Hello everyone, I'm new to Google Groups and a friend recommended I try this out to get an good answer to a very tough question.
I am a 26 year old artist/assistant currently living in New York (moving to Philadelphia). I just found out that I have a credit score of 575 and that my credit card company (USAA) canceled my credit card due to flagrant delinquent payments. I was incredibly naive and did not understand that credit cards needed to get paid off EVERY MONTH. Believe me, I know that now, so if you can spend as little time flaming me for stupidity, that would be wonderful :)
Due to anxiety about mounting fees, I did not check my bills often. I also know now that was incredibly irresponsible as well. My main question is: now that the damage is done, what is the most effective way of restoring my credit rating to a passable level and how to get a credit card again so I can start a healthy system of paying it off on time every month.
Thank you so much in advance for your advice!
--Stressed out in NY