Okay, let’s keep it real. We all had that phase. The one where bills went unopened, credit cards got maxed out for brunch and bundles, and your credit score dropped lower than your standards during cuffing season. It was giving “I’ll deal with it later” energy—and now, later is here.
But the good news? You can absolutely fix it. Whether your credit score is crying in the 500s or just needs a little TLC, here’s your step-by-step glow-up guide to getting your financial life together.
1. Pull Your Credit Report (Even If You’re Scared)
Face it, babe. You can’t fix what you won’t face. Go to AnnualCreditReport.com and get your free reports from Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.
Check for:
- Late payments
- Collections
- Old accounts
- Errors (they happen more than you think)
This is your “before” pic. Now let’s glow up.
2. Dispute Anything That’s Not Giving Accurate
If something looks shady or just plain wrong—dispute it. You can do this directly through each credit bureau’s website.
Pro tip: Keep receipts. Upload proof if you have it. They have 30–45 days to respond.
3. Pay Off (or Settle) Collections Like a Classy Queen
Collections drag your score down hard. Call the creditor and ask if they’ll do a “pay for delete” (where they remove it from your report once paid).
If not: Pay or settle the debt anyway, especially if it’s recent. Unpaid collections = credit sabotage.
4. Get Current on Any Open Accounts
Nothing kills your score like late payments. If you’re behind, call the company and ask if they’ll work with you. Some offer hardship plans or payment arrangements.
Automatic payments = lifesaver. Set up reminders or auto-draft to keep everything on track.
5. Become a ‘Good Debt’ Baddie
Credit isn’t just about avoiding mistakes—it’s about showing you can handle responsibility.
Ways to build credit:
- Get a secured credit card (they’re made for rebuilding)
- Use credit builder loans from credit unions or apps like Self
- Become an authorized user on a friend/family member’s well-managed credit card
6. Keep Your Utilization Low, Like… Under 30%
Even if your limit is $500, don’t use more than $150 at a time. Credit utilization is a huge part of your score. The lower, the better.
Pro tip: Pay your credit card twice a month to keep that balance looking cute.
7. Don’t Close Old Accounts (Unless They’re Toxic)
Length of credit history = 15% of your score. So if you’ve got an old card with no fees, keep it open—even if you don’t use it. It’s helping you in the background.
But: If it’s costing you money or causing temptation? Let it go.
8. Be Patient and Consistent
Credit is like skincare—results take time. But the longer you’re consistent, the more your score will rise.
Goal: 6–12 months of good habits = major progress.
9. Use Free Tools to Track Your Progress
Apps like Credit Karma, Credit Sesame, and Experian let you monitor your score, track changes, and get suggestions.
Warning: The scores might not be 100% accurate, but the trends are real.
10. Romanticize Your Financial Comeback
Put on your playlist, light your candle, and log into your budget app like it’s self-care. Because it is. You’re not the same girl who ignored her bills and ghosted her bank account. You’re in your CEO era now.
Final Thoughts: Broke Who? We Don’t Know Her.
You’re not defined by your past money mistakes. Credit is a game—and now you know how to play it. Rebuilding takes effort, but the glow-up? So worth it.
So go ahead and check your score, make that payment, and start planning your revenge vacation (paid in full, period). 💳✨
Let’s chat: What was your biggest “broke girl era” moment—and how are you fixing it now? Drop the tea in the comments 💅🏽
