Search
Close this search box.

My Credit Score Adventure: From Stellar to So-So (and How to Avoid My Mistakes)

Seniors with Credit Card

Welcome to the story of how I, a once-proud owner of an “exceptional” 826 credit score, embarked on a quest driven by curiosity and ended up with a score that made lenders raise an eyebrow. It’s a tale of financial highs, lows, and the unexpected consequences of a seemingly harmless experiment.

The Rise and Fall of My Credit Kingdom

Once upon a time, in the mystical land of Finance, I sat comfortably on my throne with a credit score of 826. Lenders looked upon me favorably, offering me their best rates with a smile. But then, driven by a blend of curiosity and perhaps a pinch of madness, I decided to test the murky waters of credit scoring. Fast forward one year, and my score plummeted to 670. Imagine going from being a VIP at exclusive clubs to getting the “Sorry, we’re full” treatment.

The Experiment: Diving Into the Credit Abyss

My journey into the abyss started simply enough. FICO, the wise old sage of credit scoring, has always been a bit secretive about its methods. So, like a curious cat, I decided to poke around and see what it takes to upset this delicate number.

Credit Chart
Credit: AARP

Lesson #1: The Many Faces of Credit

What I discovered first was that my credit identity was like a wardrobe with about 40 different outfits. I had several FICO scores, each tailored by different versions and credit bureaus. There was FICO 8, FICO 2 to 10T, and let’s not forget VantageScore. It was like discovering you have multiple alter egos you never knew about.

Lesson #2: The Credit Score Dance

Watching my scores fluctuate was like following a confusing dance routine. A little jump here when I used more credit, a small dip there when I paid off a card. It was a rollercoaster of minor ups and downs that made me realize focusing on score ranges, not points, was key.

Lesson #3: Defying Common Sense

In my quest for knowledge, I defied common sense. I opened not one, not two, but four new credit cards in a short span. To my surprise, my credit score barely batted an eyelid. It was like throwing a party and expecting the neighbors to complain, but they just waved and went about their business.

Lesson #4: The Cost of a Missed Payment

The real drama unfolded when I missed a payment — just $35 instead of the required $40. The fallout was like a scene from a financial horror movie. My FICO score dropped 81 points, and my VantageScore took an even more dramatic dive. It turns out, in the world of credit scoring, size doesn’t matter; it’s all about paying on time.

Senior couple, credit card and laptop for home online shopping, payment and fintech, savings or loan. Happy elderly woman and man with debit, banking investment and finance or e commerce on computer

Lesson #5: The Long Road Back

Recovering from my credit score adventure was like trying to climb back up a slippery hill. I found out it could take years to restore my score to its former glory. Each missed payment was a stain that wouldn’t wash out for seven long years.

Lesson #6: A Cautionary Tale

So, what’s the moral of this credit story? It’s simple: don’t try this at home, kids. My experiment, though enlightening, came with real consequences, like potential tax implications on forgiven debt and a long wait to rebuild my credit reputation.

In Conclusion: The Wise Way Forward

If you’re navigating the mystical world of credit scores, remember to pay your bills on time, keep an eye on your credit utilization, and avoid the temptation to open too many accounts at once. And most importantly, learn from my misadventures: curiosity might not just kill the cat; it can also take a swipe at your credit score!

So, there you have it: my journey from a credit score hero to nearly zero, and the lessons learned along the way. May your credit score journey be less tumultuous and more triumphant!