<prompt> Human: If you need help, please check the PF Wiki to see if your question might be answered there.This thread is for personal finance discussions, questions, and sharing your success stories:1. Make a top-level comment if you want to share something positive regarding your personal finances! Instead of posting individual threads for positive success stories of how youve funded your emergency fund, made progress on your debt, saved for a future goal, reached a certain net worth, or anything else you would like to share, lets consolidate everyones stories into one weekly thread!2. Please make a top-level comment if you want to ask a question! Also, please dont downvote moronic questions! If you have not received your answer within 24 hours, you can feel free to start a discussionA big thank you to the many PFers who take time to answer other peoples questions!For past threads, please search the Weekly Archive  <response>: Hey all,My whole life Ive had bad credit record. It started with a cycle of poverty with my family and no one really teaching me how to work with credit. My whole family was bad with finances.2 years ago I decided to get my credit life together and serious about my credit score and history.My credit score lowest was around the 400s.I was young and dumb when I made mistakes including not paying bills on time, letting bills go into collections. But, this was because my own parents were doing this. I had no one to teach me. I just did what I had been taught. And I thought that was ok.As soon as I realized I was not getting any younger, I had become independent and I had a very good career now I needed to act like an adult.So, two years ago I got my first secured credit card and a few other unsecured credit cards low tier cards. With the help of so many people on the reddit boards, and youtube, etc. I disputed all of my negative accounts. And also sent in Goodwill letters to companies for late payments.These steps helped me to remove old accounts, bring to current dates on my accounts, and the goodwill letters helped to remove late payments.I also realized that I needed to make my payments on my credit cards every month so I brought my utilization down to 1-937;.I pay all my bills on time. My rent, my electricity, my phone and I try to keep a minimalist lifestyle not overspending just getting the necessities. So, Im living below my means.Today:Utilization: 137;NegativeDelinquent Accounts Collections: 0Late Payments: 0Hard Inquiries by the end of 2018: 0My credit score went from 400s to now at 650 within a matter of a year and half.I know 650 isnt excellent but Im no longer below average. I feel like Im part of society now.I thought Id never see my score go over 600. My next goal is to get into the high 700s.GOODBYE OLD IRRESPONSIBLE ME AND HELLO TO THE NEW ME! THE NEW NORMAL! 