AS more and more people face foreclosures, layoffs, and repossession, maintaining a favorable credit score becomes increasingly difficult. Many adults have had to fall back on credit cards or payday loans just to support themselves and their families from day to day. If this sounds similar to your own financial situation, follow these useful tips for repairing your credit.
The last resort to credit repair is bankruptcy. If you have too much debt that will simply never be able to be paid off in a reasonable amount of time, then this might be the best option for you. It will rid you of your debt and allow you to rebuild your credit over time.
Be wary of credit repair programs that seem to good to be true; they probably are. Some scams have you create a whole new credit profile. Do not do it because it is considered credit fraud and it will open you up to large fines, a criminal record or even jail time.
Always keep your bank accounts, your tax payments and your utility payments in order and timely. The way in which you manage these necessities reflects strongly on your credit rating. Falling behind on your obligations and having overdrafts at the bank negatively impacts your daily life and makes it more difficult to get credit.
In a worst case scenario, you should always pay your accounts in good standing first. If you do not have the money to make all your payments on time, then pay your current accounts first to avoid additional bad checks on your credit report. Also, be proactive about contacting the companies you cannot pay on time. They may be able to work out a payment plan or to arrange an alternate payment date that can help you to avoid further credit damage.
Credit repair is good only as long as you stay out of debt. Once you have cleared your credit and improved your score, do not get back into the poor habits that caused you to get in debt to begin with. This will allow you to use your credit in the future when you need it the most.
Before you begin with your credit repair you should obtain a copy of your credit report. Do not use the companies that advertise on the television or the internet, instead, call your local better business bureau and have them recommend a company to use. You should be able to get it for free or for a nominal fee.
Limit phone calls from debt collectors. Limit the time you spend talking to debt collectors on the phone, and be careful of what information you share with them, as they may not be legitimate. Don’t be strong-armed into sending anyone money until you have something in writing. Once you receive a collection notice in the mail, you can then demand documentation that they have the legal right to collect money from you. This information must be mailed to you within 30 days of the original debt collection notice. If they can’t provide this documentation, they have to cease debt collection efforts immediately.
Don’t fall for the credit repair companies scams, they make lofty promises that they can’t fulfill. It is a fact from the Federal Trade Commission that they have never seen a legitimate credit repair company. You will be better off saving your money and repairing your credit yourself with a little hard work.
Whether you are faced with credit card debt, bankruptcy, or student loans, there is still hope that with patience and diligence, you can raise your credit score to a satisfactory rating. By following these basic guidelines, you can start the process of repairing your credit and making yourself less of a risk in the eyes of lenders.
