I started dealing with my credit/debt issues in February of ’06 after years of putting my head in the sand. I didn’t grow up with much and never developed the necessary skills for handling money responsibly. After generating debts (soon after college) and not facing up to my responsibilities, I just avoided anything credit related. I would get hives if a transaction required my credit report or a store offered me a new card. It call came to a head when I got married 2 years ago and it came time to file joint taxes. I had to come clean to my wife (who is über responsible and money savvy), and while I expected the worst, she was a truly great about it. She was angry and hurt obviously, but she also understood how badly I wanted to fix the problem. At that point in time I was dealing with the following:

• No bank account (due to a chexsystems record)
• No credit cards (hadn’t bothered applying in years)
• Cashing my paychecks at a check cashing/pay day loans place (paying $120 a month just for the privilege)
• Credit scores in the 500s and very low 600s

Through this site, I have completely turned it around in 18 months. I have never felt better about my financial position. I am not dreading the mail’s arrival or phone calls from unknown numbers. I feel like I finally have choices again and I know that when something does come up, I will be able to handle it appropriately. So my status is now:

• 2 checking and savings accounts
• Credit Cards (my original subprimes Cap 1/Orchard plus Bofa Amex and Visa with approximately $30,000 in available credit)
• Pay credit cards in full every month
• Credit Scores all solidly in the 700s

If you’re just starting out, be strong. Even if it looks insurmountable, you just have to break it down in the small steps. You will start feeling good as soon as you address even small issues, because it means you’re taking control. I have a huge soft spot for this board. This community is saving lives.