, only afterward did I confirm I do NOT have valid proof they have authority to collect; waiting to hear back from an attorney.
Have Fed tax lien for $7k filed last Oct (didn't pay much tax for past 5 years, may be dumb to some, but wanted to be home with my children when they were in my custody every other week) and this afforded me the extra cashflow to do so...owe State probably the same..this was worth it to me so I will pay that price
Bad car loan (23.25%) but have paid for 2.7 years no lates on record, can't get re-fi because it's a 1999; it will be paid in Nov 2008; AND in January 2008 it will not count against me for the "long-term" debt. I'll never sign anything again until I read it very carefully; but I was thrilled to get something in my own name after all these hurdles.
Have used payday loans for past 5 years or so to help during the tighter times (roommate out of work type thing); because I am not credit worthy with my scores.
Have (2) good standing CCs ($1000 AMEX, $1200 Cap1) with no lates; closed (3) good standing CCs because I just didn't want to pay any more interest & fees - did this all last fall too. UTL on these about 80% right now but they saved me last fall when I had quit my job, and tried to start my own business, put that on hold because of no income...now have (2) jobs
Have one installment loan Beneficial for furniture for my home - stupid but wanted to build credit, that will not be paid until Dec. 2009 unless I win lottery and figure it's good for my credit
CRs status showing TU-634, EX-557, EQ-563 through TC as of last Friday
TU balance $11000; EX $11094, EQ - $13160 debt - problem with EQ - the JDB account reporting twice, both different amounts - keeps going up each month; and of course Capital One doesn't report the CL
I have completed the home buying class and hope by January I will get a decent mortgage, plan to continue working on paying down CCs and will make extra on the Beneficial along with the taxes; those I figure I'll be paying for 5-7 years; have the summary of explanations for any mortgage lender; have considered the "Proper" method to pay taxes, just not sure if it would work, but could pay off taxes that way instead; or just continue as I am. I qualify for some programs that will help with DP.
Want to know what anyone's advice is...I have nothing out there anymore that can haunt me after this last JDB is dealt with no matter what the outcome...but I feel as though the disputes are holding me back too.
Thank you in advance...I have not applied for credit with anyone since Aug 2005 because I don't want my credit pulled with these rates - Cap One gives me the same standard answer they gave the other person on here - We review - AND LET ME TELL you - they pull my credit every month.
