Congrats to you, 909 -- you've come a long way. Keep up the good work.
Thanks, LilyBee! I appreciate the encouragement.
Using SouthJamaica's post a few pages back as inspiration, I'll recount a few of the pieces that got me here.
My credit woes began back in 2007 when my ex and I couldn't get on the same page with spending. Owing $50K to several CCs, we settled for payment of about 50% of balance owed, closing all of our credit cards. Next came counseling and failed agreements that partially lead to divorce in 2010. That's when I was 90 days late on the mortgage and a remaining CC balance that I was paying off. With forebearance plans, I got on track with those.
In 2011, with an unofficial credit score of 580 (I saw it on the web somewhere but have no idea what the source was) I went to a car dealer to buy a car with my first auto loan because I thought it would be a good idea to begin building new credit (having done just a little research). Pre-approved with Cap One, I got a loan from the dealer at something like 7.5% interest. They told me my score was 620. Hooray! In early 2012, I opened my first new CC (CapOne, $600 SL).
My next notable credit event, in 2013, was refinancing the mortgage to buy my ex out. I worked with a terrific loan officer at a local bank and was surprised to hear I had scores hovering around 700, just what I needed to qualify for one of their programs. My Fico 8 was still languishing in the 650 range and I wasn't yet aware that there were dozens of credit scores, including a mortgage score. The refi required that I pay off some outstanding debts and do some clean-up on my reports. A few medical collections were removed at this time.
in 2014, I traded in my car, got a used car with another loan and was mystified to see my credit scores drop about 10 points. Still so much to learn. 
I also wondered why my credit score would drop 20 or more points when my CapOne (now at a $6K CL) UTIL went to 60 or 70%. I figured if I PIF, or close to it, then all should be good but I had no idea that what mattered was what was reported.
I finally started learning more here and CK, etc. That's when I made sure that CapOne reported low UTIL and I went on an app spree earlier this year, opening 6 CCs. During this time a few other derogs dropped and my score increased. Before the app spree, I also refi'd my mortgage to 15 years.
Next year will be interesting: my final derog drops, I'll anniversary my 2016 HPs, new accounts will age past one year but I'll also lose my 28 year OA when it hits 10 years post closing in 2010. That will leave me with a 15 year OA.
That's my story. Thanks for all the help, myFICO Community!
In early 2014, discovered that my credit score was very low. Started educating myself about credit scores and what to do to increase them. Found this forum and it was such a big part of why my scores have increased to the following for November 2016
TU 798
EQ 833
EX 795
I am thrilled and hope to achieve higher. Again, this forum was truly a godsend to me with advice on how to get rid of baddies from my credit reports by using goodwill letters, what to do to achieve higher scores, and what credit cards to try for.
Mitch and Incrs:
Isn't it great how a little more knowledge can help in financial matters? Understanding the impact of credit scores on everyday spending habits would be very beneficial for most folks, especially young people. It should be included in courses at a very young school age. As quickly as kids learn about the use of technology, it should be a no-brainer to learn about spending their allowances or earnings in elementary school. I think. My folks didn't have credit scores back in the 'olden days,' but they taught me to always pay any bills on time or pay them off as soon as possible. I did so, and have the scores to show for it. The only drawback is when my scores go below 850, I go ballistic! ::smileyfrustrated 
Cheers to both of you for the progress you've made. Teach your kids, if any.
It's been a good year for the FICO, lol...
I was able to pay down a bunch of revolving credit
Woo-Woo, TLin. Way to go!!
