OP, thanks for sharing, great feedback on the process.
Always a great feeling to see the hard work and dedication come to fruition. Congratulations on your adventure so far, and wish you much continued success in the future!
@anik28 wrote:I wanted to share my success - as I have spent my hours on this board over the last 3 years. Without the guidance and insight from other consumers, I wouldn't be able to share where I am at today.
In June 2020 I decided I wanted to get serious about fixing my credit. I began by paying off all small collection accounts that would report PIF or PFD. Once I was able to get all my negative items removed, my scores slowly crept up. I was able to get a few subprime cards that helped me establish perfect payment history and build my average age of credit. I then began to ask my older cards for CLI's and instead of appyling for new credit, I gardened these accounts and let them grow in limit. I was then able to buy my first used car, after having a repo on my credit for nearly 7 years.
All these little steps kept my scores creeping up. Then it was just giving it time and allowing the accounts to establish. Last year I was able to walk into a car dealership and buy my first brand new car with a 5% interest rate (working toward that 3% refi still) - which was one of my proudest adult moments. As my credit got stronger, my financial self confidence grew. I've been able to build a healthy savings account and emergency fund, while cutting my spending on non-essentials. Treat myself is only an occassional word these days.
In the past couple of my months I've been approved for the Capital One Venture, Amex Platinum & Citi Best Buy Visa which have been goal cards of mine for a long time. I feel incredibly grateful but also proud of how far I've come. My scores were in the low 500's 2.5 years ago and now they're just shy of 700. For me, there's no going back. Experiencing a near decade of terrible credit and poor financial decisions, I'll do everything in my power to keep on this path. When you work hard for it, it's important to not lose sight of that.
I will be shedding all my sub-prime cards, locking my credit reports and focusing on growing my Disco, Amex & Cap One accounts. My rebuild is complete!
@anik28 this is truly what inspires others, including myself to continue to prod throught the great ups and the not so great downs of the credit world. Your story is one that gives hope to all, congratulations and continued success on your very close 700 journey and upwards!
Starting Score: 461
Congrats on your success and all the hard work it took to get there!
