myDebtThrowaway

Lots of great advice here that generally works with PRA on their low dollar suits. What I'd like to add as you eluded to moving often, it's YOUR job to check for suits being brought against you. PRA is notorious for mailing to known bad addresses (experienced first hand) and I've read about them going as far to using incorrect spellings or maiden names. Their trying to get a default judgement against you, that's the end game. They'll do whatever they can to get there so you just need to watch your back. Every month, until that alleged debt is time-barred it's your job to check. That's more about forced arbitration.. You'll be the one requesting arbitration here.

Thanks again everyone. I appreciate you guys taking the time to comment. Thanks for the insight, very detailed. I'll take your advice regarding Enhanced and do some research this week. While you're at it, any comment on how Calvary would handle something like this and or course of action as the consumer? Thanks again. Yeah the AMEX has me worried.. I'll be keeping my fingers crossed there. Lots of success stories and I had a good history up until I didn't, so I'm hopeful they'll be willing to work it out. I appreciate the tips on rebuilding.. It seems things will just take time. I'll have more then enough income.. the new career should pay very well and I don't have any expenses. I'll just be getting those secured cards and patiently waiting for my score to improve. Any personal suggestions for any specific secured cards? I'd like something I can grow with in to a traditional card if possible. I've read good things about the Discover IT that I mentioned in the OP. Thanks for the clear cut opinion/facts. I hear ya, I was just wondering if there was anything I could do during this in-between time. Sorry for being naive but, what kind of credit score can I expect to have after that? I have old accounts I closed that were in great shape and will be getting at least two secured cards in about 4 months that will be well maintained.

Everyone has a story.. I'll make mine short. Life altering unexpected decline in health lead to unemployment. No support system, no help. It took me about four years to get both my health and life back on track. I met a girl four years ago who I'd like to marry. We're moving next summer and I want to prepare my credit to buy a home in the next year or two. I beat Cavalry in court on one account (thanks to this community!), the rest have surpassed the statue of limitations here (5yrs). AMEX ($3,500) - Est Removal: 10/2018 Portfolio 1 ($3,000) - Est Removal: 02/2019 Portfolio 2 ($2,500) - Est Removal: 10/2018 Enhanced ($1,000) - Est Removal: 11/2018 I'm not sure what the best course of action here is.. I've been living under the radar for years, running cash businesses etc. I'm self employed, I do pay some taxes but do not have my own checking (use PayPal business w/card) or my own credit cards (on family accounts as an AU, pay them directly). I'd like to begin improving my credit score. My SO has great credit (810+) BUT about $150k in student loans. I'd like to try and get us a house or investment property in the next 1.5 to 2yrs. So I was thinking contact the reporting agencies on Portfolio one as I'm sure the last payment is inaccurate. I'm hopeful there is something aggressive I can do against the three remaining account but maybe just let them run their course? In the mean time then, open a bank account, and get a secured card (Discover IT). Possibly a secured loan the first year for extra oomph. Next step, focus on that AMEX. I'd like to get another one, one day. I've read I need to pay the debt directly to AMEX and should get myself added as an authorized user on a good standing account a bit after that. If approved as an AU then I'm off the BL and should re-apply to AMEX on my own when my credit merits it. Thoughts? Thank you for any time you may spend reading this or better yet.. replying. Sincerely, my thanks.