I didn't mean for the drama on someone else's post either, but as a professional, I would not have completely discounted something that another experienced person recommends in that way. I would have said "Based on my experience, ... is what I recommend for someone in your situation." and not even address another persons post. And if I did, I'd let them know I was addressing it so they have an option to say why they disagree because why is she supposed to take your advice over mine or vice versa without more information. @waylonsmommy252 I'm sorry for the drama on the post. Opinionated women and pregnancy hormones are bound to result in this. Lol. Hopefully, you've gained something from all this at least. If you need to talk anymore, you can always message me. Good luck! :)

@babybue16, yep, I addressed it - to her. I didn't tag you because I knew we disagreed and I didn't want THIS to happen on someone's post. We did agree it's not the answer for her based on further info and that there is more than one option to building credit. To Waylonsmummy, I apologise for this. My only intention was to make you aware that not all financial professionals suggest the same avenues for repairing/building credit. Best of luck to you

@waylonsmommy252, good luck with everything!! I really hope you find a place and get your credit where you want it! :)

@phinnybinz, I tagged you because you addressed my comment to her. They are only expensive if not used correctly as are any credit card. There isn't just one option to building credit. That is just one that someone can start immediately without much work while figuring out what to do next. We can agree to disagree. Everyone has there own opinions on things. But as I said, with what she has, that's not the option i'd suggest for her based on what she already has. I pretty much suggested the same thing as you.

@babybue16, not sure why you tagged me...I said what I needed to say. It's great you work in the same industry. We have differing opinions on secured credit cards. The facts are what they are and you can try to make them sound more appealing, but in the end it's still crap. From an outside lenders standpoint I spend a majority of my day reviewing credit reports in depth with my clients, I have never recommended getting a secured credit card to build credit. They are expensive and not the only option. Like I said, they are great in theory, but really poorly executed across the board. Luckily, for her it sounds like she won't have to bother. If she already has an open unsecured credit card then she just needs to start using it so there is activity to report. Maybe for fuel monthly and pay it off. It's not doing you much good to not utilise it.

I definitely recommend never missing or being late on the auto payment. That's a great account to have reporting. And for the card, try to use it once a month and pay it off so it shows that you are actively using it and won't get closed for inactivity. Credit cards are great if used properly. And paying off the closed cards is great! When I look at credit bureaus to make a decision on a loan, I look at the collections and if they've been paid that is always a good thing in my opinion. You probably don't need a secured card if you already have those 2 things open. Sorry to hear about the student loans. It's seems like people can't get through school anymore without being in loads of debt from edu loans!

My credit score is like 549 I do have an auto loan that I pay on every month and I also have a open credit card that's worth $1,000 that I keep a 0 balance on I've never used it.. I payed off one credit card that was closed when I was a teen because I didn't pay it but I payed it off and still have one more on there.. Then I just have student loans that I have to pay on @babybue16

Also, I'm not sure of your exact credit situation but if you already have good accounts actively reporting on your credit bureau (i.e. Auto loan, credit card, etc), then you may just need to take care of some of those teenage mistakes and continue paying your open accounts well and keep credit cards under 25-30%. Unfortunately building credit takes time. :/ you can do it though!!!

@waylonsmommy252, @phinnybinz I work with lots of high risk customers presently and I've worked for a credit union in the past that offered a great secured card at 9.99%. They are excellent for people who are starting all over or from nothing when no one else will give them a chance and they don't have people who are willing to sign on things with them to help them rebuild. If you don't keep a balance on the card you aren't really paying the interest. You can't look at it like spending your money. Yes, that is what you are doing, but the company in return is reporting your payments to the credit bureaus and helping your credit and after establishing a good history with them they will issue you an unsecured card if you choose to apply for it. Every good trade line counts. People with bad/limited credit have to start somewhere. I have seen it help lots of customers. Obviously using credit karma is great and the site has a tool that shows you how certain activities can effect your score, which I like. But you can't just monitor. You have to take action and for people with poor/limited credit, the options are limited. So I stick with my sec cc recommendation and clearing up collections, etc.. Also, it takes time to rebuild so whatever you do won't affect you getting a rental now but in the future you won't have to worry about it if you get your score where it needs to be. For the time being, try to find a landlord that doesn't do credit checks or that will take previous landlord references. Probably renting from an individual is better than a company. I agree with looking on Craigslist. I found several rentals that way in the past.

Secured credit cards can be horrible. The reason they are secured is because you are paying to spend your own money. I have been a loan officer/and a debt collection specialist for 10 years. When you open a secured card you make a deposit. That money is what is available to you. You still have an interest rate and monthly payments. So every month you're laying xx% to spend your money. The concept for credit building is great but they are horribly executed. I would recommend credit karma to go and keep track of your credit on a monthly basis. It helps to see first hand and know exactly what is impacting your score and how. As for renting - I reiterate a private owner. Try Craigslist and newspapers. Good luck ☺️☺️

Okay thank you that helps! @babybue16

I'm a loan officer at a personal finance company. What I typically recommend if you can't get a loan with us because of limited credit or delinquency is to start clearing up your delinquent accounts/collections and get a secured credit card to use to start building credit again. A bank or credit union will issue you a secured card regardless of credit because it is risk free for them. You use it just like a normal credit card. If your credit limit is 500, ALWAYS keep your balance at or under $100. Anytime you have a credit card, you never want to max it out and you should always keep the balance under 25-30%. I recommend keeping the balance low and paying it off every pay period. That's a way to help start building positive credit history while taking care of the negative. Also, if you have someone to consign or you have a paid off car you can try getting a small personal loan (use funds to pay off some dlqy) and keep it open at least 8-12 months.

see if you can find a private owner or a realty company that goes based off income only

yeah I was told a couple years my credit is mess up too

Yes I am trying to do that but doesn't that take a while to reflect back?? @ktwins188

can you try to clear it up