Im a 25 year old single mother . I made some horrible financial decisions when I was 19. Im now have a good paying job and no current bills (except for phone, gas and small rent payment) I"d like to take out a consolidation loan and immediately pay off anything in collections ( my car was repossessed at 19) However my credit is horrible. Can anyone give me advice on what to do? PS I have a mother so please if you're going to judge me don't even bother to answer to this. I don't have the time for it. Im trying to do the right thing by fixing this. Thanks!