game_on

DW and I are still in need of C1 for it's rebuilding properties. Definitely hate all the fee's and look forward to better days. C1 may be using me but I'm doing the same to them! Question for you other C1 holders; DW has had her card since Jan 08, has always paid on time and been pretty diligent on the utilization. I think it's time for her to call them up about a CLI. Do you all think 6 months good history is enough to squeeze an increase out of them? Also what kind of fee can we expect from that?

Gotta agree with the utilization, that and paying on time every time will have a very positive impact on scores.

Just wanted to give my .02 so here it is. CIP SucKs!

I don't have target but my TL's report once a month after the statement closes. I would imagine they will report the following; credit limit, high balance and current balance. Aside from paying on time your debt to credit ratio is crucial. If you are trying to increase your scores I would aim to keep the ratio below 30%. Here is an example, one of my TLs reports on the 14th each month. I pay my bill before the due date and DO NOT use that card again until after I've seen they have reported. I saw a 19 point increase in my FICO last month as a direct result of this strategy.

I often have to remind myself that the money and time spent on credit repair and rebuilding is like an investment in myself. It sure does add up fast though. I'm expecting the rewards of good credit to be well worth the time and money invested in scores, reports, postage etc.

Very scary stuff indeed. Not sure I fully understand though. We're you in communication with them regarding the taxes? I've had some issues in the past and currently have some things pending but have always managed to work out installment agreements and get things paid in full.

Congrats! That is good news. Target and Hooters are two that I have been "gunning" for. I'm thinking in another month or two I'll give them a try again. Good for you though.

Personally I think you should get your reports directly from each CRA. The reports from myfico don't seem as detailed to me but it really depends what your intentions are. Definitely use myFICO for scores.

The thing with TC is, one never knows how well it's going to work or look from one day to the next. What a jacked up site although I use mine regularly with very little problems.

What a great thread. We are already doing many of the things mentioned but regarding the water heater deal, you don't think shuting it off everday will wear it out faster do you?

Thankfully we are only at $45.00 a week, that's about $15.00 more than it should be. Funny thing is it's time to fill up again and am sure it will be more than last week.

bump

I've had a pretty good first round of disputes with the CRA's. Currently between DW and my own reports I've got a total of 7 baddies deleted. One was AAC on my TU, still not sure how I managed that but I'll take it. Anyway my question is how long should I wait before disputing again. Seems like I read somewhere to allow about 30 days in between disputes. What do you all think? Oh and BTW, a big thanks to Jack1212 and to the CB in general. Your information has been very helpful!

Gas prices are causing a strain on my budget. The situation has definitely made me more meticulous about my comings and goings. I try and carefully plan every trip from home and eliminate any unnecessary driving. Personally I think this is a wake up call to seriously start looking into alternative energy sources.

I think having an EF in cash stashed away is a great idea. However paying down CC balances has some very good advantages. I like the idea of a combo EF; some cash and some available credit. This is what I try and do, spreading my EF between the two. Of course the more you have of each the better.