Ha! I didn't know they had goals for being regulars - that's pretty smart of them! (...and smarter of you to curb the habit!) Way to go! :)   ... View more

Really do some research before filing for bankruptcy. Here's a good place to start: https://blog.mint.com/how-to/bankruptcy-a-to-z-when-to-file-and-how-to-recover/   Whatever you choose to do, just remember that it's a phase in your life. It will pass and it will get better (especially if you learn from it).   Good luck to you!! ... View more

Figure out how to increase your available credit. If that means paying it down, pay it down. If you are able to request an increase in credit limit (and know you won't rack up more debt), then increase your credit limit. Credit utilization (the % of your line of credit you're using) is a big factor!   https://turbo.intuit.com/blog/credit-score/how-to-improve-credit-score-74/ ... View more

If you're looking to figure out where to start, I think take a look at the interest you're paying. Find the debt you have with the highest interest, and start trying to pay that down first (keep paying minimums on the others).   Good luck!!   https://blog.mint.com/credit/get-organized-to-get-out-of-debt04022016/   ... View more

Whoohoo! Nice jump!!   I went through a "growth spurt" with my score a little over a year ago and can attest that yes, the scores can vary for a while. They'll eventually even out if you stay consistent. My guess is it has to do with the fact that while the bureaus use similar (some may argue, the exact same just differently labeled) factors, the total weight of each factor is different across.    Check out this article on the Turbo blog, it goes into more detail on this very subject!   https://turbo.intuit.com/blog/credit-score/why-is-my-credit-score-never-the-same-480/ ... View more

Do any of the bills have an account number on them? It looks like you can create an online account with AFNI using the AFNI account number and the last four of your social security: https://payments.afnicollections.com/AfniCollectionsPayments/login   Good luck! ... View more

The lowest score for FICO or Vantage score is 300, I believe. So, as I think you already know, there's definitely a problem.    I don't have a lot of details from your post, so forgive me if I am repeating steps you have already taken. But one thing to keep in mind is sites that offer free credit scores (like banks, Turbo, CK, etc) are pulling your score (soft inquiries) from either one or more credit bureau(s).  So if it's coming back "0" (which we know is an impossible score), it may actually just be a technical glitch.   I'd recommend reaching out to customer support of the app/site you're using and/or check your score with a couple other free credit sites or apps to figure out if it's an issue that even needs to be addressed on the credit bureau level. Hopefully it's just a technical glitch with that particular site/app.   But if you find its a consistent issue, you'll want to call the credit bureaus (TransUnion, Equifax & Experian) and let them know there is a problem. And honestly, I wouldn't waste a minute to get to the bottom of this.   So sorry you are dealing with this! When you figure out what it is, let us know so we can all learn from it. ... View more

Not sure where you're starting from, so I can only offer general ideas, but here are some of the big things to keep in mind:   - Try to remove any debt - of course this is the most overwhelming piece. But as a starting point, if you can, eliminate any revolving debt (like credit card balances that you're not paying in full) with high interest rates. If you have cc debt AND student loan debt, keep paying the minimum on the student loan debt and focus on paying off the cc debt first. - Increase your credit limits IF you know you won't run up (more?) debt. If you get a raise at work or move in to a place with less rent/lower mortgage, let your lenders know and ask for a credit increase. - Try not to apply for too many credit cards at once - hard inquiries alone can ding your score (apps like Turbo & Mint only do soft inquiries - won't impact your score) - Play the long game: Don't miss bills. Don't close accounts when you pay them off. Don't splurge if you can't afford it. Don't give up. Raising your credit is a matter of consistency over time - they want to see your history.    I work with a lot of content on the Mint & Turbo blogs, here's one of my favorite pieces on raising your score: https://turbo.intuit.com/blog/credit-score/how-to-improve-credit-score-74/   Lastly, just stick with it! You got this! Check back in and let me know how it goes too! ... View more