I have 2 jobs, a full and a part-time job. I went to college now paying that debt back have lived on my own since 17 and my mother died last year leaving me with the funeral costs and helping out my family. I am trying my very best to stay positive and work hard. I know I will get where I need to be some day but I have paid late on some of my cards, rent, etc. I have since caught my self up working 68 hour work weeks but because of that my credit has suffered. I have been steady for about 3 months now and I am making at least min. payments on time but it seems it went bad fast and its taking a long time to get back up. Anyone know any tips or suggestions, I want to get it up so I can transfer my balances to one card or even get a loan to take care of the high interest I pay. I just can't keep paying this much every month I am killing myself trying to do all this. I am 25 and pretty much no life cause when I am done with work.....I am tired!!
206463
I am in the same boat and have the same questions.  Be patient.  I started this last fall (around Oct 2005) and found that my credit score increased about 10 points within the first couple of months and now it sits there, unchanging, even though I pay off in full on my one credit card on time every month.  There is no definitive answer.  But it can happen.  And it will happen.  Keep doing the right thing.\n\nBy the way, if you can get a PayPal Visa credit card, and you probably can, once you get it, you can check your "credit profile" for free as often as you want.  It will list a summary of your credit standing.  Again, I like this because there is no charge.
462959
I have no idea what your relationship with your mother is like, but I bet you telling her will be better than her finding out next time she needs to rely on credit to get something... like a mortgage, or even a job.\n\nGetting into credit trouble is all too easy to do...unfortunately you aren't alone.  You may have been a little immature in your approach when racking up the debt... but I think the way we all become mature is to go through some of these experiences like you are experiencing.  \n\nPlease just understand how important credit is... and know it can be fixed!!  \n\nRegardless of your relationship with mom...  being honest and growing through this experience  is the best way for you to honor yourself.  \n\nFeel sorry for the situation you are in... but feel good that you can work your way out of it.  \n\nHope this helps...
339894
Don't panic. You need to deal with this problem like all problems in life with calm and confidence.\n\nIf your income is less than your expenses there is no way you can get out of debt. So, first step.  Is it possible to cut down your expenses? Evaluate the following  home rent, expenses for cable tv, internet connection, mobile phone, long distance telephone provider  and other utilities- do they all cost the lowest rate possible. \n\nIf not shop around and get the best deals. If you call only one or two people frequently then switch to some connections like friends and family which give you the lowest rates for 2-3 phone numbers you choose. Cut down on things you never use or which can be postponed. If you don't use your internet connection - get it disconnected. You don't need the cable connection - get it cut too. Till you are firmly back on your feet you may have cut out some luxuries. \n\nCall up your credit card company and ask them if they will lower your credit card interest rate. As you have good record of paying on time they will surely consider your request. A lower interest rate is like getting a cash back. For example on your debt of 18,000 dollars at 20 percent interest you will be paying 3600 dollars per annum in interest alone. Cutting down the interest rate to 10 percent can bring down your interest to 1800 dollars. That means you save 1800 dollars in interest which you can use to pay your principal. If you promise to pay on time they may even waive your late fees. So, make that call to your credit card company. If you have more than one card then transfer your debt to the lowest interest card, that should also save lot of cash.\n\nCan you get another job? That should help you go a long way in cutting down your debt. If you daughter can pitch in by earning a few extra dollars through some baby sitting or cleaning neighbors yards that should help too. Many such jobs will be posted at the local supermarket. \n\nIs it possible to get a raise at your current job? If not try to find a job that will pay you more. Most important don't lose your confidence. You have done a fine job till now with a little help you would definetly do better.\n\n You should also go to debt counselors who will give you more advice on how to tackle your debt with the income you have.\n\nBest of luck.
567450
You will not get the credit you think you deserve because you must first establish credit. I know a kid whose only bill was a cell phone. Guess what? He went delinquent on it. He has just put the first stain on his credit.\n\nThe only way to prove yourself is to accept the high interest rates now. Pay them on time all the time. Maintain your employment for as long as you can. If you change you job within the last year it will affect your interest rate and may even affect whether or not you are approved for credit. Keep in mind that creditors are looking to see what they can work with.\n1. How much do you earn? In most case it must be over $12,000 USD.\n2. How long you've worked at your present job? Should be better than a year.\n3. How old your are? Over 24 is a better chance to get credit and lower interest rates\n4. Do you own or pay rent? "Live with parents" doesn't impress a creditor.\n\nIf all the above are good answers then work on getting a secured credit card. There will be a lot of fees associated with a secured card such as application fee, annual fee, processing fee and late payment will be $25 and up, and your interest rate may be around 18 - 25%. Do this for a over a year. Make sure you actually use the credit card but dont ever max it.\n\nProvidian Bank may give you credit without money into a savings account but there interest rates will be up there. They start of low but every 6 month they increase as long as you've made timely payments.\n\nAlso get a loan. Have a family member cosign it. Your credit as well as their credit is affected. So as long as you make timely payment its a win win situation. You can't be denied an auto loan. Having and paying these loans and credit cards increase your credit score. Once you have these under your belt and your on the better side of items 1-4 stated above, you should be home free.\n\nGood Luck
632069
I was in the same situation but I'm pretty much out of debt because I consolidated my credit cards.  I'm in a program with Ameri-debt.  If you need the phone number contact me.  They have actually helped me alot and I've gotten a lot of my family members to join and they have felt alot of relief.  Hope I helped.
28177
PAY IT OFF IN FULL!! if you have the money, pay it.    I can't stress that enough.  Take it from me.  I was young and foolish and thought what some people do.  I racked up my cards and had the plan to pay them off slowly so that I could "build my credit"  This is not what happend... What actually happend is I *** BUILT MY DEBT ***  Don't attack your credit from this angle.  Credit is not a matter of holding a balance.  You will NOT get better marks or a higher credit score for holding a balance in your accounts.  What you WILL get is more interest to way you down.\n\nIf you want to have great credit just remember not to be late on any bill - utiliies and mortgages included.  Don't miss payments.  Keep small balances if you must but try to pay them off 100% if you can.  Don't live on borrowed money.   Good rule of thumb... if you will not have enough money to pay your CC bill in full when the bill comes - you shouldn't be buying what ever it is you are looking at.  Use your credit cards for their intended purpose.  They are ment to be a tool.  Kept in your wallet so that you don't have to carry around cash every where, and so that you can have an organized statement at the end of the month to see where you are spending your money.  Pay it in full and after years of doing this it will gradually bring your credit score up and up.  There is no FAST way to build credit.  the most crucial factor in the equation is PASSING of TIME.  As long as you are paying everthing by the due dates, with no misses You will be golden :)   Time will keep ticking away, and your credit score will keep rising.  (Keep your oldest cards open - even if you don't have huge balances on them - They still count towards TIME )  If you want to keep a steady payment history going from month to month I would use it sparingly and then pay it in full each month.  \n\nCredit cards show on your report -  they will either show that there is no balance or that there is a balance.  So don't worry about them not reporting for several months if you don't have any outstanding debt.  This is NOT a "ding" on your credit record.
545999
Try not to spend on the cards anymore. That's the most important factor.\n\nCan you sell stuff? Ebay or whatever, you'd be surprised what people buy. Any income, pay it off your cards.\n\nEconomise on your expenses. It's possible to eat pretty cheaply y'know. \n\nIf you're making all your payments, then your credit rating is probably OK. See if you can transfer any balances to lower interest cards. Make SURE you close the old cards off - call them to cancel the accounts. \n\nMake minimum payments on all but one card. (The one with the lowest balance). Overpay that one. Even a few bucks will make a difference. Another thing that makes a difference, even if it's only a dollar or two a month is to pay early. Make sure that the card payments go out as soon as you're paid. Then you know how much you have left and they'll charge you less interest. \n\nBut won't it feel good to have even one card paid? When it is, hit the next card. It will take a few years.
142255
you can't get a loan. With little or no credit you'll have to work on your credit first. Working is a way. Don't apply for too many cards, store credit cards, credit cards such as visa.  If your cool with your parents, maybe have them co-sign or have them put you on one of their cards to help with your credit. But it takes up to 2 years to establish good credit. Trust me I know.!! : )
472758
why don't you share an apartment in the beginning[share the costs]get a job first!!!a credit card can get you into debt!!you have to pay monthly payments and a credit card only gives you so much money!!
266922
I wish that all of us single parents could team up and help each other out... a single parent watches another single parents kids while they work, vice versa... single parents that carpool... single parents buying food in bulk and splitting between the families... even living in the same households if possible... \n\nIf only I ran the world... but since I don't, I can only provide this suggestion that I provided to another person on these Yahoo! answers:\n\nIt would be a wise idea to do a credit check on yourself first to clear up any concerns before hand. Law states that you are allowed one free credit check per year by the three major credit entities --> Equifax http://www.equifax.com Experian http://www.experian.com & Transunion http://www.transunion.com\n\nGive yourself one to two months after clearing up any "questionable" items on your report, if you needed to in the first place. Then go in for the loan.\n\nI would go to your bank to inquire about a personal loan first... but they may have a cap on what you can borrow (for example, $4000 and looks like you're needing up to $7500).\n\nCitifinancial may have a local branch in your area (check them out and see if there is one near you --> http://www.switchboard.com\n\nJust walk in with a copy of your latest paystub, a list of all your monthly debts and what you owe. If you don't have a branch near you, then call them or visit their websites:\n\nCitifinancial http://www.citifinancial.com\n\nBeneficial is another place... very similar to Citifinancial.\nBeneficial http://www.beneficial.com\n\nGood luck! :)
30786
Pay your debts on time.  Obtain a secured credit card (deposit $250 bucks into a Citibank account and get a credit card with a $250 limit that grows as you pay off your bill over time and maintain a good credit rating).  Obtain a cell phone or any other solution that reports to a credit bureau (not too many just five or so).  Always, always, always pay your bills on time.  \n\nIt really comes down to living within your means, not strapping yourself with too much debt again.  Buy a Hyundai not an Escalade if you make $25,000 per year.  Save your money at least 10% of your earnings per month.  If you want to buy a home, plan to buy it, save every penny you can speak to a mortgage broker like me to understand what you may be able to afford once your fico is in check again.  You may be able to afford a home now and not know it.\n\nYou can send me an email if you have questions simply click on my screen name for my address if needed.
582013
If you are now up do date on your payments, and it has been awhile since you became up to date, you can always try a goodwill letter to the creditors. Tell them that you have worked hard to become current, it has been x number of years, can they please list the accounts on your reports as never late.\n\nIf you are still behind on the bills or the accounts have been charged off, thats a whole nother ball game.\n\nI would suggest going to the site that I've listed. It is a "free" do it yourself credit repair site. \n\nThere is no sense paying for anything or anyone to do what you can do yourself. Especially since alot of those credit counseling places will leave you worse off than you are now.
170666
As far as the credit cards go, I feel for you, I'm in the same boat.  I called all my cards last week and had one card drop the APR by 2% and another card drop the APR by 8%.  First step is to call all your credit cards and see who will drop those interest rates some.  This will lower your minimum monthly payments a little.\n\nLook for some really part-time jobs that are close to your house, one-two day a week jobs.  This is good for a little extra cash and doesn't take a lot of time.\n\nHold yard sales every weekend in the spring and summer.  If you don't have a lot of your own to sell, hit other yard sales for really good deals or hit the salvation army and goodwill for really cheap items that you might be able to mark up a bit.  \n\nIf you have clothing or some old books, used cellphones or friends with used cellphones that they will give you...list them on ebay for extra cash.\n\nTry babysitting or running errands for people.  See about doing laundry or going grocery shopping for an elderly person.\n\nGet creative and if you need to...check into consumer credit counseling.  They can help you cut your monthly payment and stop interest from building and sometimes get rid of most of the interst you owe.  If you choose this option, you won't have any credit cards to use anymore and it will affect your credit score but it isn't bankruptcy and as soon as you are paid in full you can begin rebuilding your credit again.  IF you are behind or have some late or missed payments on your credit report or collection accounts...look into consumer credit counselling.  If you are still making your payments you may want to wait a while to see if you can get back on track yourself.\n\nGood Luck~
381337
even if you went into the bank and lied your way into a personal loan (since banks don't generally give loans for debt consolidation), your interest rate will be totally dependant on your credit score...which is partially determined by how much of your available credit is currently being utilized.  Your easiest bet, albiet still dependant on your credit score, would be to apply for a low interest credit card with a low interest transfer rate (and no transfer fees).  If you can qualify for a card at or above your current debt level, you can transfer balances and hopefully pay it off before the interest rate hikes to it's normal level.  Another option is to look at your current cards.  They may be already offering transfer options or may be willing if you call them.  As long as your payments have always been on time, they will be flexible with you.  Otherwise, you need to pay the minimum on all the cards except for your lowest debt and focus all your extra bill money to the smallest card.  You'll pay it off quicker than throwing extra money at your biggest debt...you end up just paying off interest and not really getting ahead very fast.  Hehe 6% would be a luxury, but if you have a good enough credit score, it may not be impossible.  Check www.bankrate.com.  Great research site that will list tons of different credit cards, rates and any special things about them.
333185
If you have credit cards, do not just pay them of and close them, keep them open. The longer you have the accounts, the better it reflects on your credit. Keep an eye on your debt to income ratio. That is a biggie. You never want credit in excess of what you earn, lenders will think twice if they see that. And definitely don't over charge your cards. Keep balances low or at zero. A good way to work on good credit is to after you pay your debt off, take one or two cards and put all of your monthly expenses on them, but at the same time, remove the money from your checking or savings account register so that way you can just pay the balance off every month, cause you set the money you charged aside. Just don't have too many lines of credit open, but keep the cards that have been open the longest. And, one more thing. Never make late payments if you can avoid it. But, if you are in a bind, call your creditors. Tell them that you can pay some of what you owe, or can pay in full on a certain date, they will usually work with you. Good luck.
400284
In Jan we'll be clear of our 10th year and we're probably a little different in that we made a commitment to never go into debt for anything, ever except for a house. It has been hard at times but now we are able to save up and pay cash for cars, etc. We have one credit card that we charge on (for security sake as I'd prefer to have the credit card company get their money stolen as they're a little more motivated) but we don't charge unless we've got the money in the bank. Our FICO is around 750 now so we're considered a pretty good credit 'risk' when looking for mortgages.\n\nThe problem with filing bankruptcy is it releases you from the debt but in many cases the bad habits are still there. If you don't deal with those the bankruptcy will only be temporary relief. The other thing we realized is that part of our problem was income related (i.e. it was too low) so I retrained for a better paying career that I thought I would enjoy. I'm really giving you a 10 year summary in 10 seconds but it really required a lot of patience. Here's a more realistic time line.\nYear 1: Painful, getting a minimum savings built up and starting to realize that our problem is behavior.\nYears 2-3: Continuing to struggle when we come to the realization that it is an income problem and start training for better career. Also start using a decent budget although we violate it pretty frequently due to some existing bad financial behaviors.\nYears 4-10: New career, better cash flow and nice savings. Start a disciplined investment plan and are now fine tuning our budget and dealing with some remaining bad financial behaviors. Working with helping others get out of debt.
229766
Your loss is very sad.  It will just take time to work out of the bad situation.  Go visit with a professional Credit Counselor, and ask if there is a plan to pursue.