STARS: Building My Credit To A Stellar Level

I used to have horrible credit. I was in my early 20s with credit card debt and a repossessed car. I had to hit the reset button on most everything. 

I knew I had to grind and pound pavement the hard way. 

For 10 years, I saved as much money as I could from my checks, some weeks it was 20%, others up to 50%. 

I paid down and ahead as much debt as I could, including my next car. I paid that off in 5 years on an 8 year plan. 

I got a couple of credit cards to build more credit, a safety net, kept one paid off and never closed any I opened. 

I had other assets such as land and stocks to get me back into position. 

My credit score went from a 500 to a 740 over the course of a decade. I did it the simple way, worked hard, worked overtime, had side income and made it happen.

STARS: How I learned how to drive safely and effectively

I am a safe, brave driver that can navigate any road carefully. I've been at this for over 30 years now. 

I am all over the place.  I started in my main yard and road at a young age. I wanted to be ready for my driver's test. 

I drove on my back road 2-3 times per week and then eventually went to Hickory Grove and Sharon where the traffic was lighter. I practiced 3 point turns and parallel parking in my grandma's yard. I was only unprepared for checking mirrors which was a quick solve. I received my driver's license the second time I drove. 

It's hard to believe I've been a licensed driver for 28 years with minimal tickets, warnings and accidents.  I simply use safe driving methods and practice those every time I'm behind the wheel. 

STARS: How I readjusted my career path and the long term plans I have in place

I reflect from my week off from work and I see how what I've did and accomplished the past two decades in the workplace is astonishing and inspiring.  I still have more goals; however I'm a long way from where I came from. 21 years ago, I was working as a temp associate for Vocational Rehabilitation and was about to be hired by The Robert Allen Group in Gaffney, SC. 

My initial goal was to return to school for my MBA or even my M.Ed and buy myself a car since I was between cars. I also wanted to learn to save and live within my means. I didn't make much money for two years and my mom helped with many gaps. I kept my living expenses low without any frills. I had my bare bone basics and that was it and continue to build brick by brick. 

I always expected my time with The Robert Allen Group to be a segway to another opportunity where I could grow and advance my career. It was a job that allowed me to improve my credit score by 300 points and live a better life financially. However with 2 recessions and me earning my MBA 5 years in, I knew I deserved more. The motivation came further once my hours and pay were cut. Fortunately I was making more than I was when I started in 2003. 

2015 (12 years later), I got my chance as I was hired on by Amazon. I knew advancement and financial satisfaction was more of a reality. 9 years and 4 stations later, I've advanced into lower-middle management with stocks and assets, 3 paid off cars, 2 cars bought brand new, most of my debt paid for, in line for my 4th promotion in 5 years, and living in a manner that was a far cry two decades ago. 

I simply didn't give up, plugged into the proper folks that would help me grow and develop and I continued improving myself professionally, socially, spiritually and physically. The skills, experience and mentorship have been second to none from Robert Allen to Amazon. I feel I haven't been promoted and blessed until I was ready and that's what has manifested for me. 

I'm unsure of where the remainder of my work career will take me but I have developed the tools, maturity and experience to help with challenges and adversity.