So, yeah, I got my Social Security Card. I fixed up my resume completely today and applied for one or two things online. Paul's friend who works at the same place as he does says she will look for something for me there too as it is a very large company. Hopefully by this time next month I will be gainfully employed.
Also, since I got the card we went to get a joint checking account. Unfortunately, we didn't get all the features that we wanted since Paul bounced ONE check FIVE years ago. LAME! But in a few months we can apply to get the restrictions on the account removed.
Now that I have the card I can also apply for a drivers licence which brings me to question one for you people to help me with; My Canadian licence has expired and I can't renew it from here and I have to take an actual driving test to get an American licence, so, how do I practice driving and getting a feel for the car if I have no licence?
Question two, my peeps, involves credit. I have a brand new SSN with an absolutely blank slate, credit wise. This is a huge opportunity to ensure that I build perfect credit for myself. I looked up what to do and most places suggested getting a low limit credit card and making scrupulously on time payments to boost your credit fast. So, I applied for a credit card. Before I could give any info other than my SSN, they denied me due to 'lack of any credit history'. So, how do I get a credit history when I can't get a credit card and how do I get a credit card when I have no credit history?
3 comments:
You should be able to get a temporary permit type thing from the DMV. That's what kids do, and I don't see why adults wouldn't be able to do the same thing. You'll probably have to take a written test to get the permit, but I don't recall. Just call the DMV.
As for credit, you may be able to get a store card for like Target or a clothing store. You can also get a secured credit card...which is sort of like a debit card in that you have to basically give the credit card company $X to get $X or $X+Y credit. You could also try to get a small loan and have someone (one of Paul's parents?) co-sign. Then pay the loan back over a few months. If Paul can get a credit card, you may be able to get a joint card. talk to your bank.
I guess I'm a simple barnyard creature, but what sort of features do you need on a checking account that would be denied because a check was bounced five years ago? I don't think I'd want to do business with a bank like that, and there are probably at least a dozen large banks in the Knoxville area to take your business to instead...
Well, as for the checking account, they would give us a Visa check card but we can't use it as a credit card, only as a debit card. That sucks because you still have to have the money on the card to use it as a credit card, so how could we screw up?! And its difficult not being able to use it as a Visa for the purposes of bill paying etc.
There are numerous other banks in the Knoxville area but very few in our small town and this one is the only convenient one.
As for the other suggestions re. credit...Paul cannot get a credit card, there is nobody we know who either would or -could- get a loan to have us pay back and I was already denied for a store credit card. I will perhaps try the secured credit card in my own name...anyone have a suggestion as to a good one or where I get one? (The bank is not an option ;)
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