Credit

[Robroy]

On a side note, I don't know my credit score. Never have. I really try to avoid EVER borrowing money. I did get one of those Alaska Airlines credit cards a few months ago though (to get some miles) and with the limit they gave me, I could buy a new car with it. I must have a pretty good score...

[Notabull]

Since I'm a dirty imgrant to this lovely country we call 'merica, I had the same issue with credit. I did what you did regarding the $300 credit limit, and paid extra interest on a car loan. Within two years my credit limit was at 720, so I think you're lagging on what you could have achieved in this time frame.

As others have said:

-Keep a low balance on your credit cards at credit reporting time. This doesn't mean "don't use them" but try paying off large chunks of it before they issue your statement. AFAIK, the statement date (and balance) is what they report to the credit agencies.
-Don't get new credit if you're looking to get a mortgage in the next few months - it'll probably make your score worse.
-Don't rely on being an authorized user on your spouses credit card, and having that help your score. That *used* to work, but the agencies are in the process of changing that. Instead, contact the credit card company and get put on a Joint Owner of that card. Some companies won't do this, BTW.
-Don't pay back your student loans. You'll probably need the cash for down payment more than you're hurting because of the monthly payment. Besides student loan interest is tax deductible and *usually* as quite a low rate.

You don't need 20%, or even 10% down payment right now, regardless of what others may tell you. There are FHA programs out there for 5% down with pretty decent rates.

Still, I'm not sure that buying now is a good choice. Keep saving, pay off your revolving balances, don't buy a new car, and you'll be fine...

[Alan]

I didn't get a credit card in college (even though they were handing them out like popcorn). When I started working I didn't have a credit history and couldn't get a credit card when I finally wanted one. I was told to get the $300 secured card too. I refused. Instead I bought a new washer and drier for my new house (because I was able to get financing for a house with 20% down based on my salary and utility payment history) from Sears and told them I refused to buy them unless the let me finance it. Then I paid that off over a few months. Next thing you know the credit card offers started pouring in.

[mariaanderson]