You Can Do It: How To Repair Your Credit On Your Own
Many people mistakenly believe that they only need to go through an agency, for any hope of credit repair. Please be assured this is not always the case. It is entirely possible that it will cost you more time and money to go through an agency, than it would be to do it on your own. However, before contacting an agency for help follow the steps below and you may be surprised at the results.
Repairing credit on a do-it-yourself basis takes time, patience and dedication. Your first step is to contact the credit reporting agencies in writing and request a copy of your credit report. By Federal Law, you are entitled to this information free of charge every year. The top three credit agencies are TransUnion, Equifax, and Experion, you can find out information about these agencies by doing an Internet search under "Credit Reporting Agencies", or you can even look through the phone book. Be sure to include the following information in your letter to the credit agency:
1.) A request in writing for a copy of your credit report (You are entitled to one free report per year) 2.) A copy of your state issued ID or Drivers License 3.) Proof of your current address if the information is not on your ID or Drivers License 4.) A list of your last known addresses for a period of 5 years 5.) A copy of your social security card 6.) Also make sure to sign the document
You then need to allow 4-6 weeks for you to receive your credit reports. If you have already gotten an annual credit report from another agency, and are not eligible for a free yearly report, you could also receive a letter of denial within sixty days of receipt. If you get a denial letter, copy it and enclose this with your written request as well.
Once you get your reports from all the agencies, you need to sit down and review each one. Make sure the information contained is accurate. Use a spreadsheet or written log to track any differences you may note. Do not hesitate to launch a dispute if you find something on these reports that is invalid or wrong. The agencies will allow you to file an official dispute request online. Your credit reports need to include contact and account information for each separate creditor. Organize this list of your debts and creditors. Most debts that are 7 years or older, may not even appear on your report. Most creditors who do not have any contact with you after 7 years will write off the debt. Some may continue to try and find you, either way leave well enough alone and if something is not listed then do not question it.
You can take it upon yourself to contact a creditor and make payments on an installment basis, if they are willing to work with you. Some may make it very difficult and will demand immediate payment in full. If a creditor is being unreasonable, feel free to speak to their supervisor. Expect that some creditors will be downright rude and obnoxious, do not let this discourage you, just ask to talk to someone else. Keep a written log of conversations and note the name and contact information of the person you speak with every single time.
It may take a while to feel like you are making any real progress, but with your payment arrangement, your credit will fall into place within twelve months or less.
It is extremely important to note that while you are making payments to your creditors, when you mail in the payment, you keep a copy of all your receipts. Always include a self addressed stamped envelop with your payments and request a return receipt from your creditor.
Always get annual copies of your credit report from each agency. Do not over obligate yourself to any other creditors while making payments to another. You may even receive several credit offers in the interim. Learn how to eliminate creditors and throw them out. Keep yourself focused on the goal of getting yourself out of debt and keep track of payments and contact information, dates, times and names of who you speak with.
Repairing credit on a do-it-yourself basis takes time, patience and dedication. Your first step is to contact the credit reporting agencies in writing and request a copy of your credit report. By Federal Law, you are entitled to this information free of charge every year. The top three credit agencies are TransUnion, Equifax, and Experion, you can find out information about these agencies by doing an Internet search under "Credit Reporting Agencies", or you can even look through the phone book. Be sure to include the following information in your letter to the credit agency:
1.) A request in writing for a copy of your credit report (You are entitled to one free report per year) 2.) A copy of your state issued ID or Drivers License 3.) Proof of your current address if the information is not on your ID or Drivers License 4.) A list of your last known addresses for a period of 5 years 5.) A copy of your social security card 6.) Also make sure to sign the document
You then need to allow 4-6 weeks for you to receive your credit reports. If you have already gotten an annual credit report from another agency, and are not eligible for a free yearly report, you could also receive a letter of denial within sixty days of receipt. If you get a denial letter, copy it and enclose this with your written request as well.
Once you get your reports from all the agencies, you need to sit down and review each one. Make sure the information contained is accurate. Use a spreadsheet or written log to track any differences you may note. Do not hesitate to launch a dispute if you find something on these reports that is invalid or wrong. The agencies will allow you to file an official dispute request online. Your credit reports need to include contact and account information for each separate creditor. Organize this list of your debts and creditors. Most debts that are 7 years or older, may not even appear on your report. Most creditors who do not have any contact with you after 7 years will write off the debt. Some may continue to try and find you, either way leave well enough alone and if something is not listed then do not question it.
You can take it upon yourself to contact a creditor and make payments on an installment basis, if they are willing to work with you. Some may make it very difficult and will demand immediate payment in full. If a creditor is being unreasonable, feel free to speak to their supervisor. Expect that some creditors will be downright rude and obnoxious, do not let this discourage you, just ask to talk to someone else. Keep a written log of conversations and note the name and contact information of the person you speak with every single time.
It may take a while to feel like you are making any real progress, but with your payment arrangement, your credit will fall into place within twelve months or less.
It is extremely important to note that while you are making payments to your creditors, when you mail in the payment, you keep a copy of all your receipts. Always include a self addressed stamped envelop with your payments and request a return receipt from your creditor.
Always get annual copies of your credit report from each agency. Do not over obligate yourself to any other creditors while making payments to another. You may even receive several credit offers in the interim. Learn how to eliminate creditors and throw them out. Keep yourself focused on the goal of getting yourself out of debt and keep track of payments and contact information, dates, times and names of who you speak with.
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posted by Credit Counseling at
10:03 AM
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