Basically, I pathetically failed in life and am now playing “catch up”. I want to get a credit card to be eligible to buy a house, car, etc., but I’ve never had a job and will most likely not have one any time soon (even after I graduate college in 2 years). My credit score is low, as well, due to failing to pay hospital bills. I cannot see a future for me and don’t know what to do. What steps can I take?
My guess would be that, without any sort of a job, you will have trouble getting credit.
Why not get a job? Everyone I know–my siblings, my friends, myself-- worked all through college.
You can get a few hours a week job on campus. And work during summers.
My D is authorized user on my CC, I added her when she was 18. She has a job though.
In a year or so I expect she can apply for her own CC.
Also never just ignore medical bills. If you don’t have insurance, are low income you need to contact them and see if you can make small payments or if some of the balance can be forgiven.
From your posting history, an art major who doesn’t want to work hard, you need to seek therapy otherwise you will be sponging off the government and others the rest of your life.
Even if a credit card company was willing to extend you credit, how would you pay it off? Sounds like you’d only end up in a worse situation by taking on more debt with no income.
There are plenty of people who struggle to establish good credit. There is no quick fix. To be credit-worthy, first you need income. Then you need to demonstrate responsibility. That would involve making progress paying off those medical bills. Get a job, work out a payment schedule with the medical providers, and your score will gradually improve. You may need to save up cash to buy a cheap used car if you can’t get a loan. And you may need to rent for a while - millions of people do.
Yes a CC without a job would not be a good idea.
No one wants to extend credit to someone who doesn’t have a job or a consistent income stream. You need to figure out how to get those. And pay your bills, even if over a extended period via a payment plan.
You won’t be eligible to buy a house, car, etc. anyway if you don’t have a job. If you aren’t eligible for even a credit card, there is no way anyone will lend you money for a house or a car.
Every business will check your credit and payment history, which includes any outstanding medical bills. Your best bet, to improve your credit, is to pay off your bills by getting a job.
Most college students WORK. If you can’t find a job, volunteer somewhere to get some experience. Use that experience to find a job.
Edited to add: I just read your previous posts. Wanting to be a singer dancer takes a LOT of hard work! Lots of actors and actresses worked at restaurants waiting tables, working odd jobs and anything that paid the bills. It doesn’t sound like you are mature enough to figure out that it takes hard work to accomplish anything in life. Who’s paying for your college now? You need to do whatever it takes to find a job and work, or you’ll be 43, with no credit waiting for someone to pay your bills.
Fortunately, financial aid has been able to cover my college fees.
Does that financial aid include loans for which you’ll be responsible once you stop being a student?
No, it does not.
You’re 23. You have not failed in life. Life is ahead of you. Take one day at a time and be patient. If possible get a credit card with a $500 limit or something small. Make minor charges on it and pay it off in full each month. Even if it comes with a high interest rate, don’t worry because if you pay it off each month, you won’t have to worry about interest. Also, if possible opt for monthly payments on future purchases (auto, etc) if possible instead of paying in full. If you live at home, ask your parents to transfer some of the utility bills in your name to help you build good credit.