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David Rubenstein started his career as a big firm lawyer, but decided that life wasn’t for him. He now works for himself and also runs a credit and credit card forum thanks to a longtime love for personal finance. Learn how he escaped the 9-5 life and got started with his credit forums side hustle in this week’s episode of the Personal Profitability Podcast.
Resources Mentioned
Connect with David Rubenstein
CreditForums.com : Where forum members talk about improving credit, identity theft, managing debt, credit cards, and whimsical stuff.
CreditShout.com : Where we post credit card reviews, advice on choosing cards and maxing out rewards, how credit works, saving money, and how to take control of your finances.
Facebook: We can be found at https://www.facebook.com/
Getting a Mortgage with a Thin Credit History
Following up with my friend Doug, he said that mortgage underwriters need a credit score for everyone. But when you have a thin file, they take a manual approach and look to alternate reports for payment history to help produce a credit file and score.
Based on that, I would not pay to have rent or utilities reported to the major credit bureaus if I wanted to build credit for a mortgage.
He did recommend that anyone recovering from a credit event (bankruptcy, etc.) or just not having credit should get a secured credit card (he likes Capital One) and one or two department store cards (Macy, Sears). Use the secure card to make a few purchases every month (they can be small) and then pay in full. Use the department store cards only when you open them to take advantage of the discount and any interest free financing. Doing that should build a good credit file and score in a few months.
Free guide
Turn your skills into freelance income
Learn how I found clients, raised my rates and went full-time freelance in 2016. Get the free 2026 edition, tax basics included.
- How to land your first paying client, with a checklist
- The rate-increase email I've sent clients, ready to copy
- 2026 tax basics: 1099s, quarterly due dates and the $400 rule
Bonus: The Side Income Starter Sheet, 20 ideas rated by cost and speed
People need all the help they can get on Mortgages. Thank you for offering your services to the public. Have a long and fruitful career.