<human>: Condense the text into a few key points

Hi everyone,

So basically a few years ago I was really reckless with store credit cards, they went to debt collectors and my credit score was/still is shot all to hell. Right now I have about $12,000 in student loans, and around $14,000 auto loan which my mother is helping me pay (which I know helps increase my score). According to Credit Karma, my score is around 580 (I know it can be higher or lower). They are recommending credit cards that could help my credit score increase, but I also don't want to put more hard inquiries onto my report because that can decrease my score. But with having a credit card, that will increase my  credit utilization which will help my score too. With the apartment I live in, I don't have to pay utilities, and the only other bill I pay is my phone bill and gym membership. So can anyone give me some advice on what to do in this situation? Thank you!
<bot>: I'm not sure if I should apply for a credit card recommended to me by Credit Karma in fear that another hard inquiry will set me back even more.