How to build when in accredited debt relief?

[Iamnetnet]

I went through the state for debt consolidation and they led me to Beyond Finance to put me in a 4 yr program. My enrolled debt was 30k in credit card debt. I am a year and some months into the program. One card is settled and the rest are on a payment schedule. My credit score went from close to 700, down to middle 400s, and now is at 586. I was in a financially abusive relationship for 27yrs and have never been financially secure. Bankruptcy in the past. I worked hard to get that near 700 score. I have since left the relationship, in the process of divorce, and I want to handle my money and life the smart way now that I will not have anyone else in charge of it but me.  What ideas/steps can I do to start boosting my score while

in an accredited debt relief program? Is it possible? TIA

[GZG]

not really

work on getting all debt settled and down to a $0 balance and then is when you'll start to be able to get some good secured credit cards to rebuild your credit

your #1 goal right now is to make as much money as you can, get all of your debt settled so your credit report reflects $0 balance across the board and once you've done that, you can start getting new credit products to improve your credit. 

most credit products you can get while you're rebuilding aren't worth getting or cost money that you should be putting into your original debts in the first place

[Iamnetnet]

Thank you so much! I want to make the correct steps for the best financial health. I appreciate your input.

[Realist]

Most of the debt relief programs are designed to negotiate with creditors to lower interest rates, initially.  So it reduces your payments slightly, but you still can't dig yourself out of the hole.

Eventually you navigate into debt settlement options, which you are recommended not to pay on any debt, but instead to save up all payments to eventually negotiate a settled in full status with the lender.   Your institution will handle the transaction. 

Then you may come to find out, the lender doesn't sell the debt, and they won't speak with the institution you are working through.  They will only speak with the owner of the debt.

Magically you get this idea as to why do I even need this institution at all?  I'll settle all of my debts myself.

When the debts are settled, the credit score shoots up immediately, most likely in the mid to high 600 range.  This is because the weight of the debt holds down a score, and the release of the debt counteracts the settle in full on the credit report.  It's a very fair exchange.  When the seven years pass, your score will shoot higher.

Anything positive you do during this time, will only help where you end up in the future.  Be smart to not repeat past failures.