I came to this board last April after receiving a letter from a collection agency that was asking for payment on a debt that I knew nothing about and did not even appear on my credit reports. To say I was extremely worried would be an understatement. To backtrack, I had several credit cards and my then-husband was an AU on all of them. He had bad credit and I had none so I applied and got a few cards and we charged stuff and paid on time all the time and life was moving on. Then he decided to just up and leave. I had been unemployed for six months and two weeks out of surgery and boom, he was gone. They shut off my lights, I had no money to pay the bills and I had to move back into my parents apartment and leave behind nearly everything I had. He came back later and took what he wanted, donated the rest and I got left with the bills. He was an azzhole. Still is, actually. That was in '92. In April of this year, I got copies of my reports and surprisingly, there were only 2 derogs. I learned here that derogs fall off after 7 years so it was only a matter of time before the others fell as well. One was a late pay on a car which was NOT accurate and with a dispute it was removed. The sole derog fell off in around October. I now have: Target $500 limit Kmart Mastercard $400 limit Associates: $300 limit HSBC: $1,500 limit Lerner: $250 limit (had this one since 1985) Capital One: (on the way, don't know limit yet) I also have a Discover app in and am waiting for the results. I don't want to call, I'll just be surprised. The only thing I would do differently if I had the chance is not to apply for so many cards once I got one. It's addicting. My reports have about 6-8 inquiries each and I wish that was lower. I keep saying to myself, "If only I'd have waited until now to apply for that Fleet card or First USA or whatever, I may have gotten it." I got too trigger happy applying on line and the downside were rejections from: Sears, Juniper, Fleet, Nextcard, Providian, Target Visa and a couple of others. I was a very scared newbie when I got here so if you are too, take a deep breath, ask all the questions you want and just take your time. You too will be clean and boy what a great feeling that is.
Thanks Roni. When you posted your story, I felt like I was moving toward something. Maybe others will share so all can see that with time, we can all get there.
Shirley, that's great!! It's good to look back and see how far you've come sometimes! And it does help others to share it. Sometimes I pull out my old reports and remember what it felt like then, and think about what it feels like now.
Shirley, Inspirational story. Mine is similar. There is hope... In 95 my ex up and walked out one day, taking our 18 mo old son with her, halfway across the country. Everything other than finding and getting my son back from that moment on took second stage. Within 4 months car was repoed. All bills went unpaid, and resulted in charge offs. All money was being put into the child custody battle, that is, once I could find him. Life seemed at most times not worth living. 12 months after she left, I found her. Had her served with restraining order (to keep her from leaving county she was in half way across the country) and filed for custody. She was shocked I found her. All of a sudden, her talk was about "making things work out". No chance! 18 mo after she left, finally got into court. Mission accomplished, saw my baby boy (then 3 yrs) for the first time in a year and a half. Got 50/50 physical custody. (That, too, can be done guys). The aftermath was credit reports that looked like garbage. I couldn't even qualify to get sparklets water in my apartment! Now, 6 years and 10 months later, I am truly back on my feet. I am a huge part of my son's life. He adores me, and I adore him. He's my best friend at 8 years old. As an added bonus, my ex and I have within the past year been able to put our differences behind us, and are able to get along great, and make compromises where our son is concerned. Great for him. After many disputes, lawsuits, and much effort, my reports are clean, but for the repo showing on one report. A long way from an average of 8 or 9 negs on each report! And, I now have an average of 5 positives on each report. Now have a nice apartment, a job that pays 50K a year (with a promotion around the corner in the next 2 months which will put me at 58 to 60K), 3 CC's with 15K total limits, and I just purchased two weeks ago a new Toyota 4X4, at 7.9% financing. That truck purchase means oh so much more to me that just some car. It has signaled a complete turn around in my life from 7 years ago, a complete recovery. I'm actually better off now that 7 years ago (with the exception of a few emotional scars!) Next step, furniture in my apartment, then dating. Yes, put off dating for 7 years! My son was first priority, and getting my financial life in order and recovery was second priority. At 28 life seemed like it was over. Now at 35, feels like it is just beginning. Wish me luck in my 3rd priority, (now my 2nd) LOL! Good Luck to everyone facing such hard times! dan
Dan, A BIG CONGRATULATIONS! I mean that from the bottom of my heart. You fought for, and won the biggest and most important battle of this life..the right to know and share in your sons life. WTG guy!!!!!! Tuit
It's so funny. I re-read my original post and I couldn't help but think it sounded like one of those late night infomercials where someone like Don Lapre or someone says: I lived in a tiny, rat infested apartment and drank rusty water until I started my home business and now I make $10 mil a year.... I'm glad to hear other stories of success. It's such a wonderful feeling to be on the way back I wish everyone here success. I'm gonna get a house someday! Just not here in NYC where a cardboard box co-op in an outer borough is $200k now.
No it just sounds like you have worked very hard and are very happy about your successes and wanted to share with everyone. Congratulations! I have no doubt that it won't be too long before your posting the good news that you are a happy homeowner! Go for It! (After about 4 years old cardboard houses do lose their charm, don't they. LOL) Tuit
I'm new to the sight and just read your story. What an inspiration. I now know there's hope for all of us. Bet your house is furnished just the way you want it by now. You may have found this special someone too. If not hope your dating and continuing to enjoy life to it's fulliest. Wishing you continued happiness & success!!
