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Fast forward a decade, and the author's circumstances had shifted. Now 33 and diving into a new life after another divorce, she had become determined to improve her credit score and financial situation. After working diligently to remove negative accounts, negotiating payments, and picking up side jobs like cleaning houses, she finally achieved a clear credit report.
However, instead of maintaining a fiscally responsible lifestyle, she made the decision to purchase her first brand new car—a 2009 Scion XB—along with her first home. While the home needed numerous updates, the author was proud of her decision to finance these improvements only with cash, reflecting her newfound commitment to avoiding costly credit card debt.