Add myself as auth. user to wife's card vs trying to get 2nd card right now?

[Pandora]

And @Pandora, you mentioned about having "good reporting loans remain regardless"... what good reporting loans are people having if they just discharged all their debts? If they did ride throughs those are gone too...only way to have good reporting loans going forward is to get new ones. In my case, the only good reporting loans I had after discharge were my student loans because those didn't get discharged.

if you're so against debts are you saying you can't have those either?

It would all be well and wonderful for us all to go live in a big corn field with no running water and a big gas stove and grow our own food and knit our own clothes... (maybe some of you do?) but that is not life (at least not the one I wanna live).

We all have varying opinions but while I respect the "cash only" people's viewpoints and acknowledge them as another alternative to not using/having credit, most of the cash only people here do not have equal respect for those wishing to use credit (and by use I do not mean collect debt). That is my problem with the forum and the viewpoints... its not that people have them its that the other viewpoints are not respected...they are shunned, made fun of and called 'crazy' and 'stupid'. And again, all appearing in a "REBUILDING" forum that seems to be exactly the opposite.

There is NOTHING wrong with using credit responsibly and to your advantage.

Some of the things that go on on this forum are akinned to someone telling another person how to raise their children... its none of their business and should not be done.

Amy26

Answering in order as listed:

1. not true - its called a credit history - and all good standing accounts stay on report. There isnt a need to "re-establish credit" if one already HAD a good credit history to begin with, regardless of BK. Time will bring the score back up if past credit history was positive. If you didnt have a good credit history prior to filing BK, then yeah, your score will not improve much, if at all. Therein lies the difference.

2. Dont put words in my mouth - I never once said having debt and/or credit cards was bad nor did I say having cell phones, etc were bad. I was merely trying to answer your issues as to how some perceive credit cards since you took exception to HHM's response. Not everyone agrees, and thats okay - thats why we're all different. However with that regard and respect - your next comment was uncalled for.

3. Resent the statement - so what - those of us that do happen to live in the country and choose to simplify our lives are what... redneck hillbilly hicks? I dont think so dear.. You live your way and others live theirs - a dream is what one desires, seeks, and obtains in life - not what others perceive. To each their own, remember? You overstepped on that one I think

4. & 5 If you respect all opinions - then dont bash for those opinions that get put out here in response to posts; you're quick to jump the gun on someone who says credit cards are bad, but you're awfully quick to defend your side vs. seeing from both points of view. Good, bad, ugly.... and I havent seen anyone say anyone was "crazy or stupid" for getting credit cards. If you're referring to MY comments of "it boggles my mind.." frankly, it does, but that's my opinion on it and no one else's. Data shows those that cannot live w/in a budget and their means who had issues with impulse buying on credit - will repeat the pattern at some point in time. I didnt say everyone does..I said some do.

6. Again, if people dont want other's opinions on things - then dont post them on a public forum. Its up to you on how you take what someone is typing - you dont hear monotone nor see the person. With that being said, dont you think that your posts and replies show the same thing you're complaining about that others are doing/saying? I see it clearly.... but I guess its okay for you to post your opinion and vent, but others trying to show a flip side to how it could be an unwelcome thing in ones life if not controlled properly (i.e. budgeting, living in means) - thats not ok?


Look - I dont care if its a Rebuilding Credit forum, the 13 forum, or My kid has 3 eyes forum - its all related when one files BK (well..ok..maybe not a 3 eyed kid but you get my meaning). You will find varying opinions on all of the forums for every post, but sometimes its good for others to see outside of the box from someone else's point of view. You seem to take things personal as if they are directed right at you - when in reality, the bigger picture is that posts are often made as an overview and/or response to a bigger issue, bigger than the OP at times. Its so that others that may be in the situation that was posted (re: credit, living outside means, etc) and are looking to file BK, have filed BK already, awaiting / been discharged take an honest look at what got them there to begin with, and vow not to repeat it by "going there" again.


As to the housing and purchasing w/out credit - the question that was posed was "how can one purchase a house w/out credit" and the answer still remains true - you can pay cash. I didnt say it wasnt going to be hard to do - but thats not what was posed. Different people have different standards of living (ya know..like us country folk ;) *and yes, I'm trying to keep it light here & joke with you* ) so where one may have the standard of a $300-500K house in the burbs, another's paradise and dream may be a mobile home on some land that could be $100K. Who knows, right? But again, its not impossible to purchase a house w/out credit.

Yes, I do understand that not everyone lived outside of their means who had to file BK. Job losses, illness, death, etc all can be factors as well but the bottom line is on a credit report it doesnt matter WHY one filed BK... all that matters is that there is a BK listed. We are all in the same boat when it comes down to it.

Dont take things so personally Look at it from a different perspective and point of view just as those that reply do. Two sides to every coin, remember?

[tobee43]

Amy26: And also saying time will make your credit recover naturally is also not usually true. I have seen many people on this very board and elsewhere that do the "cash only living" for years after their BK and then expect their credit to have magically improved after 3 years and they check it and they say gee... why is my score still in the 500's or low 600's? If you truly want to "rebuild" again, as this forum is called, you have to work on it in some fashion.

after our bk we are scores were in the high 600's and still climbing. and in our case we had perfect credit for over 30 years prior to our bk. perfect.

there are only ways that "time" does help. when you do not continue to incur debt but wealth, you can secure you own credit. happens everyday.

look Amy, with all due respect to your opinion, which i have and do respect, ..we had to LEAVE the 900 sq foot 300k area and MOVE. we had a very expensive home, in even today's market, but we faced reality and had to leave since it was NOT conducive to a healthy readjustment to downsizing into a lifestyle we can live with forever and debt free. we lived in the "hills" before moving and now we are out in the STICKS... and now we are also living among the good olé folks and LOVE it!! life is simple, sweet and good, as well as different and refreshing.

for those people who 3 years later still have bad credit scores, believe me, you are not hearing the entire story. there are many reasons that can happen.

we also can't forget banks are just not lending even to those with excellent credit. ( i know this because my daughter who has a score of over 700 good income owns another house that's been rented in another state ...still is getting excuse after excuse from every lender as to why they only qualify for an amount that will not even buy them a nice trailer). it's the climate of our economy and whether you believe this or not, time is a most certain factor in helping you build your score.

i also understand it's frustrating and your correct, there is nothing wrong with using credit if one is responsible. i have stated before, each persons situation is different and it does, in fact, depend on where you are in your life as to what or how much credit you will need or think you want. the banks, and all lenders are just making it more difficult to re-establish nowadays, i guess, unfortunately, just a new fact of life we all may not like, but have to deal with

[Logan]

Pandora, saving money for a house and paying a landlord at the same time is a huge waste of money. I've paid 96k in rent over the past 4 years. Saving cash for a home is not an option for most.

[Amy26]

Pandora, you have misinterpreted what I said in a variety of ways and for 1. only one of my statements were directed specifically at you. Second, as I said I respect all peoples opinion on this board its the others that do not respect my opinion (and others). We are constantly told we are wrong and incorrect and misguided or stupid etc... all I'm asking is for people to respect ALL viewpoints and just because you think living without credit is the best way for YOU doesn't mean its the ONLY way or the one true way.

And I never said anything about people living like redneck hillbillies... I was simply making an analogy of people saying "debt is bad" and making reference to all our utilities and rent etc being "debt" and if people were against having those things. Again, that statement was not directed at you.

To your #1: Yes, good standing loans will stay there... but they will not be open they will be closed. They count toward your average age of accounts but the ongoing reporting of that loan stops of course and the farther away you get from the last updated date on that trade line the less benefit it will have you.

To your #2: I was not referring to anything you said specifically I was speaking in general.

To your #4 &5: I am not "bashing" anyone I am stating that people shouldn't jump all over people for asking a question and make assumptions about their situation, lifestyle, choices and beliefs. And I'm sure its all well and good you haven't seen anyone called crazy or stupid for their opinions but I've been here for over 2 years and I have seen it on many occasions.

To your #6: I don't get this statement because I haven't said anything that would imply I don't want people's opinions. Again, for like the 5,000th time I am not against people's opinions I'm against people using them as FACT to attack the posters that are on a Rebuilding forum for help.

Also, as someone else pointed out earlier...they said they have been seeking advice elsewhere because of the "tone" in this forum.

[Amy26]

after our bk we are scores were in the high 600's and still climbing. and in our case we had perfect credit for over 30 years prior to our bk. perfect.

there are only ways that "time" does help. when you do not continue to incur debt but wealth, you can secure you own credit. happens everyday.

look Amy, with all due respect to your opinion, which i have and do respect, ..we had to LEAVE the 900 sq foot 300k area and MOVE. we had a very expensive home, in even today's market, but we faced reality and had to leave since it was NOT conducive to a healthy readjustment to downsizing into a lifestyle we can live with forever and debt free. we lived in the "hills" before moving and now we are out in the STICKS... and now we are also living among the good olé folks and LOVE it!! life is simple, sweet and good, as well as different and refreshing.

for those people who 3 years later still have bad credit scores, believe me, you are not hearing the entire story. there are many reasons that can happen.

we also can't forget banks are just not lending even to those with excellent credit. ( i know this because my daughter who has a score of over 700 good income owns another house that's been rented in another state ...still is getting excuse after excuse from every lender as to why they only qualify for an amount that will not even buy them a nice trailer). it's the climate of our economy and whether you believe this or not, time is a most certain factor in helping you build your score.

i also understand it's frustrating and your correct, there is nothing wrong with using credit if one is responsible. i have stated before, each persons situation is different and it does, in fact, depend on where you are in your life as to what or how much credit you will need or think you want. the banks, and all lenders are just making it more difficult to re-establish nowadays, i guess, unfortunately, just a new fact of life we all may not like, but have to deal with

Yes tobee, you are correct... and I did say there are exceptions to every rule. But people make blanket statements that say "time will heal all credit". This is not true. And yes there are other things going on if your score hasn't moved... but I know you and your family do have current credit cards and have cleaned up your reports. So, this is why your score keeps going up. I'm talking about people who walk away from their credit and don't touch it thinking it will just get better after years of "time".

If you are happy and were able to move away to a cheaper area then I'm very happy for you. For me, and the line of work that I do, I would not be able to move to a rural area. I can afford to live where I live but if I CHOSE to move just because other people thought I should it would not make sense. I am surprised people are reading into what I say and twisting it a bit... I am no way shape or form saying one way is correct over the other. I am saying people shouldn't make blanket statements and say its "always" this way or you should "NOT" be doing x, y and z.

[Pandora]

@ Amy26

We will simply have to agree to disagree - respectfully of course - on all counts that were posted / directed / replied to

Yep, where you are (n. va) housing is expensive, especially in the Alexandria / Crystal City / Rosslyn area's; not sure if you're in any of those areas, but I do feel for ya. Have many friends up that way...

@ Logan

$96K in 4 years for rent?! Holy crap dude - thats outrageous! I just could not fathom paying that much for rent - think I'd have to find a small place outside of town a bit and commute, thereby saving $ to put towards a house. Thats insane...(not saying you are insane for paying it... just that the price is insane) ;)

[tobee43]

Yes tobee, you are correct... and I did say there are exceptions to every rule. But people make blanket statements that say "time will heal all credit". This is not true. And yes there are other things going on if your score hasn't moved... but I know you and your family do have current credit cards and have cleaned up your reports. So, this is why your score keeps going up. I'm talking about people who walk away from their credit and don't touch it thinking it will just get better after years of "time".

If you are happy and were able to move away to a cheaper area then I'm very happy for you. For me, and the line of work that I do, I would not be able to move to a rural area. I can afford to live where I live but if I CHOSE to move just because other people thought I should it would not make sense. I am surprised people are reading into what I say and twisting it a bit... I am no way shape or form saying one way is correct over the other. I am saying people shouldn't make blanket statements and say its "always" this way or you should "NOT" be doing x, y and z.

you know amy really, the more accurate view about building your credit is so unclear nowadays anyway...you get rejected because:

you have too little credit
you have to much credit
your balances are to high
your balances are to low
you worn brown shoes
we asked you to wear black ones.

no reasoning at all. i understand also you must go where the "jobs" are. we actually were not "able" to move, but after our long standing jobs disappeared, we didn't have many choices really. so it was more a "forced" moved that the one that we had planned to take at some point in our lives.

there really is no substance to "blanket" statements about this situation, nor do i really take them that way..just examples of people say THIS is the WAY or THAT is the WAY. it's going to run it's course differently for EACH of us. i bet most of us, will, or have experienced this situation differently. i don't think there is a magic formula anymore to getting back on the road to what excellent credit is suppose to be. get a card asap...don't have a card at all, get a secured card don't get one of those...jump over this rope 5 times while spurring out 12 hail marys and we can see what type of boost we can get the almighty score up to. it's enough to make anyone nuts!!!

logan what kind of place is 96k for 4 years of rental costs? holy moly!

[Logan]

you know amy really, the more accurate view about building your credit is so unclear nowadays anyway...you get rejected because:

you have too little credit
you have to much credit
your balances are to high
your balances are to low
you worn brown shoes
we asked you to wear black ones.

no reasoning at all. i understand also you must go where the "jobs" are. we actually were not "able" to move, but after our long standing jobs disappeared, we didn't have many choices really. so it was more a "forced" moved that the one that we had planned to take at some point in our lives.

there really is no substance to "blanket" statements about this situation, nor do i really take them that way..just examples of people say THIS is the WAY or THAT is the WAY. it's going to run it's course differently for EACH of us. i bet most of us, will, or have experienced this situation differently. i don't think there is a magic formula anymore to getting back on the road to what excellent credit is suppose to be. get a card asap...don't have a card at all, get a secured card don't get one of those...jump over this rope 5 times while spurring out 12 hail marys and we can see what type of boost we can get the almighty score up to. it's enough to make anyone nuts!!!

logan what kind of place is 96k for 4 years of rental costs? holy moly!

I pay 2K a month. 2K times 12 times 4 equals 96K. I could get a less expensive place to live for maybe $1500 but for the extra $500 you get a much nicer place. $1500 a month is still 72K over 4 years.
I'm looking to move back to California and renting in a good school district is at least $2500 a month. So I needed to rebuild my credit so I can eventually buy a house rather than pay a landlord.
Logan

[Amy26]

@ Amy26

We will simply have to agree to disagree - respectfully of course - on all counts that were posted / directed / replied to

Yep, where you are (n. va) housing is expensive, especially in the Alexandria / Crystal City / Rosslyn area's; not sure if you're in any of those areas, but I do feel for ya. Have many friends up that way...

@ Logan

$96K in 4 years for rent?! Holy crap dude - thats outrageous! I just could not fathom paying that much for rent - think I'd have to find a small place outside of town a bit and commute, thereby saving $ to put towards a house. Thats insane...(not saying you are insane for paying it... just that the price is insane) ;)

Yes, that is a viable solution Pandora. ;)

We live in Fairfax and I work for the gov't in DC. Lived here my whole life (aside from moving overseas for a while) ... Our rent is 2,400 so, we're in the same boat as Logan is. Even the trailer parks here are expensive. There is a trailer park in Chantilly and just the lot rent there is 900 a month. It could be possible for us to move to a cheaper place down the road but my mother is here and she freaks out when I mention moving away...when I moved to Europe I thought she was gonna have a heart attack.

Anyhoo.... lets hope the original poster was able to find the answer to their question amidst all the anarchy.

[Logan]

I guess this thread proves everyone's situation is different. I've lived most my life in California where rents and housing are expensive and others here live in houses that I could pay cash for right now. I also have a job that affords me the higher cost of housing and this is what I'm accustomed to. If I lived in a trailer park or somewhere that I could buy a home for under 100k then I would not need a mortgage but I prefer to live near the beach and that means I will pay high rent or have a high mortgage. I can afford it but I will need a mortgage and so I will need to rebuild my credit.
Some here have suggested moving to a cheaper area but keep in mind that housing is all about supply and demand. If more people wanted to live in a trailer park then the cost of those homes would rise. There is a trailer park in Malibu, CA. Anyone want to guess the cost of one of those places?

[dman]

It would all be well and wonderful for us all to go live in a big corn field with no running water and a big gas stove and grow our own food and knit our own clothes... (maybe some of you do?) but that is not life (at least not the one I wanna live).

Current house = under $20,000. 3 bedroom, 2 bath. Nearly an acre. With repairs, cost still under $25,000. Wal-Mart 30 minutes away. Big city (with three of them thar Wal-Marts) 45 minutes away. City water (and electricity, and phone, and DSL, and...). We don't grow our own food or knit our own clothes (but we do have a gas fireplace). We can live lean on $1,000/mo, $1,500/mo has us living comfortably.

No, it's not for everybody, but it sure works for us!

[dman]

I guess this thread proves everyone's situation is different. I've lived most my life in California where rents and housing are expensive and others here live in houses that I could pay cash for right now. I also have a job that affords me the higher cost of housing and this is what I'm accustomed to. If I lived in a trailer park or somewhere that I could buy a home for under 100k then I would not need a mortgage but I prefer to live near the beach and that means I will pay high rent or have a high mortgage. I can afford it but I will need a mortgage and so I will need to rebuild my credit.
Some here have suggested moving to a cheaper area but keep in mind that housing is all about supply and demand. If more people wanted to live in a trailer park then the cost of those homes would rise. There is a trailer park in Malibu, CA. Anyone want to guess the cost of one of those places?

For $130,000 you can buy a "trailer" with nearly 2500 square feet, 5 bedroom, 3 bathroom, 5 acres, creek, etc. This was during housing bubble, now you can get something similar for well under $100,000.

I plan on moving to one of those touristy beach places for about a year. Under $900/mo for two bedrooms near the beach.

[Logan]

For $130,000 you can buy a "trailer" with nearly 2500 square feet, 5 bedroom, 3 bathroom, 5 acres, creek, etc. This was during housing bubble, now you can get something similar for well under $100,000.

I plan on moving to one of those touristy beach places for about a year. Under $900/mo for two bedrooms near the beach.

Not in Souther California for a house near the beach.

[dman]

Not in Souther California for a house near the beach.

Nope. My main point was that you can have a decent house in a decent area and it doesn't have to cost an arm and a leg. I would bet that the majority if people that absolutely HAVE to have that $300-$500k house, would be happier with a lower-cost house and no mortgage. Not all, I grant you that.

And if you HAVE to have a house by the beach...there are LOTS of places near the beach. California doesn't have a monopoly on beaches. Now, if you have to be in Southern California for other reasons (i.e., specific job, family nearby, etc.) that is different, sure.

[Logan]

Nope. My main point was that you can have a decent house in a decent area and it doesn't have to cost an arm and a leg. I would bet that the majority if people that absolutely HAVE to have that $300-$500k house, would be happier with a lower-cost house and no mortgage. Not all, I grant you that.

And if you HAVE to have a house by the beach...there are LOTS of places near the beach. California doesn't have a monopoly on beaches. Now, if you have to be in Southern California for other reasons (i.e., specific job, family nearby, etc.) that is different, sure.

I'm living near work. If I moved somewhere where the housing is less I would also make less. This isn't really a discussion on where to live but more on reasons to rebuild credit. Getting a mortgage, Auto loan, etc. are reasons to get your credit score up and some of the critics need to realize that some people live in expensive areas and are not moving because someone thinks they're paying too much for rent or a mortgage.
Logan