This is my first post in this community. I read threads in this community all the time and have learned a lot about credit. I thought I might try it out (ask for help) so here goes!!
Background--- The first 9yrs of my marriage, my husband and I lived in an expensive gated community. At the time I thought all was well, wasn't losing anything but sanity, but thought that was just life. We lived check to check,,,,,hmmmm I thought everybody did to some degree. We had no investments, no money in savings, and made enough money to pay all the bills with nothing left. Often lived off credit cards. After having two children and life not being about me anymore, I decided to take charge for a better life for my children. We sold our home in the gated community and downsided in a townhome. The plan was to fix our credit, get rid of debt, invest, save money and start over. After two years of living in the townhome we got rid of the debt, started investing and saving money, but fixing the credit is another story. We got a great offer on a home. The owner was willing to lease until we were able to buy. We are into our second year leasing and can not get my credit score to 620. Last year in Nov. my score was 514, Today it is 588 and stuck. My husband's score is 620, which will get us a loan, but not enough income to go it alone. Because my income is all we need to be able to purchase the home, our realtor is only focusing on increasing my score. My debt to income ratio is great. I have not been late in a year on anything. I only have 3 deparment credit cards with limits of $300. They are all below $200. Paying late was the big issue for me. I only have one credit card from the past that I am paying off faithfully, (1,800 left) The only other thing on my report to pay were medical bills, They are all paid in full. HELP.....What else can I do to get my score to 620 so that we can purchase this beautiful home we are living in and can actually afford. This is the first time in my life I am not living paycheck to paycheck. Any advice you can give will be greatly appreciated.
