Search
Recommended Products
Related Links


 
 

 

 

Informative Articles

Auto Loans with Bad Credit
Certain types of loans are very hard to get approved for if you have bad credit. For example, if you have poor credit, getting approved for an unsecured loan or unsecured line of credit is out of the question. However, there are also types...

Bad Credit Credit Card - How To Increase Your Credit Score With Credit Cards
Credit cards are often the first step for a consumer to build their credit score. When you make regular payments with a small credit limit, lenders will be more willing to lend you larger amounts. Before you jump out and open an account, make...

Bad Credit Mortgage Refinance
Bad Credit Mortgage Refinance If you are looking to refinance your mortgage but believe you will be unable to because your credit may be challenged by late payments, bankruptcy, charge off's, or unpaid medical bills to name a few, don't...

Credit cards and identity theft
As more and more Americans become reliant on credit cards in their daily life, identity theft is growing. Identity theft is when someone uses your personal information without permission. They can obtain credit or use your existing credit to put you...

Credit Establishment 101
There will come a day when you need credit. You may want to buy a home or a car and your credit rating will become very important to help make these dreams come true. One of the first things you will need to learn is the basic principle of money...

Credit where it's due
Over recent years, many people have been happy to take on more and more credit. Mortgages, credit cards, overdrafts, personal loans, store cards, store deferred payment schemes, mail order and hire purchase the list goes on. Credit cards have been...

Getting the Loan You Need with Adverse Credit
For those individuals who have had credit problems in the past, getting a loan for something that they need can seem like a nearly impossible dream. After all, what lender is going to give money to someone that's had problems repaying loans or...

New Business Credit Card - Managing Cash Flow With A Business Credit Card
A business credit card can help you manage your company's finances more efficiently. With a line of credit, you can handle cash flow issues, keep track of expenses, and qualify for deals and discounts. Manage Cash Flow Cash flow is...

No Fuss Credit Card Application
Today's consumers want the least possible hassle, processing time and related fees when they make credit card applications. One question that immediately comes to mind is acceptance. Credit card applicants generally should not worry if they...

Opting For A Credit Card? Check Out Certain Terms
You've just received a "pre-approved" credit card offer in your mail. Without wasting a minute you're ready to accept it, especially if it's the "before-the-offer-expires" one. Wait! Don't be in a hurry. Shop around a little and then make your...

 
 
 
Do it yourself Credit Repair

Many of us believe that it is only through an agency that we could possibly have any hope for repairing our own credit. Rest assured that this is not true. It could possibly cost you more money and time to arrange through an agency than it would to just do it yourself. My recommendation, before contacting an agency for assistance is to follow the steps below as you may just be surprised at the results.

Repairing your own credit takes time, and definitely takes patience. You first need to contact the credit reporting agencies in writing requesting your credit report. You are entitled by Federal Law to a free credit report every year. There are three main credit-reporting agencies that you will need to contact. The bureaus information can be located by running a search on the internet for "Credit Reporting Agencies" or looking through you local phone book. Include the following in your written correspondence with the credit agency.

1. Written request for a copy of your credit report (You are entitled to one free credit report a year). 2. Include a copy of your state ID. 3. Send proof of your current address if it is not current on your ID. 4. List your last known addresses for the past 5 years. 5. Include a copy of your social security card. 6. Sign the document

Allow at least 4-6 weeks to receive your credit report(s). If you have already received an annual credit report from an agency and are not entitled to the free yearly report, you may also use any denial letter of credit within 60 days of its receipt. If you receive a letter denying you credit, make a copy and enclose it with your written request for a copy of your credit report.

Once you receive your reports from all of the agencies, review each report for accuracy and differences. Design a spreadsheet or written log to track the differences. Do not hesitate to make use of disputes or accounts that are invalid. If you find anything on your report that is worth disputing, most agencies allow you to file an official dispute via their website. Your credit reports should include contact and account information for each

 


creditor. Organize all of your debt and creditors. Most debts older than 7 years old will or may not appear on your report, if this is the case, leave them alone, do not dig around for them. Most creditors after 7 years of not having any contact with you will write off the debt, some may continue their pursuit to locate you, either way, don't open the Pandora's box if the account isn't listed on your credit report.

Take it upon yourself to contact each creditor to make payment arrangements, most are willing to work with you, some may make your task very difficult. If a creditor is being difficult, feel free to ask for his or her supervisor or speak with someone else. Expect some creditors to be rude and unwilling to work with you, do not feel discouraged, and just ask to speak with someone else. Offer a settlement amount. Write down details of the conversation as well as the person's contact information every time you speak with a creditor.

It may take up to 6 months to feel like you are making any progress at all on your credit with your payment arrangements but rest assured that your credit will fall into place within a year.

It is very important that while you are paying your creditors, when you mail in your payment, that you pay by check or money order and keep all of your receipts. Always include a SASE (self-addresses stamped envelope) with your payment and request a receipt for the payment from the creditor.

Obtain copies of your credit reports on a yearly basis from each agency. Do not obligate yourself to any other creditors while paying off your current ones. You will or may receive several credit offers, throw them away. Stay focused on your goal to get out of debt and keep track of all your activity such as payments, contact with the creditors, their names, extension, time and date you spoke with them and list any details of your conversations and arrangements.



About the author:

Tony Robinson is a business owner with vast experience in all facets of Credit and Credit Repair - for further tips and techniques visit http://www.officialdebtfree.com