We changed our banks over and soon I’ll be down FIVE accounts – what a weight off of my shoulders.
Going into our now-past bank didn’t take long, but I certainly was asked to “defend” my choice of leaving – and to a credit union no less. Luckily, I had done my research and had answers to her questions regarding convenience of ATMs and whatnot. I would have felt slightly silly saying, “Because!” – and would have felt like they were winning or something. I’m silly like that. She also lectured me against closing my credit card with this same bank, she said I should just leave it as a zero balance or my credit score will drop ten points instantly. While I don’t doubt what she says since I’ve heard the same thing from many sources on the subject during my research on how to improve my credit, I also don’t really care. Her reasoning didn’t make much sense though, she said to leave it at a zero balance until the company closes the card – and I commented, “From what I understand it doesn’t matter who closes it, a closed card and the loss of available credit is what causes the FICO score to drop.” She didn’t respond to that, so I’m not sure if what I said was correct or not in her mind.
We shifted the money around and have now rebuilt our savings account as well. Once we get our taxes back we may add a bit more, but I think 90% of it will be able go to our debt.
Anyone familiar enough with taxes to know the answer to this? At the beginning of last year I adjusted my dependents in order to receive more back from each paycheck. I was aware that my return would be less, but now I’m wondering because our income has changed. Since Paul lost his job, do you think our much lower combined income will balance out the the adjusted dependents to where we still might get a sizable return again this year? That would be nice 
Comments on: "We did it!" (1)
Don’t have an answer to your QUESTION but a conditional support to your belief about closing accounts (I think YES, it’s the opening or closing of an account that shows–period).