My story & what should my path be to fix credit fast!

[waslostnowfound]

background:
i am a recent college graduate who took a little longer than some to finish college because i was paying my way and got distracted at times. i finally graduated with a great degree and landed great job and i still have a lot of income coming from consulting work on the side. needless to say, i finally have disposable income and hate that my credit isn't good and i am VERY determined to fix it. it is a top priority!

problem:
because i was paying my way i frequently found myself in financial trouble/stress and while i can't say that i "trashed" my credit score, its def. not great. i can still do things like sign up for cell phone plans and directv etc ... and i have 1 credit card that i got recently (its a repair your credit, credit card and i use it only for car stuff like gas). but its no where near buying a new car status. i need some serious advice on the best practices of repairing this as soon as possible. the things that i know are delinquent are a credit card, a shopping card, maybe medical bill, and a utility bill.

my solution:
first thing first, i need a credit report and a credit monitoring service to help me begin tackling this and find out exactly what is on there. next, i plan to start eliminating/settling things until it is clear. i am only settling in bulk. so no monthly payment plans to settle a debt. i am saving up a chunk and then throwing it at something to settle it. i know and have read that documentation is the key to doing this and i plan to be extremely careful with letters/wording/and having proof of a debt being settled.

my edited questions:
if it states that the item will be on credit report until a certain date ... if that date is soon, do i still worry about settling it?
what is the best way to settle debt? pay the collection agency? see if i can pay the original account first?
two of my delinquent accounts i have received mail for offering 25% or less settlement payout ... is this wise?
how long will it take for me to start seeing an incline in my credit number?

i appreciate any and all advice. and please don't berate me ... i was stupid in my younger days (well i guess i am still young but you know) and def. know it!

[waslostnowfound]

well since no one will reply i will begin documenting my progress:

1st:
I just zeroed all of my current utilities and credit card so they all have zero balance (just to start fresh).

2nd:
I opened a secured credit card through my credit union. (They basically open a CD and your limit on the card is the amount you put into the CD. This will remain open for at least two years.)

3rd:
I obtained and printed copies of my credit report.

CREDIT REPAIR PROGRESS

1
Dominion Power Bill sent to Portfolio Recovery Associates, LLC ... I sent them letter stating in writing what I need from them if i were to accept their settlement offer for an amount that would change my account to "Settled in Full" ... awaiting reply

2
HSBC Credit Card sent to Northland Group Inc ... I received a letter from them with a settlement offer. I responded with a pay for delete settlement letter with a copy of the letter stating that I was offered to settle the account for x and I am willing to do so if they remove all information on this account from my credit report.

3
This one I have no idea. Credit report shows account from Verizon that was only open for 2 months and has a balance of $232. Anyway, I called Verizon number listed and after about 15 minute conversation they are willing to remove it from my credit report if I can send them a copy of my internet/tv bill with comcast during the same period which I know I have somewhere. FIOS wasn't even available at the address they have listed on the account. very weird. Oh well, this is an easy settlement.
That is it so far.

[cinnamngrl]

Originally Posted by waslostnowfound

my edited questions:
if it states that the item will be on credit report until a certain date ... if that date is soon, do i still worry about settling it?
what is the best way to settle debt? pay the collection agency? see if i can pay the original account first?
two of my delinquent accounts i have received mail for offering 25% or less settlement payout ... is this wise?
how long will it take for me to start seeing an incline in my credit number?

i appreciate any and all advice. and please don't berate me ... i was stupid in my younger days (well i guess i am still young but you know) and def. know it!

I need some specifics to respond to. How many tradelines are there?
is the item that is coming close to the drop off date a judgment?
Settling can work but you should try to include deletion in the settlement.