Saturday, July 11, 2009

The Keys to Repairing Your Credit and to Start Living Again

By Darrell Price

Repairing your credit after you have suffered through a crisis such as a bankruptcy, foreclosure or a series of unfortunate financial events is a must if you are going to move on with your life. There is a lot to know about repairing your credit and raising your scores. Don't worry; it is not difficult with the tips provided in this article.

If you are seeking for information on repairing your own credit, then you must understand the dynamics of the process and start with the basics. First you will have to get access to your credit report from the main three credit bureaus, Equifax, Experian and Trans Union. Once you receive it, look for inaccuracies or misleading information that should not be there.

You should know you have a right to access your credit report for free every twelve consecutive months. The credit bureaus used to charge consumers a fee for the first report until a new law issue by the Federal Trade Commission took effect. Everyone should pull their credit report at least once a year and check it for errors.

You are entitled to get a copy of your report if you currently not employed and seeking employment during the next three months, have been denied for a loan for any reason or if your are receiving some form of public assistance from the government. Most credit companies will not tell you this for obvious reasons.

One of the first places to check for credit repair help is online. There are many websites that regularly publish information on how to get started repairing your credit. Just perform a search in your favorite search engine for "credit repair help". In addition to finding some great tips on fixing your credit, you will see links to the best credit repair services in the United States.

You should consider looking at government websites such as the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The information is always accurate and reflects any changes that regulate the credit repair industry. They also have samples of the letters and forms you need as well as a thorough explanation of the process. You can use these letters to report inaccurate information contained in your credit report.

The library can also be an excellent source of information pertaining to credit repair. A good library should contain reference materials such as books and guides written by experts in the credit industry. You will these resources most helpful.

You will not find all of your answers in a book. The credit industry is very complex and your unique circumstances may not be engraved in the pages of a book. Use these resources as guides to help you get started in the process of repairing your credit.

Taking a proactive approach to repairing your credit is the first step to getting back into the graces of the lending institutions. Having clean credit is important if you want to get a loan for a mortgage, vacation or just to finance a new car. It is what all banks and lending institutions use to determine credit worthiness.

Interestingly, many employers are now looking at the credit reports for applicants applying for jobs. Unlike the past, a good credit report can determine how far you go in your career. Employers are now looking at a person's credit history as a part of the employment processespecially for key management positions. Good credit always pays off.

About the Author: