So lately I've been trying to formulate a plan to build a stable credit history so that I can purchase a house in the next 6 to 8 months. My current problem is that I don't really know where to start. Since my college loans are all deferred, they really don't say much for my credit history, so I'm looking for something else. My mother suggested buying a car, but I bought one a couple months ago without financing and I don't intend to get another one for quite a while. She also suggested purchasing something small and financing, like a computer or a couch, but I really don't think financing only $500 is enough to prequalify for a $125,000 home. Does anybody have any good ideas for how to start a credit history that has good content, but won't put me too far behind?

I don't know how much credit you will need to be able to get a home lona in 6-8 months, but I would recommend getting a secured credit card.  It's basicalyl a cash card: you can only spend money on it that you've previously paid on it.  I would stay away from financing things or making a alrge purchase.  Buying a house is enough of one!  Lenders tend to look at things like employment history and rental history as deciding factors for making a loan decision, so you may not need to build up that much?  Good luck.  Let us know what you decide on doing.

Thanks! I'm not sure right now, since it looks like I have a lot of different options available, but I'm sure I'll figure something out. Hopefully I can confer with my mother and my fiance and try to come up with a better plan of attack than just spending money, ya know?

Building credit takes time. It is like taking two steps forward one back. Ex you get a credit line FORWARD, inquirey to the credit Bureaus BACk, New tradeline Back, reg payments forward, length of account forward. 6 months can be challenge.

Six months seems like a long time, but it goes by in a flash! (-:  I didn't open any new cards for six months and my score rose around fifty points!

I checked out my student loans and I found that I can pay them off early, but the payments won't show up on my credit history because they are deferred. So after talking it over with my mother, I have decided to start paying off the larger of the two debts now, and then there will still be some left over that applies to my credit history, but it won't be as much of a burden when the time comes.

That's a great idea.  No better time than now!

I would recommend a secured card or regular credit card to establish some revolving credit history.  If you pay it off each month you will begin to establish a payment history which should help boost your score over time.  If you have no issue with carrying around a large amount of credit, try to get a reasonably high limit on the card and keep the balance low.

Also look at different home loan programs that might be available to you such as VA, HUD etc where credit history may be ignored or less of a factor.

I agree secured card or cc would be good. Only utilize up to 1/3 max. Pay most of the balance off. Keep a few bucks on the card, otherwise the CBs will report $0 and no use, keep a little gain credit history, responsibility and drum roll HIGHER FICO score. Summary $1000 cc use $300 pay $275

Now what if you can't get a a secured credit card then what? Is there another way for you to be able to actually work on your credit without having to get a credit card?