Most people don’t realize it but there are actually several credit repair secret tips that you can use to help undo the damage that’s been done to your credit score. None of this information is widely advertised, I mean, why would it be? An uninformed consumer is a sitting duck to all the threats and harassment of a debt collector. Don’t ever forget though, that you do have rights and that debt collectors have strict rules they have to follow.
The first thing you want to do is make sure that whatever negative things are on your credit report are accurate. It’s important to check your credit reports, from all three credit bureaus, at least once a year. If you find a mistake, contact the credit bureau immediately in writing and request that it gets corrected. This simple tip can help you raise your score and get rid of inaccurate information that has been costing you money in higher interest rates.
When you contact a credit bureau keep a detailed file as to the date you sent the letter, sending it certified may be a good idea, as well as a copy of the letter you sent them. Unfortunately sometimes the credit bureau isn’t right on top of everything and it’s a good idea that you keep track of everything in case they try to jerk you around.
When you are requesting that something gets changed or corrected you don’t have to be timid. Don’t treat them like you are a servant requesting a favor. Of course you want to be polite and professional but you aren’t asking them for a favor you are asking them to correct a mistake. Don’t let them push you around.
Don’t expect this process to happen quickly. By law the credit bureau has up to 45 days to get back to you (but I’ve personally seen it take much longer). This is a process and you have to let the process work it’s way out no matter how long it takes and how aggravating it can be.
If you want to work on your credit because you are contemplating buying a new home or car and you want to get approved, don’t wait until the last minute. Start right now on repairing your credit. Remember, this is a process and it will take time.
In the meantime, while you are waiting for the process to work, make sure that you make all your payments on time. That includes all your household bills such as utility bills and not just your loan payments. You may not realize it but utility and cable companies report to the credit bureaus too and late payments can affect your credit.
Look for mistakes. Let’s face it, people make mistakes. You are dealing with three different agencies, each of which is dealing with any number of creditors; that means there are plenty of opportunities for mistakes to be made. The problem is that one little mistake can have a serious impact on your credit score. If you find any mistakes, be sure to report them to the agency right away. Send a copy of any documentation to support your claim. This is one of the “credit repair secrets” others will charge for.
Pay on time, every time. There are a lot of different things that go into your credit score, and some of them you can’t do much about. For example, you can’t change how long you have had credit for. But you can start making all of your payments on time. Doing this consistently for several months will start to raise your credit score. Now, this may not give you a perfect score, but every point in your favor is worth it.
Fight! Fight! Fight! You need to take your finances seriously. Once you have the right mindset everything else will get easier. There will be setbacks, there will be times when you will want to splurge, there will be days you want to give up, but you will get past them unscathed when you’re fighting for your financial future.
Your credit score may be on the low side right now, but it doesn’t have to stay that way. There is a catch to these credit repair secrets. Sorry, there always seems to be a catch, doesn’t there? The catch is that you have to follow through on them. Just reading about them will accomplish nothing, in fact it could make things worse. What’s next is up to you. All it takes to have the future you want doing anything to take that first step in the right direction.
You can rebuild your credit without resorting to underhanded tactics if you’re willing to devote the time and consistency it will take and that may well be the biggest credit repair secret of all. Don’t forget, the sooner you get started the sooner you’ll qualify for a great rate on that new car loan or mortgage, and that will be great!
