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Solving Your Credit Problems

Your credit report influences your purchasing power, as well as your chances to get a job, rent or buy an apartment or a house, and buy insurance. A history of timely credit payments helps you get additional credit. Accurate negative information can stay on your report for seven years. A bankruptcy can stay on your report for 10 years. If you are having problems paying your bills, contact your creditors at once. Try to work out a modified payment plan with them that reduces your payments to a more manageable level. Don't wait until your account has been turned over to a debt collector.

Here are some additional tips for solving credit problems: 

  • If you want to contest a credit report, bill or credit denial, contact the appropriate company in writing and send it "return receipt requested."

  • When you contest a billing error, include your name, account number, the dollar amount in question, and the reason you believe the bill is wrong. 

  • If in doubt, request written verification of a debt. 

  • Keep all your original documents, especially receipts, sales slips, and billing statements. You will need them if you dispute a credit bill or report. Send copies only. It may take more than one letter to correct problems. 

  • Be skeptical of businesses that offer instant solutions to credit problems. 

  • Be persistent. Resolving credit problems can take time and effort. 

  • There is nothing that a credit repair company can do for you - for a fee - that you cannot do for yourself for little or no cost. 

If you can't resolve your credit problems yourself or if you need help, you may want to contact a credit counseling service. Nonprofit organizations in every state counsel consumers in debt. Counselors try to arrange repayment plans that are acceptable to you and your creditors. They also can help you set up a realistic budget. These services usually are offered at little or no cost.

Universities, military bases, credit unions, and housing authorities also may offer low- or no-cost credit counseling programs. Check the white pages of your telephone directory for a service near you.

 

 

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