When Vanessa first started working on her credit score, she wasn’t sure what to expect. Her scores weren’t moving, and her balances were high. She knew she wanted to make a change, but like many people, she didn’t know where to begin.
That’s when she was paired with a credit counselor who put together a customized Success Plan and walked her through the process – step by step.
With a clear plan, consistent support, and the right tools, Vanessa took control of her credit story. And the results speak for themselves.
A Slow Start, But a Promising Foundation
In the beginning, Vanessa’s credit scores were:
Equifax: 560
Experian: 569
TransUnion: 629
For a little while, the numbers didn’t change. That can be frustrating, especially when you’re putting in effort. But her counselor reminded her: credit improvement is a process – and some of the most important changes happen behind the scenes.
Vanessa stayed committed. She made on-time payments, started using a budget to track her spending, and uploaded her credit bureau letters to ensure the investigation process continued.
These small, steady actions created a foundation for change – even when her credit scores hadn’t caught up yet.
Progress That Built Over Time
As the months went on, Vanessa kept working closely with her counselor. Together, they reviewed her credit utilization – which had been at 78% – and built a strategy to begin lowering it.
That shift made a big impact. Utilization plays a major role in credit scoring models. Just bringing it down closer to 60% opened the door for noticeable score increases.
Her counselor also helped her dispute two accounts that may have been unfairly reported. Adding dispute comments allowed those items to be re-examined, which removed some of their negative weight during the process.
The Results: Real Score Growth
By the end of her journey, Vanessa had achieved results she could see – and feel proud of:
Equifax: 642 (+82 points)
Experian: 634 (+65 points)
TransUnion: 657 (+28 points)
This wasn’t just about numbers. It was about learning how credit works, building healthier financial habits, and gaining confidence.
“I am very happy with the program and
how I was able to reach my goal credit score.”
– Vanessa L.
A Reminder for Anyone Working to Improve Your Credit
Vanessa’s story is proof that you can improve your credit with commitment, consistency, and support. Whether you’re lowering balances, disputing errors, or just learning where to begin — working with a counselor can make all the difference.
If you’re on a similar path, remember: you don’t have to figure it all out on your own.
