Original Orient Adventures

Once I got focused, my first real goal was to clean up my credit.

I had some debts in collections, a few old accounts with bad marks, and only one thing in good standing — my student loans, which I always paid on time.

To rebuild, I had to get back into debt — smart debt this time.

Step 1: Secured Credit Card

I saved up $500 and got a secured credit card through a credit union. That $500 became my credit limit. If I missed a payment, they’d keep the money. So I treated that card with respect. I charged small amounts and paid it off in full every month.

Step 2: Store Credit Card

After a few months, I applied for a store card. (Think Amazon, Forever 21, Victoria’s Secret — places where the card only works at that store.) I used it responsibly, paid it down fast, and kept my usage low.

Those two lines of credit were small steps — but they were the foundation. Once they showed up on my credit report, more offers came in. But here’s where self-control comes in.

Credit Cards Are Not Free Money

Credit card companies want you to spend. They make money off your interest. Getting more offers in the mail doesn’t mean you should take them. It just means they see potential to profit off you.

That’s why I stuck to my K.I.S.S. plan:

Only use what I need. Pay it off fast. Avoid large balances. Keep the number of cards low.

Self-control is hard when you see things you want or need, but you’ve got to remind yourself of the bigger goal.

Milestones Take Time

Buying a house isn’t easy. Before I could even think about getting a mortgage, I had to fix my credit, stay consistent, and be patient. It took years. I had to plan, budget, and stay disciplined.

In the end, it paid off. I hit one of the biggest milestones in life — owning my own home — and I did it by keeping things simple and staying focused on what mattered most.

🧠 Final Thought:

If you’re starting from behind, just know that it is possible. It might take time. It might feel slow. But with some planning, patience, and a simple mindset, you can get there.

Keep it simple. Keep it steady. And keep showing up.