tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9668021066739588592024-02-20T16:31:49.354-08:00Fix Your Own CreditFix Your Own Credithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08799643267942628649noreply@blogger.comBlogger15125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-966802106673958859.post-55587853555655031862013-05-31T08:52:00.001-07:002013-05-31T09:04:39.063-07:00Credit Tips<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="250" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/yfpk-1RROXQ?rel=0" width="360"></iframe> <iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="250" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/JOMfqO7O_Dc?rel=0" width="360"></iframe>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Don't fall for the myth that you have to carry a balance to have good scores. You don't, and you shouldn't. But having and using a credit card or two can really build your scores. If you can't qualify for a regular credit card, consider a secured credit card, where the issuing bank gives you a credit line equal to the deposit you make. Look for a card that reports to all three credit bureaus.
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">You'll get the fastest improvement in your scores if you show you're responsible with both major kinds of credit: revolving (credit cards) and installment (personal loans, auto, mortgages and student loans). If you don't already have an installment loan on your credit reports, consider adding a small personal loan that you can pay back over time. Again, you'll want the loan to be reported to all three bureaus, and you'll probably get the best deal from a community bank or credit union.
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Pay down your credit cards. Paying off your installment loans (mortgage, auto, student, etc.) can help your scores but typically not as dramatically as paying down - or paying off - revolving accounts such as credit cards. Lenders like to see a big gap between the amount of credit you're using and your available credit limits. Getting your balances below 30% of the credit limit on each card can really help; getting balances below 10% is even better.
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Dispute old negatives .. Say that fight with your phone company over an unfair bill a few years ago resulted in a collections account. You can continue protesting that the charge was unjust, or you can try disputing the account with the credit bureaus as "not mine." The older and smaller a collection account, the more likely the collection agency won't bother to verify it when the credit bureau investigates your dispute. Some consumers also have had luck disputing old items with a lender that has merged with another company, which can leave lender records a real mess.
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i><a href="http://money.msn.com/credit-rating/9-fast-fixes-for-your-credit-scores-weston.aspx" target="_blank">from MSN Money</a></i></span>
TASKEINChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15237302253833391912noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-966802106673958859.post-64676298919172978652011-03-10T03:31:00.000-08:002011-03-10T03:48:37.987-08:00Top 5 Steps to Improve Credit<h2 class="TxtBlue HLineB">Order Credit Reports</h2><p class="W356 FR"> Find out what the top three credit bureaus - Equifax<img style="display: inline ! important; cursor: pointer ! important; border: 0px none ! important; float: none ! important; height: 13px ! important; width: 13px ! important; margin: 0px 0px 0px 2px ! important; padding: 0px ! important; min-width: 13px ! important; max-width: 13px ! important; min-height: 13px ! important; max-height: 13px ! important; position: static ! important;" src="http://twitter-badges.s3.amazonaws.com/t_mini-a.png" class="CL_img" />, TransUnion, and Experian - are saying about you. It's likely that your reports are slightly different. Creditors don't have to report to all three credit bureaus. They generally report to the credit bureau to which they also subscribe. When you apply for credit, the company you applied to must supply the credit bureau's name, address and telephone number. You have 60 days after receiving a denial notice to request your copy.<br /></p><h2 class="TxtBlue HLineB">Examine Reports Carefully</h2><p class="W356 FR"> Examine your reports carefully because almost every consumer has an error on at least one credit report from one of the major credit bureaus. Credit bureaus generate your report on information they receive from your creditors but they do not verify.<br /><br />Carefully look for everything from typing errors, outdated and incomplete information, to inaccurate account histories. Make a thorough list of the items you will dispute and why.<br /></p><a href="http://www.listmyfive.com/113ad0ce/The-Top-Five-Steps-For-Improving-Your-Credit-Rating" target="_blank">Continued on ListMyFive</a>Fix Your Own Credithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08799643267942628649noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-966802106673958859.post-55077200621074107662011-03-09T13:13:00.000-08:002011-03-09T13:36:30.174-08:00Don't Pay to Fix Your Credit<a href="http://www.kqzyfj.com/click-3238442-10669085" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.lduhtrp.net/image-3238442-10669085" width="122" height="62" alt="FREE CARD with Direct Deposit!" align="right" /></a>There is nothing a credit repair company can do to improve your credit that you can’t do for yourself. Save some money, follow the guidelines in this blog and fix your own credit.<br /><br />Get all three of the major credit reports free of charge in order to know exactly what is in your report. You’re entitled to free credit reports from each of the three credit bureaus once annually.<br /><p>Order all three because some of your creditors will only report to only one of the credit bureaus. Credit bureaus don’t share information, therefore you need to see all three to check for discrepancies. Study and compare all three as you begin to rebuild your credit.</p>Fix Your Own Credithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08799643267942628649noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-966802106673958859.post-91580827944233706002010-01-06T09:09:00.000-08:002010-01-06T09:19:58.852-08:00Collection AccountIf you become delinquent, that is, several months late on a payment for anything from a phone bill to a credit card or a medical bill, the original creditor can place your account in collection status. At that point, the original creditor will use a debt collector<br />as a means to collect any monies outstanding that they believe you owe.<br /><br />Most accounts fall into collection status over a dispute between the consumer and the creditor. Often times consumers feel they already paid, or simply don’t owe the money the creditor is requesting. In other instances, consumers get behind in their monthly payments or get overwhelmed with debt to the point where a collection account is opened by the creditor. Either way, a collection is a major derogatory and one you should avoid at all costs if you want to maintain a solid credit score.<br /><br />If a collection shows up on your credit report, your credit score will likely drop 20-50 points or more, depending on your overall credit history and depth, and other related factors. At this point you need to make an intelligent decision. Should you pay the collection or dispute it (how to dispute credit report)?<br /><br /><br />This really comes down to whether you owe the debt or not. If you feel you don’t owe the money, you can ask the creditor or debt collector to validate the debt. This is your legal right, and they must come up with original records which prove you owe the debt. If they can’t provide the proper documentation, you will be able to dispute the claim and the credit bureaus should remove the collection from your credit report. If they are indeed able to provide legitimate documentation, you may want to pay the debt before it becomes a charge-off, a more severe credit derogatory.<br /><br />When a collection account is opened, the agency will likely contact you immediately. A debt collector may contact you in a variety of different ways, including in-person, phone, e-mail, fax, and mail. Some debt collectors may be from a collection agency working from home, while others work for an agency or a call center. Either way, they are restricted on when they can contact you, often only between the hours of 8am and 9pm. They can come to your home, but it’s illegal for them to visit your workplace.<br /><br />If you wish to stop receiving contact from a debt collector, you can write a letter to the company asking them to stop. Once the debt collector receives your letter they aren’t allowed to contact you again unless to say that they are taking some form of action against you, or simply to tell you that they acknowledge your request and will cease contact.<br /><br />Collection agencies cannot collect an amount greater than your actual debt unless your state law permits it. They also may not use profane language, threaten you violently, or state that you will be arrested if you don’t pay your debts. Many collection agencies use scare tactics like these and many other scrupulous methods to get consumers to pay up, but many of these companies and their employees break the law in doing so.<br /><br />The best way to handle a collection dispute is to contact the original creditor and work out a deal immediately. If possible, try to set up an agreement whereby you’ll pay the amount due if they change the status of the account to “paid as agreed”. And make sure you get this agreement in writing. If they don’t agree to such an offer, and you know you owe the debt, you may want to pay it to avoid escalating the situation. If you know you don’t owe the debt, you can write a letter to the credit bureaus disputing the debt, at which point the original creditor has to respond within 30 days or the collection account will be completely removed from your credit history.<br /><br />If you have an old collection that is still unpaid and showing up on your credit report, you may want to hold off on paying it if you are applying for a home loan or a car lease. While paying it off is likely the right thing to do, it may drop your credit score in the short-term because it will change the last-active date to the latest month, and the “freshness” of the collection can hurt your score. Over time though it will reduce its affect on your credit score, and will benefit your credit profile if paid, and help you avoid getting into a charge-off situation.<br /><br />Do keep in mind that lenders and other financiers can still deny you credit if you have unpaid collections, even if your credit score is considered “good”, or higher than average. They may view unpaid debts in the past as an indication of future mishandling of credit.<br /><br />Note that collections stay on your credit report for seven years from the date of the initial late payment that led to the collection. Learn more about how long negative items remain on a credit report, and how to remove negative items from credit history.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.thetruthaboutcreditcards.com/">From "Truth About Credit Cards" Website</a>Fix Your Own Credithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08799643267942628649noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-966802106673958859.post-73215829726964369582008-09-07T07:30:00.000-07:002009-12-21T21:22:45.904-08:00Valuable Grant InformationI invested $1000 with the National Grants Conference and honestly I would have come out better if I did the research myself. I never secured a grant, didn't even come close. When your time expires, after one year, they charge you thirty per month to continue to receive spurious information. Not to mention the frustration that comes from being on hold anywhere from 15-30 minutes every time you call.<br /><br />The National Grants Conference pay motivational speakers tons of money to advertise their product in order to dupe people into buying into their hogwash.<br /><br />My experience with NGC led me to go out on my own to find solid information pertaining to securing Government Grants. After two years of researching Government Grants, Loans, Subsidies, and Federal Assistance Programs I have put together a list of valuable contacts, addresses, and phone numbers, that will provide a legitimate road map to secure financial assistance for business, education, or personal.<br /><br />I have streamlined the information in an easy-to-follow spreadsheet, links included, and your $3 investment will be well worth it in the long run.<br /><br /><center><a href="http://payloadz.com/go/sip?id=440850" target="paypal"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><img src="https://www.paypal.com/images/x-click-but23.gif" border="0" /></span></a></center><p></p>Fix Your Own Credithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08799643267942628649noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-966802106673958859.post-44504277858172795582008-08-31T10:24:00.000-07:002008-09-01T17:13:59.835-07:00The Truth about the Credit BureausFor starters, let's put aside the idea that the credit bureaus exist to ensure the safe keeping of your private financial data. The credit bureaus are not official government agencies and they do not create your credit reports for your benefit. They are not in the business of making sure your credit reports are accurate and they do not willingly provide you with a yearly copy of your credit reports.<br /><br />What the credit bureaus are is something much different from what most people believe. Put simply, the credit bureaus are massive, for profit corporations who make money by selling your information. They sell it to creditors, employers, insurance companies, marketers, and even back to you.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.kqzyfj.com/click-1669083-10523908" target="_blank"><img height="125" alt="Get Your FICO Score with Score Power" src="http://www.lduhtrp.net/image-1669083-10523908" width="125" align="left" border="0" /></a>The big three credit bureaus, Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion, all trace their ancestry to small, local investigative companies. These early credit bureaus would collect every bit of seemingly relevant information they could about a person including employment history, marital status, age, race, religion, testimonials, and any other information they could get their hands on. They would then provide this information to creditors who used it to determine whether or not a person was worthy of a loan and how much interest they would be required to pay.<br /><br />The FCRA was passed to protect you from the credit bureaus.<br />Over time, the credit bureaus grew and merged until the credit reporting system moved from one with many local credit bureaus to the current system of three major nationwide credit bureaus. As this happened, the large credit bureaus became so powerful that it became necessary for them to be regulated. This resulted in the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) being passed to protect you from the growing power of the credit bureaus.<br /><br />Credit scores had become increasingly important and it was the credit bureaus that had full control over the information used to create these scores. The problem was that the credit bureaus, as is the case today, are primarily motivated to collect your information and then sell it off. This meant that even though the credit bureaus were the definitive source for your credit information, they had no motivation to ensure its completeness or accuracy. They merely took the information they were provided, added it to your credit reports, and sold it off. (That this information is assumed to be true by creditors and others is another discussion)<br />For starters, let's put aside the idea that the credit bureaus exist to ensure the safe keeping of your private financial data. The credit bureaus are not official government agencies and they do not create your credit reports for your benefit. They are not in the business of making sure your credit reports are accurate and they do not willingly provide you with a yearly copy of your credit reports.<br /><br />What the credit bureaus are is something much different from what most people believe. Put simply, the credit bureaus are massive, for profit corporations who make money by selling your information. They sell it to creditors, employers, insurance companies, marketers, and even back to you.<br /><br />The big three credit bureaus, Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion, all trace their ancestry to small, local investigative companies. These early credit bureaus would collect every bit of seemingly relevant information they could about a person including employment history, marital status, age, race, religion, testimonials, and any other information they could get their hands on. They would then provide this information to creditors who used it to determine whether or not a person was worthy of a loan and how much interest they would be required to pay.<br /><br />The FCRA was passed to protect you from the credit bureaus.<br />Over time, the credit bureaus grew and merged until the credit reporting system moved from one with many local credit bureaus to the current system of three major nationwide credit bureaus. As this happened, the large credit bureaus became so powerful that it became necessary for them to be regulated. This resulted in the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) being passed to protect you from the growing power of the credit bureaus.<br /><br />Credit scores had become increasingly important and it was the credit bureaus that had full control over the information used to create these scores. The problem was that the credit bureaus, as is the case today, are primarily motivated to collect your information and then sell it off. This meant that even though the credit bureaus were the definitive source for your credit information, they had no motivation to ensure its completeness or accuracy. They merely took the information they were provided, added it to your credit reports, and sold it off. (That this information is assumed to be true by creditors and others is another discussion)<br />The FCRA was passed to add accountability to the credit reporting process. The credit bureaus were no longer able to collect whatever they wanted and to not tell you what was on your credit reports. As a result of the FCRA, you have a right to a free yearly copy of your credit reports (see www.annualcreditreport.com) and you have the right to dispute the accuracy of the items in your credit reports. While this does not mean the credit bureaus now make sure your reports are accurate, it does give you recourse when the credit bureaus unfairly report your credit history.<br /><br />Unfortunately, however, the FCRA did not eradicate all the problems of the credit reporting system. The credit bureaus are still enormous corporations with enormous power. They are also still primarily motivated by the money they make by selling your credit information. Providing you with credit reports and investigating credit disputes is something they are forced to do and not something they were willing to do on their own. As such, the credit bureaus do what they can to avoid these practices.<br /><br />Specifically as it relates to credit repair, the credit bureaus have developed a full arsenal of tactics to keep from investigating disputes. These tactics range from general propaganda, to strong-arm tactics, to methods of questionable legality.<br /><br />How many times have you heard that credit repair is impossible, the only way to improve your credit is to wait seven years, and any company who offers to repair you credit is a scam? It is surprising so many people believe some or all of these statements when not a single one is true. This misinformation is the best friend of the credit bureaus as it dissuades so many people from even attempting to dispute their credit. No wonder the credit bureaus are so quick to promote this flawed perception.<br /><br />Knowing the history and the motivations behind the credit bureaus is your tool to understanding the nature of the credit reporting system. When you know the true persona of the credit bureaus, you can then see why you are granted access to your credit reports, why you have the right to repair your credit, and why it can be beneficial to have a credit repair expert working on your side.<br /><br />From CreditRepair.comFix Your Own Credithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08799643267942628649noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-966802106673958859.post-28392094226865241452008-08-31T10:22:00.000-07:002008-08-31T10:24:39.144-07:00Request a Copy of Credit Report LetterReference: Social Security Number<br /><br />Dear :<br /><br />Could you please send me a copy of my current credit report?<br /><br />On November 1, Woodgrove Bank denied my application for a credit card, and I understand that I am entitled to receive, without charge, a copy of my credit report within 30 days of this denial.<br />If you need further information from me to provide this report, please call my home at (214) 555-0198.<br /><br />Thank you for your prompt attention to my request.<br /><br />Sincerely,<br /><br />Clean Credit JonesFix Your Own Credithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08799643267942628649noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-966802106673958859.post-71134077723272267412008-08-31T10:21:00.000-07:002008-09-01T17:14:40.274-07:00How to Negotiate a Debt Settlement with Your Credit Card CompanyIf you have fallen into a deep pile of debt, especially if the majority lies in credit cards, the worst decision that you can make is to not call the credit card company. Many people are embarrassed of their debt, and therefore avoid representatives of the credit card company like the plague. Let me reiterate: it's a mistake! As soon as you realize that you've fallen into debt, you should immediately pick up the phone and call the credit card company. Among other things, you can attempt to negotiate a debt settlement.<br /><br />First of all, a debt settlement is not always a wise choice. Like any decision you make about your credit, it can have both positive and negative consequences. A debt settlement occurs when you rack up a sizeable amount of debt, then agree to pay the credit card company (or other creditor) a lower amount in full. For example, let's say that you've collected $10,000 in credit card debt. You've just lost your job and you aren't sure when you will be able to find another one, but you have $6,000 in savings. You would call your credit card company and offer to give them a $6,000 lump sum to close the account. At that point, the credit card company can either agree to take the settlement or they can refuse.<br /><br />Why would a credit card company want to take less than they are owed? It's simple, really. Most people to whom settlements are offered are dangerously close to bankruptcy. Since a credit card is an unsecured account, filing for bankruptcy would ensure that they never get paid anything at all. In taking a lower settlement amount, they at least receive a percentage of what they are owed.<br /><br />This might seem like an easy way out, but there are negative consequences. Creditors are allowed to make notations in your credit report when an account is closed or settled. Next to the settlement amount, they might note, "settled for less than full amount", which future creditors will see when they access your credit report. They might be reluctant to extend credit to you because you've been given a settlement in the past.<br /><br />Regardless, a debt settlement is sometimes the only option for someone who is floundering in debt.<br /><br />If you've decided to negotiate a debt settlement, the first thing to do is call your credit card company. Although you will want to get everything in writing later, it is better if you explain your situation over the phone. You will not be able to negotiate a debt settlement with a customer service representative. Instead, briefly explain the purpose for your call, and ask to speak with an account specialist. You will either be transferred or given another number to call so you can speak with someone who can make these decisions. Once you get that person on the phone, you'll need to explain your situation in greater detail.<br /><br />Inform the account specialist that you are having trouble paying back your debts, but that you are willing to write them a check for a lump sum if they agree to a debt settlement. Tell them the amount of money you are willing to pay, and that you don't have any other resources at your disposal.<br /><br />If the account specialist agrees to a debt settlement, you should immediately ask for confirmation in writing. Never send a check, money order or other payment unless you have a written agreement. If you were to send the money without having anything finalized in writing, you might wind up without a closed account and you would still have to pay the remaining balance.<br /><br />A debt settlement should be a last resort as a debt management solution. You might want to start by trying to negotiate a lower interest rate or by cutting up the card so that you don't use it again until the debt is paid off. Talk with a debt management specialist to obtain advice in your specific situation.<br /><br />By ST, published Nov 22, 2006<br />www.associatecontent.comFix Your Own Credithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08799643267942628649noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-966802106673958859.post-83862054281931854062008-08-31T10:19:00.000-07:002008-08-31T12:40:58.873-07:00Fix Errors<a target="_blank" href="http://workhomeunion.blogspot.com/"><img src="http://workhomeunion.com/BLOG/cash220.gif" align="left" style="border: 1px solid #000000"></a>The information provided in this page will help you fix ERRORS on your credit report and clean up those "questionable" items. While no one can legally remove accurate negative information from a credit report, the law does allow you to request a reinvestigation of information in your file that you dispute as inaccurate or incomplete.<br /><br />It is perfectly legal to challenge ANYTHING on your credit report. There is no charge for requesting an investigation. The whole key to the credit repair procedure is that if the credit bureaus cannot verify information on your credit report they must remove it. For example, if a credit bureau cannot contact a collection agency which is reporting a collection on your report, they cannot verify the information, and the credit bureau must delete the entry.<br /><br />Blotches on your credit report cost you. But, don't despair. It's never too late to become credit worthy -- just get started, and remember that it won't happen overnight.<br /><br />Here are 5 steps for improving your credit rating:<br /><br />1. Order your credit reportsFind out what the top three credit bureaus -- Equifax, TransUnion and Experian -- are saying about you. It's likely that they're all slightly different. Yes, different! Creditors don't have to report to all three credit bureaus, so they typically report to the credit bureau to which they also subscribe. Time and money is wasted, says Steve Rhode, president and co-founder of Myvesta.org, if you only order a report from one credit bureau. You can order a credit report from each bureau. Costs vary from state to state, but in most states, it costs around $9 to get your report. If you've been denied credit, insurance or employment because of your credit report, you are entitled to a free copy of your report from the reporting agency. The company you applied to must supply the credit bureau's name, address and telephone number. You have 60 days after receiving the denial notice to request your copy.<br /><br />2. Examine your reports carefullyAlmost every consumer has an error on at least one credit report from one of the major credit bureaus, says Rhode. Credit bureaus generate your report on information they receive from your creditors; they don't verify.<br /><br />Keeping your credit report a true reflection of you is your job. Get ready to clean and polish. Carefully look for everything from typing errors, outdated and incomplete information, to inaccurate account histories. You'll want to make a thorough list of items you dispute and why.<br /><br />Be meticulous.<br /><br />Here's how to read and understand your credit report.<br /><br />If the negative information in your report is true, only time and improved habits can change that. Late payments and charged-off accounts remain on your report for seven years; bankruptcies for 10. Most creditors, however, look for a pattern of payment rather than focusing on one-time or rare occurrences; so consistent on-time bill payments will improve those blemishes.<br /><br />3. Double-D strategy -- dispute and documentRemember, a bad report costs you money. So, it pays to be thorough! You can either complete the dispute form provided with your credit report or write a letter. Clearly identify each mistake and state why it's wrong. A recommendation is to send a photocopy of your credit report with the mistakes circled to the reporting credit bureau. Include copies of supporting documents.<br /><br />Keep copies and records of all the forms, letters and documentation that you send the credit bureaus, plus dates sent. The credit bureau must investigate any relevant dispute within 30 days of receiving your letter. Any item that is not verified as accurate by a creditor is removed.<br />Sometimes it's necessary to contact your creditors to resolve mistakes. <br /><br />If the credit bureau makes any changes to your credit file, it will send you the results and a free, updated copy of your credit report. Once a negative item is removed from your report, the credit bureau cannot put it back on unless a creditor verifies its accuracy and completeness -- and sends you written notice.<br /><br />4. Solve and dissolve debtNow's the time to devise a spending plan that reduces your debt and sets you up to pay on time, every time. If you're having difficulty making payments, be proactive. Call your creditors and negotiate to keep your accounts current and from being reported as delinquent or "bad debt." You can ask for reduced monthly payments, or even change due dates to balance out your monthly bills. The same strategy can be used for fixed-loan payments. Remember, though, that this is a short-term strategy. You'll pay more interest to extend the repayment schedule, but it allows you to stay current and save your credit rating. Use the extra money to pay off debts one at a time, gradually increasing payments to other debts. <br /><br />Deal with any collection accounts. Unpaid collections are worse than paid collections. You can negotiate a pay-off settlement that reduces your bill, plus demand that all derogatory remarks are removed from your credit report or at least reported as paid in full. Be sure to get verbal agreements in writing before sending off your payment.<br /><br />Slowly close out unneeded or unused credit accounts. Most experts recommend carrying between two and four major cards. But, be cautious when canceling because closing accounts can negatively impact your credit score, commonly called a FICO score. FICO considers the ratio of total debts to total available credit. A good rule of thumb is to keep your revolving debt to 50 percent of your available credit.<br /><br />Remember that cutting up the card doesn't close out the account. Here's a step-by-step guide to smartly close out your account.<br /><br />Other tips:<br /><br />· Close out your newest accounts so that you don't lose your longer credit history.<br />· Close out accounts slowly over several months.<br />· Verify that all accounts you've closed are reported as "closed by consumer" for the best report.<br />· Even if creditors offer to raise credit limits, allow yourself only moderate credit limits.<br />· Keep your balances low and avoid revolving balances.<br /><br />5. Add stability to your credit fileYou can also work to add positive information and show stability in your credit file.<br /><br />You may have been denied credit because of an insufficient credit file, yet you have credit. Some creditors -- such as, travel, entertainment, gasoline card companies, local banks and credit unions -- may not report your credit history to the credit bureaus. You can try asking the credit grantors to report your account information and monthly payment history to a credit-reporting agency. Not all will do that. So, in the future, before opening a new account, ask if your on-time payments will be reported monthly to a credit-reporting agency, recommends Myvesta.org.<br />If you have really bad credit -- perhaps even filed bankruptcy -- don't let your credit status go dormant. "The faster you begin to re-establish good credit, where you pay on time, every time," says Craig Watts, consumer affairs manager of the Fair, Isaac and Company, "the faster you'll improve your credit score." <br /><br />Build a solid credit history. Secured credit cards offer people with no credit and those repairing their credit this opportunity. Shop around for the best deal available, but limit your applications. Credit bureaus look at how many new accounts you've opened, and the number of "inquiries" for new accounts that are listed. A sudden flurry of "inquiries" results in a lower score, because many times consumers anticipating money problems increase their credit lines. Inquiries made by creditors wanting to make "prescreened" credit offers are not counted.<br /><br />Lastly, open a savings account at your bank. This shows creditors that you are working to save and that you have reserves to repay debts.Fix Your Own Credithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08799643267942628649noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-966802106673958859.post-29488237408063914082008-08-31T10:16:00.000-07:002008-08-31T10:18:47.186-07:00Contact NumbersFederal Trade Commission Consumer Response Center<br />(877) 382-4357; (877) 438-4338<br /><br />Equifax<br />P.O. Box 740241, Atlanta, GA 30374-0241<br />(800) 685-1111<br /><br />Experian (formerly TRW)<br />P.O. Box 2104, Allen, TX 75013-0949<br />(888) 397-3742<br /><br />Trans Union Corp.<br />760 W. Sproul Rd., Springfield, PA 19064-0390<br />(800) 888-4213<br /><br />Equifax<br />Consumer Fraud Division<br />(800) 525-6285; (404) 885-8000<br />P. O. Box 740241, Atlanta, GA 30374-0241<br /><br />Experian<br />Experian National Consumer Assistance<br />P. O. Box 2104, Allen, TX 75013<br />(888) 397-3742<br /><br />Social Security Administration<br />(800) 772-1213<br /><br />Free Credit Consultation<br />(800) 445-8540<br /><br />Free Annual Credit Report<br />Annual Credit Report Request Service<br />P.O. Box 105281<br />Atlanta, GA 30348-5281; (877) 322-8228Fix Your Own Credithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08799643267942628649noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-966802106673958859.post-49544046746873643632008-08-31T10:13:00.000-07:002008-08-31T10:16:22.160-07:00Request for Corrections on Credit ReportAugust 1, 2008<br /><br />Dear Company:<br /><br />Your company has made several errors on my credit report, and I ask for your immediate assistance in correcting these errors. Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, you have a legal obligation to make these corrections.<br /><br />I believe the errors result from the fact that another man in Springfield has the same name as mine, and his credit history is appearing on my current credit report. As a result, I have been unable to obtain a car loan, and am sure to face problems when I apply for a home loan next week.<br /><br />Following are the errors in my report:<br /><br />Line 16: Two bankruptcies.<br />I have never declared bankruptcy.<br /><br />Line 24: Slow payments to the Adventure Works store.<br />I have never shopped at Adventure Works.<br /><br />Line 31: Checking account at Woodgrove Bank frequently overdrawn.<br /><br />While I do have an account at Woodgrove, it was overdrawn only once in the past nine years.<br />Please take care of these problems at once. I am applying for a pre-approved home loan next week, so it is imperative that you deal with this immediately. Please phone me at (425) 555-0190 to notify me when this problem has been resolved.<br /><br />Thank you,<br /><br />Bobbi Jane BrownFix Your Own Credithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08799643267942628649noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-966802106673958859.post-16004427127832383162008-08-31T10:12:00.000-07:002008-08-31T10:13:46.567-07:00Internet Links1. Free Annual Credit Report <a href="https://www.annualcreditreport.com/cra/index.jsp">https://www.annualcreditreport.com/cra/index.jsp</a><br /><br />2. 10 Questions to estimate your Credit Score <a href="http://moneycentral.msn.com/investor/creditreport/main.asp">http://moneycentral.msn.com/investor/creditreport/main.asp</a><br /><br />3. Equifax Online Dispute <a href="https://www.ai.equifax.com/CreditInvestigation/jsp/default.jsp">https://www.ai.equifax.com/CreditInvestigation/jsp/default.jsp</a><br /><br />4. Free Credit Consultation <a href="http://www.creditrepair.com/credit/credit-improvement-consultation.html">http://www.creditrepair.com/credit/credit-improvement-consultation.html</a><br /><br />5. Credit Online Forum <a href="http://www.creditmagic.org/">http://www.creditmagic.org/</a>Fix Your Own Credithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08799643267942628649noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-966802106673958859.post-31556522945274993942008-08-31T10:09:00.000-07:002008-08-31T10:11:08.881-07:00To Report the fraudulent use of checks:Check RitePhone: 800-766-2748<br /><br />Chex Systems Phone: 800-328-5121<br /><br />CrossCheckPhone: 800 552-1900<br /><br />Equifax-Telecredit Phone: 800-437-5120<br /><br />NPC Phone: 800-526-5380<br /><br />SCAN Phone: 800-262-7771<br /><br />Tele-Check Phone: 800 366-2425Fix Your Own Credithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08799643267942628649noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-966802106673958859.post-14153636787335782482008-08-31T10:06:00.000-07:002008-08-31T10:12:00.683-07:00Dispute of Charges LetterDear Credit Card Company:<br /><br />On xx-xx-xx, I notified you by telephone that the credit card issued to me by your company, expiration date, had been lost or stolen. My most recent statement shows unauthorized transactions charged to my card after I reported it missing.<br /><br />I have enclosed a copy of the credit card statement with the unauthorized charges highlighted. I have also enclosed a copy of the credit card agreement, which states that I am not liable for any unauthorized charges occurring after I have reported my card missing.<br /><br />Please remove these unauthorized charges from my statement. Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.<br /><br />Sincerely,<br /><br />Bobby Joe Brown<br /><br />EnclosuresFix Your Own Credithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08799643267942628649noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-966802106673958859.post-11138971192509660312008-08-31T07:21:00.000-07:002008-08-31T10:03:02.267-07:00Basic Credit Repair Strategy1. Get and review your credit report.<br /> You can get one free credit report per year.<br /><br />2. Analyze your report.<br /> Review your report, go over it carefully.<br /><br />3. Make a list of all items you consider to be questionable or negative. Clearly identify each item in your report that you dispute, explain why you dispute the information.<br /><br />4. Rank questionable items.<br />Rank each item according to the amount of damage they are doing to your overall credit picture. Rank the most damaging information first, followed by the next most damaging information, followed by those items which are neutral. Do this for each credit report, and remember, they may not all have the same information on them. They may even have duplicate information. If this is the case, you will need to write to each credit agency individually for each duplicate item.<br /><br />The items here are listed in order of importance with the first item being the "most damaging" to your credit.<br /><br />Bankruptcy<br />Foreclosure<br />Repossession<br />Loan Default<br />Court Judgments<br />Collections<br /><br />5. Write a dispute letter to the Credit Bureaus.<br />6. Send the letter to the credit bureaus. Make sure you send it registered or certified mail.<br />7. Document your efforts. Record when you sent your letters, and the results.<br />8. Wait for the bureaus to investigate your claims.<br />9. Analyze the results and …<br /><br />10. Repeat your credit bureau dispute:<br /><br />It's a good idea to keep disputing negative listings with the credit bureaus. If you hit on the right dispute, the listing could get completely removed from your report. For instance, if you dispute the date the account was opened, and the credit bureaus can not verify this information they may pull the whole listing. You will need to change the reason for the investigation so the credit bureau will have something new to investigate. The order of the reasons should be:<br /><br />Not mine (not my account)<br />I didn't pay late that month<br />Wrong amount<br />Wrong account number<br />Wrong original creditor<br />Wrong Charge-off Date<br />Wrong Date of Last Activity<br />Wrong Balance<br />Wrong Credit limit<br />Wrong Status (there are about 20)<br />Wrong High Credit (the highest amount you used)<br /><br />For example, the first time you challenge a listing, you might say the account is "not mine." The second time through, you would say "never late."<br /><br />Tips for resubmitting your credit dispute …<br /><br />Be persistent! Become more insistent, but not more threatening, with each dispute. Make sure your letters are clear and to the point. Remember, an employee at one of the credit bureaus has about 4 minutes to enter the dispute into the computer for analysis. Remember if you call the company, this resets the clock on how long they have to get back to you. If you are on day 29 of the 30 days that they have to get back to you and you call, the clock resets and they have 30 more days because you "provided them with more information". Just like any other consumer, you can become frustrated and threatening as time passes. You may threaten to hire an attorney, you may threaten to complain to the FTC and your state's attorney general, etc. But don’t overdo it.<br /><br />Be creative - Create and utilize other techniques that help further the idea that the dispute letter is from a truly wronged and disadvantaged consumer. The checker is only interested in investigating disputes that truly are erroneous and damaging.<br /><br />Do not bombard the credit bureaus with disputes (about the same listings, that is). Sending one dispute right after another is wasteful and counterproductive, even if you do use a different reason in your dispute. Again, you must remember to change the REASON for the dispute each time you submit. Otherwise, the dispute can be deemed frivolous and the credit bureau is under no legal obligation to take action. Also remember, that credit repair is a time-consuming operation requiring great patience. The rule of thumb is to wait 60 days between disputes of the same listing WITH A DIFFERENT REASON FOR DISPUTING.Fix Your Own Credithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08799643267942628649noreply@blogger.com1