First question I have is I just got a $300 Discover Card giftcard from PCFS? Scam? Thanks for any answer or 2. Another question on my mind: I always said my biggest mistake in credit repair was not getting a secured card the month after I found CB..

My second biggest mistake was not being organized (or I could have had some CAs by the ...... ).

My third? Not being proactive enough..

Missing deadlines (in part to mistake #2).

Not sending DV letters off quickly enough when dunned to prevent reporting..

Ignoring a summons once (aka Head in Sand) which lead to a default judgment.

Sensing a problem, and not getting on the phone to prevent it, but then having to "undo"/dispute it later.

Etc.

I understand why people feel too overwhelmed to deal with it. I had a moving box FULL (at least a year's worth of mail) of unopened CA letters. I just couldn't deal with it. Even opening the letter seemed overwhelming, so they went in the box. The CA didn't have to call me a deadbeat (although some did!), each letter was a reminder that I already felt that way..

But with baby steps (thanks.

Psych Doc.

) I was able to tackle it slowly. Even getting my scores was a HUGE step in me fixing my credit. When I saw they were in the low 400s, I almost went back to my state of denial, but CB really helped..

When you're feeling down about credit repair, or think you can't accomplish much on your own.... go and read the.

Success Stories.

You'll truly be inspired..

Sometimes newbies get frustrated that they're not getting the help they need. Maybe they're not asking the right questions, or people are short with them... but keep plugging away. Eventually you'll have your "a-ha" moment, and things will click. Really..

I actually have bookmarked a thread of mine from my early days where I posted a copy of a letter (a c/p from another site I believe) and the only response was "You seriously mailed that out?"..

Talk about wanting to hide under a rock..

But thankfully I had more positive experiences on CB than negative, and kept coming back for more. Even when the vets pointed out some harsh truths..

Your credit score is NOT who you are, but it is an important aspect to your life (whether we like it or not). A CA is not your friend, they will lie 100% of the time. An OC has very little interest (if any) in helping you. The only person looking out for you is you, with the help of your fellow boardies here..

Be proactive. go kick some credit butt..