How and where to start???

[Anonymous]

Hello. I'm completely new to this. I have TERRIBLE scores (457-EQ)and really want to improve them. I grew up not knowing the importance of good credit so when I turned 18 I started piling up debt with no regard for my score. Now I'm struggling and want to fix it. So I have a few questions.

1. Where do I start? Do I go with the lower collections that I can pay off quickly? And if I get those paid with a PFD letter, what kind of increase can I expect to see?

2. Should I get a secured card (open sky is the ONLY card I qualify for) now or wait until I get a few things paid off? And also how much does this help?

I'm sure there are other questions that I'll have. But those are good to start. Any other info and advice is also appreciated! Thank in advance!

[Anonymous]

Get your printed credit reports from annualcreditreport.com

List all of your debts here with Date of First Delinquency, amount owed and CA name. 

Make a budget for yourself, a serious one, but actually livable so you can stick to it. 

It's generally best to try to pay for delete the most recent debts as those affect your score the most. 

People here can help you generally if you give general info, if you give specific info you can get more specific advice. 

I've never had a secured card so I can't speak to the quality of various lenders on that subject. 

[fishbjc]

You start by reading these threads.  There is important information in this section.

[Anonymous]

find out all the baddies you have, and time they will fall off.

and have about 3-4 revolving credits

[Anonymous]

I started my repair journey by paying off my credit cards and recent collections first that got the blood pumpin made me feel good then i ordered my credit report and went from there take alot of notes on your easy and fun journey and patients this site has helped me alot.

[crrredit]

First Progress was my first secured card. I was in the high 400s at the time. It has worked out OK. The website is kinda lame compared to other options like CapOne, but they were willing to work with me at the time. I've had it 8 months with no issues.  Note this is First Progress--NOT First Premier! Big difference.

[Anonymous]

I highly recommend OpenSky with this caveat. You have collection accounts that need to be paid. Is it better to pay those with the money you would use to secure your card? I would probably pay some of the bills first, then get the secured card.

[Anonymous]

I would say open the account now as long as you will pay it in full each time you use it.  It's good to have a positive account on your CR.  I wish  I would have while I was paying off old debt.  I would pay off all outstanding debt asap and figure out when the date of deletion from your report is and write that down.  It is 5-7 years from the first delinquincy.  There is so much help here on these forums! Use diligency and you'll recover from the bad credit.  Good luck! =)