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OP: WOW!!!! This is terrific news and inspirational news as well! I have a 2nd job to pay off my debt and I love Dave Ramsey (I know a lot of people don't. I think it's because he tells it like it is). I was seriously thinking about quitting the 2nd job because of the crappy hours. but after reading your story, I'll keep it. Thanks!

This is awesome! How many years did it take you, and what strategy did you use?

He got the judge to give him a default judgment, but thats it to my knowledge. He never did anything after that, never tried to collect. I recently went to the courthouse to check and they said you have to go to our case files dept. because thats all there is attached to my name. A case file stating that he was awarded a default judgment. But he still has the judgment against you. You could perhaps have the judgment vacated, but I have no idea what excuse you could use on a three-year old judgment. Why didn't you say something to the judge after you came back from the restroom that day? Regardless, the judgment is legit. The old guy only wants money, so why not try paying him in exchange for his vacating the judgment? ok, I am curious about this, too? did you not go back into the courtroom after the bathroom?

Thanks, Jaymes! this is a great idea. I'd actually prefer doing this over getting another store card.

UPDATE: I went ahead and applied. Got declined. Tried recon. Spoke with supervisor (who behaved like a collection agent UGH!!!). He advised that Neiman Marcus uses a scoring system of "high" "medium" and "low" and my EQ score of 707 didn't make the cut. Oh, well...

This is a great idea! I check both FICO's and FAKO's routinely. FICO's are between 720-730; would be much higher were it not for my UT. Also, because of my job with DoD, I can't default on ANYTHING! so I always pay my bills on time. UT is high because I am now paying back my SL's and related expenses for which I used my CC's while I got my Masters degree. I think I'll use this as part of my recon.

Thanks for the info! I've looked at them. I actually had 2 or 3 CC's with them in the past, but I historically had low limits, so I'm reluctant to try. Does the pre-selector site give you an idea of what the limit is? I would like to do a balance transfer to payoff my cards quicker and get lower UT. Plus, I wanted the Neiman Marcus card to make a specific purchase from them.

Thanks for the info! I've looked at them. I actually had 2 or 3 CC's with them in the past, but I historically had low limits, so I'm reluctant to try. Does the pre-selector site give you an idea of what the limit is? I would like to do a balance transfer to payoff my cards quicker and get lower UT.

You might try for a recon though! What can I use as my recon reason, though? Sorry for the confusion...I meant a recon on the decline, not the INQ. My bad, I understood what you meant. But I've never done a recon on a decline before, so I'm looking for a good argument to use. I've only ever done one recon. I just called them up and asked for their decision to be reconsidered and they went over the details on the phone with me and asked some questions. As long as they don't pull another hard INQ, it can't hurt to try. Cool. I will try. Thanks, JaseT

You might try for a recon though! What can I use as my recon reason, though? Sorry for the confusion...I meant a recon on the decline, not the INQ. My bad, I understood what you meant. But I've never done a recon on a decline before, so I'm looking for a good argument to use.

You might try for a recon though! What can I use as my recon reason, though?

Good point! I won't contest!

After days of contemplation, I decided to apply for a CC after 2 years. I knew that my UT was high (over 50%), but I have a good income (70k), 1 inq on EQ and none on EX (likely pullers), and no baddies. But turned down anyway. I can't yet see which CR they actualy pulled, but I should receive a letter in 30 days (I'll be sure to update creditpulls). Anyway, since I was declined, Can I dispute the inquiry as "not authorized"? If I apply this time next year, will HSBC hold this against me? I hear that HSBC and Neiman Marcus don't get along as far as the CC's go, so I'm hoping Neiman Marcus will use a better bank in April . Thanks!

Hey, Guys! Thanks for the replies. UT is over50% (just got a master's degree and now paying off related school expenses.