<prompt> Human: Im a twenty year old man now, still living with my mom and step-father in a semi-decent situation now. I make good money, I pay my student loan payments on time, my phone bill on time, and my car payment is always early. Those are the only three items Im contractually bound to pay. So, the reason Im posting, is because I FELT that I was sound in terms of credit scores, and that I would apply for a loan to pay my car off to have the title, and make payments directly through my new credit union. I felt in good spirits when the associate said their requirement for loans is a 550, then she told me mine was 491, due only to a power bill now in collection. She even told me there is help for people with bad credit, I left the bank in tears.ANYTHING that I have willingly committed to has been calculated and paid on time always, no exceptions. Im not asking for sympathy, I only ask if there is any chance I can recover from this and establish a decent credit score to help me in my future after paying that collection bill Im on the early side of 20 years old, remember, so Im young. If so, where should I start? Thanks so much guys, I love this subreddit and now I can use it.  <response>: It depends on if you agreed to the bill being in your name. If you did then it would have been your responsibility to make sure it was paid. If you didnt agree to the bill being in your name you need to contest the bill on your credit report. This might end will issues for your parents. If you can get it contested and removed you score should jump. Good luck 