@sierrapup wrote:Hi - been lurking around for a little while now and finally decided to jump in. I am completely terrified to start dealing with mine & my husband's credit mess. Where it began: several years ago we lost our home in a fire. Around the same time (with 2 weeks) I lost my job, my father passed away and I lost a baby. Landed myself in a deep depression. The result - financial disaster. Spending money and living beyond our means was my therapy. As a result credit scores are in the tanker - lingering somewhere around 485. I have considered bankruptcy but I just don't want to go that root. I want to be responsible. I can't stand this "elephant in the room" that my credit has been for the last several years. It's just at this point I'm completely overwhelmed and have no idea where to start. I thought maybe admitting to the credit problem and posting here would be a good place.
Sorry to hear about your issues! I am happy you are working through them and are looking to jump start you credit repair.
Don't worry, my score was exactly the same when I started, and I was over 700 in 18 months! Many do it sooner than that.
The first step is you will need to read the forums, the FAQs, the where to start threads. The sticky threads above have great information.
Then, I would just post an overall view of your credit. Types of negative accounts, how old, ect ect and people will chime in on how to help!
Welcome 
-scott
It's ok! I was scared to even look at my credit reports for a while so I put it off. and when I pulled them and saw the mess it was not a good feeling. But as soon as you start taking steps to fix it, it starts feeling better, because you're taking control. Good for you for taking the first step!
I'm sorry for everything you went through. All those losses close together would put anyone into a tailspin.
Starting Score: EQ 539
@remethy wrote:It's ok! I was scared to even look at my credit reports for a while so I put it off. and when I pulled them and saw the mess it was not a good feeling. But as soon as you start taking steps to fix it, it starts feeling better, because you're taking control. Good for you for taking the first step!
I'm sorry for everything you went through. All those losses close together would put anyone into a tailspin.
me too!!
This is my very first thread: http://ficoforums.myfico.com/t5/Rebuilding-Your-Credit/Quick-overview-guidance-for-rebuilding-UPDATE...
This is how I jumped in!
-scott
Dont be afraid, you can do it!!!! I also was in your place, on top of all the cc's, co's, and a home foreclosure of $175k. It has taken a good amount of time but I just got my first REAL card approved for $10k
Edited
This post was edited due to violation of the TOS of the forums
Shogun myFICO moderator.
*8/10/13
@dodfire wrote:Dont be afraid, you can do it!!!! I also was in your place, on top of all the cc's, co's, and a home foreclosure of $175k. It has taken a good amount of time but I just got my first REAL card approved for $10k
The best thing I can tell you to do first is DISPUTE DISPUTE DISPUTE everything!!!!!!!
DUDDDDEEE yer killing me here!
Disputing everything, without cause, can make it much harder to remove an account, espciailly because of HOW the CRAs use the eOscar system to dispute; making any future legitmate direct dispute tactics subject to the whole 'frivalous dispute' thing --- disputing is an effective tool if use correctly but just disputing everything is a bad way to start off in my opinion..
It also could cause difficulty when attempting GW later on down the line, or if applying for mortgage or credit and you have 12 resolved dispute statements on your accounts..
I like where your heart is at, but I have to disagree with you on this...
-scott
@dodfire wrote:Dont be afraid, you can do it!!!! I also was in your place, on top of all the cc's, co's, and a home foreclosure of $175k. It has taken a good amount of time but I just got my first REAL card approved for $10k
The best thing I can tell you to do first is DISPUTE DISPUTE DISPUTE everything!!!!!!!
Very impressive work since June might I add, so clearly your method worked for you but I still have issues advocating disputing everything 
-scott
Ok ok my bad...poor choice of wording!! There is of course tactics to be used when disputing. You have to look at the big picture and pick your battles. Not everyone is in the same situation and I should choose my words better...especially with a "NEWBIE".
@rckstrscott wrote:
@dodfire wrote:Dont be afraid, you can do it!!!! I also was in your place, on top of all the cc's, co's, and a home foreclosure of $175k. It has taken a good amount of time but I just got my first REAL card approved for $10k
The best thing I can tell you to do first is DISPUTE DISPUTE DISPUTE everything!!!!!!!
Very impressive work since June might I add, so clearly your method worked for you but I still have issues advocating disputing everything
-scott
+1