How I did it: Stopped using ALL credit cards (cash cards ok) and kept making big payments.

Also, kept moving balances to low or zero interest. 

Once you make a few big payments, the better offers start coming in.

I work 2 jobs, 7 days a week, occasionally more than 80 hours
a week.  I pay cash or cash equivalent, I
am very frugal (i.e. not afraid to buy jeans at goodwill), sold some investments
and often go without. And try not to spend too much time on the bad things that happen (like having to buy a new $$ car windshield last month) and still manage
to donate some to charity and my annual Ardath Stewardship Award so that some
money is going to good causes (and not just the banks.)

Lessons & tips: Do not ever loan money to anyone, especially friends and
family.  If they are in dire straits feel
free to Give them some money.  If they
Give it back  - great!  If not, then you will not have compromised yourself
by giving more than you can afford to lose and your friendship will not be
effected by money.

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Jul 19, 2009, 08:42PM PDT | 2 comments | 3 cheers