In today’s day and age, it is not uncommon to hit “rock bottom” and be in need of credit repair advice. Reaching this point can make you feel like there is no where to turn, and no way to get back on track again. That’s really not the case, and following a few simple steps can help you along the way.
Be sure that you pay all of your bills promptly if you are trying to fix a bad credit history. Don’t leave them until the last minute. Set up a schedule for when you pay your bills, and use some sort of reminder system to make sure that they all get paid on time.
It may be a good idea to include an old-fashioned bank loan in your credit repair activities. Banks may be willing to give even those with bad credit a loan. Paying back a small loan on time will really help your credit history. Be aware, however, that you won’t get the best terms with poor credit. You may have to suffer a bad interest rate or put up collateral to secure the loan.
Getting your credit score up is easily accomplished by using a credit card to pay all of your bills but automatically deducting the full amount of your card from your checking account at the end of each month. The more you use your card, the more your credit score is affected, and setting up auto-pay with your bank prevents you from missing a bill payment or increasing your debt.
Your household bills are just as important to pay on time as any other credit source. When repairing your credit history be sure to maintain on time payments to utilities, mortgages or rent. If these are reported as late, it can have as much negative impact on your history as the positive things you are doing in your repairs.
It is important that everyone, regardless of whether their credit is outstanding or needs repairing, to review their credit report periodically. By doing this periodical check-up, you can make sure that the information is complete, factual, and current. It also helps you to detect, deter and defend your credit against cases of identity theft.
Since current bankruptcy legislation mandates that you acquire credit counseling from an organization which is government-approved within six months prior to filing for bankruptcy relief, it is important to know where you can access a listing of these approved organizations. You may view these organization on a state-by-state list on the U.S. Department of Justice’s website, under the U.S. Trustee Program.
Another way to repair your credit is through the use of secured credit cards. These cards are available with many different rates, so be sure to shop around for one that can work for you. Just don’t apply to too many, because this can actually lower your credit score. This is due to the fact that it may appear to the credit bureaus that you are having money issues, and are trying to increase your credit lines.
If you can’t pay a debt off, you should contact the creditor your debt is through. Many creditors are willing to work out smaller payments so you can get a debt paid back to them without negatively affecting your credit report. They would rather accept a lower payment than none at all.
Avoid new debt! When you’re in the process of repairing your credit, the last thing you want to do is add more debt to your load. You will have an easier time repaying old debts, if you don’t accumulate new debts – you will have to pay too!
Make a note of anything that is wrong on your credit report. You can use the form that they will mail to you when they send your report, or you can write a letter. Remember that whatever it is that you are disputing, you will need to provide proof of it.
Remain optimistic. It may seem like the entire process of repairing your credit is taking too long, but stick with it. Keep doing what you need to do. Eventually you will start seeing the results of your hard work. Just keep your end goal in sight and you will get there sooner than you thought.
When you are working to improve your credit, do not rely on debts falling off of your credit report. While it is true that debts recorded on your report can expire, the process takes many years. Serious debts are likely to be referred to collection agencies, as well, making them impossible to ignore. It is better to face up to the fact that you will have to pay off the legitimate debts on your credit report.
To start repairing your credit, stop the bleeding by assembling an emergency savings account. Most people who suffer credit damage did so because of bad luck and they were unprepared. Make sure you have an emergency reserve fund. It will enable you to prevent future mishaps so your credit repair efforts actually work. Healing and bleeding simultaneously just creates a revolving door that drives you nuts.
Paying your bills on time every time must become a priority as you work to rebuild your credit. Your payment history reigns supreme when your credit score is being calculated so anything that you can do to start improving that history will be a huge help to your FICO scores.
Hitting “rock bottom” does not have to mean the end of your financial future. By using some common sense, and following the simple steps outlined in this article, you can greatly improve your financial forecast. The road might not be a short one, but the end result will most certainly be worth the effort.
