(UPDATE ON PAGE 2 with improved scores for November) I've been waiting with almost breathless anticipation for this day. I knew I had money coming in (an inheritance), but it took a while to get it. I've had my funds for a month now and have paid off all debts. I still have a small amount of utilization from regular credit card use but everything is paid off in time with no interest charges.
FICO SCORE HISTORY:
In November 2018, I had a credit meltdown. 90-day-late on one of my cards, with an immense, massive balance. This first score (in mid 500s) is when this debt, 100% util, and the 90-day-late were fresh.
In late 2018, I was able to "settle for less than full amount" which lowered the amount of debt and my score went up about 70 points. Utilization was still very high. Then my score has been on a slow, gradual crawl upwards for almost two years.
The second set of numbers, from earlier this month, was after one of my debts posted as paid and util went to 13%. I now have 11 credit cards (and plenty of inquiries, but not a ton considering). No more "baddies" since my meltdown in late 2018.
I expected that I'd see a higher jump in numbers when my util went from 40% (where it's been for a while) to under 30%, but the point gain was 6 points on Experian, 9 points for EQ, and 5 points for TU. Go figure.
A few days earlier, when util was at 40%.
I have had a few inquiries fall off for TU, but those point gains posted a few days earlier. I really don't think anything else has changed other than util and this is all the point gain I got.
Yeah, it's kind of underwhelming.
And this is today's score for Experian, when the final "big" debt posted as paid off. I went from 12% to 3%. No points gained.
I know there's more to it than just aggregate util, but I found this interesting. And yeah, a little deflated because I thought going from 40% to 3% would give me more than this.
Anyway, I'm still incredibly happy to not be in debt anymore. My money is in high-interest savings accounts and I'm keeping close tabs on my spending. It's a lot of money for someone like me (who is a low-income earner) and I don't want to blow it!
Thank you so much to all the wonderful people at MyFICO for your good advice. I spared myself a lot of wasted inquiries and horrible predatory credit cards because of you. Thanks so much!
My credit journey is not over, of course! I wonder what will happen when my "baddie" is over two years old. I'm happy gardening for now, though.
Congratulations on your success!
You made it! Seems like lessons learned, blessings in disguise and hard work. Breathe. Great job and continued success. Waiting to see your post on "joining the 700 club". 
Congratulations to you! I also know what it felt like to be swimming in credit card debt. But it's an awesome feeling to not be under the thumb of credit card debt anymore. Your credit score will only improve but shouldn't be your main focus. You've made an incredible accomplishment so focus on that 
Congrats! Your hard work is paying off!!
FICO Scores:This is fantastic to read. I remember when you started posting and your profile was a mess. I know this payout has been coming and I've been eager to see what your results would be. I know it's a little deflating to not get as many points as you'd hoped, but look how much your scores have improved. It's that 90-late that's holding them at this point. Scores will continue to climb over time and the day will come when it drops and when it does, your scores will go through the roof! But they don't need to - where you are now, a lot of opportunities are going to be opening to you very soon. Trust me, the hard part is done. You made it