Ken Mohn asked:




570. I was shocked and disturbed seeing the number that I long neglected checking. Must be some sort of mistake. No, that is what happens when you make a credit card payment SIXTY days late. So much for being approved for that new Honda Accord.

Monitoring your credit score is an extremely easy and important thing you can do to assure your current and future plans involving money transfer of any kind are safe. Less than two years ago, I lapsed on a credit card payment for no other reason than deciding not to open up a credit card statement that I assumed would contain a $0 balance since I had not used the card in well over a year. Unfortunately, I had forgotten that I used that credit card to purchase (how ironic is this) a CREDIT SCORE MONITORING SERVICE a year and a half before that had a yearly recurring fee if left not cancelled. I never used the service after the first week of purchasing it and I forgot completely about its existence.

My score dropped from the low 700′s to 570 because of my 60 day late payment. I should probably be happy I discovered I had a payment to make on my own rather than through the receiver of my telephone with a collector on the other end of the line.

There I stood, a 570 credit score, over $5000 in credit card debt, and I actually wanted to invest in real estate. That was why I finally decided to check my score in the first place. I wasn’t going anywhere with that score, so I started looking for ways to fix it.

The most obvious thing that came to mind after my search was that I should do whatever I could to pay off that $5000 in credit debt. But I had no money. I deciding against trying to take out a personal loan from a bank since I had terrible credit to begin with. That left me with the solution I dreaded most, borrowing from family and friends.

Before you close out this article while saying to yourself that you could never stoop to such a level, let me just remind you that the reason you are reading this in the first place is because you are looking for a way to fix your credit. I swallowed my pride and borrowed $5000 from a variety of sources close to me in order to pay off my credit debt. I made plans to pay these people off within 6 months, despite the hardship that would place on me. Honestly I wasn’t even sure it would help my score much, but even if it didn’t, I knew it would be better than having all that debt on my record. I couldn’t believe my eyes when I checked my score the following month.

654. Then the next month, 672. Now, 6 months later, it stands at 710. All I did was get that credit card debt off my credit report and transfer it to “private” lenders, namely those close to me who were willing to help. Reducing your credit utilization (how much you owe vs. the total of your limits) is the absolute best way to get your credit recovery plan off to a great start. Do whatever it takes to get your credit cards paid off, and you will reap the benefits in the very near future.

Jeremy

Justin Smith asked:




Raising your credit score can be a fairly simple and straightforward process unless you have derogatory marks that need to be disputed (which will be explained below).

The reasons for bad credit can be as follows, high balances, bankruptcies, late payments, and many others. The most significant thing you can do to raise your score is to change your financial habits. Chances are that if you have a bad credit score, you did something to make it that way. Here are some of the best ways to quickly raise your credit score:

1. The most obvious: pay off your debt! This doesn’t include a home mortgage, but revolving balances such as credit card debt, a car loan, etc.

2. Make every payment on time. This is the most important factor in your credit score rating. If you have had late payments in the past, it will take some time to see real results from your on-time payments, but keep it up, sooner or later the credit bureau will notice the change in your payment habits. Develop the mentality that no late payment is acceptable!

3. If possible, pay over your minimum amount. This is especially important with credit card balances, and will reflect a slight boost in your score.

4. If you have paid off all your debt, and your credit score seems to be at a stand still, you might want to make small purchases each month with your credit card and pay them off immediately. Often times the credit bureaus like to see at least some kind of activity. Otherwise, they have no way to gauge how you are doing financially.

5. Be patient! Sometimes repairing credit can be a long and arduous process. Especially if you have had a bankruptcy. It can often take the better part of a year or more to see any significant raises in your score.

Clearing a derogatory mark on your credit report:

This is probably the most difficult in regards to credit repair. If you have requested a copy of your credit report, and notice a problem (an example would be a late payment mark), that shouldn’t be there, you need to take action to get the derogatory mark cleared as soon as possible. It is extremely important to get your credit score cleared before you attempt to get prequalified for mortgage.

Here are the steps you should take:

First of all, if you are in contact with a loan officer, you may want to describe the problem you are having to them. They can be very helpful when it comes to credit repair, and should know exactly what to do if you have a bad mark on your credit that is a mistake. In some cases, they may even call the creditor for you to address the situation.

Second, you should call your creditor and each credit bureau to find out which course of action you should take. In most cases, writing a letter will do. Here is an example letter:

Date 00/00/00

Dear Big Credit Bureau,

This letter is a complaint that you are reporting inaccurate and/or incomplete credit information on my credit report.
I am displeased that you have included the below information in my credit profile that includes the following errors. Credit reporting laws ensure that bureaus report 100% accurate credit information.

The following information concerning my credit report needs to be re-investigated. I respectfully request to be provided proof of this alleged item on my credit report. If this cannot be provided, the item must be deleted from my report as soon as possible:

CREDITOR AGENCY, acct. 123-34567-ABC

The listed item is inaccurate and/or incomplete, and is a serious error in reporting. Please delete this information, and supply a corrected credit profile to all creditors who have received a copy within the last 6 months, or the last 2 years for employment purposes. Also, please provide the name, address, and telephone number of each credit grantor or other subscriber.

Under federal law, you have 30 days to complete your re- investigation. Be advised that the description of the procedure used to determine the accuracy and completeness of the information is hereby requested as well, to be provided within 15 days of the completion of your re-investigation.

Sincerely,

your signature

Your Name

SSN# 123-45-6789

Unfortunately, you will need to write 3 separate letters to each of the 3 major credit bureaus. Here are the contact addresses for each:

Trans Union

P.O. Box 1000

Chester, PA 19022

1-800-888-4213

Equifax

P.O. Box 740241

Atlanta, GA 30374-0241

1-800-997-2493

Experian

P.O. Box 2104

Allen, TX 75013-2104

1-888-397-3742

Alan

Rony Walker asked:




Mortgage companies are reviewing credit scores like never before. This is to avoid earlier mistakes that sent hundreds of homeowners to the brink of home foreclosures. If you’re thinking of relocating to Florida before the summer, repair your credit score. A good credit score will have your application for a Florida refinance approved in no time.

How’s Your Credit Score?

Rare is the individual with an unsullied credit history. People have financial problems, and as much as they would like to pay their credit card debts on time, financial setbacks can defeat this resolve. Delayed credit card debt payments has adverse effects on your credit history and makes you a poor candidate for a future loan for a change of residence, or simply refinancing your current mortgage.

A credit score is the basis for determining a person’s credit worthiness or unworthiness. Meaning, you either pay or don’t pay your credit bills on time. A good credit score, gives you access to affordable interest rates for your Florida refinance, or a refi to relocate in another state. Scores range from a high of 900 to a dismal low of 300. Majority of people hover between 600 and 700 score range.

If your credit score is below 600, you are already considered high risk; therefore, not good loan material. Although some credit card companies assure you can get a mortgage with bad credit, the risks on your part remains. You may get the runaround from credit companies or a high interest rate if ever you get through the mortgage hurdles. To get a fair deal, repair your credit score before you scout for a refinance, or talk to your present lender about a new loan.

Repair Your Credit Score

Before you talk to a loan agent about your Florida refinance, get your credit report from any of the following credit bureaus: Trans Union (1-800-888-4213), Equifax (1-800-685-1111), or Experian (1-800-311-4769).

Check the report for inaccuracies. If the mistake was made by the credit card company, have this rectified. Keep copies of all your efforts to rectify the error. Under Federal law, the company has 30 days to correct the information in your credit report, so follow up on the alteration consistently.

In the meantime, while you are struggling with your bills, stop using credit cards. This is tough, but there is no other way to eliminate future credit card debts while you’re paying off the pile of overdue loans that have accumulated. Delayed payments incur added charges, which makes your financial situation unstable and this would jeopardize your approval for a Florida refinance or a new mortgage.

Make it a habit to monitor your credit score. It will keep you posted on your payment performance, correct errors in time, and guide you on your credit card spending. It’s a good thing that credit card bureaus provide free copies of your credit annually.

Check out the online sites of the credit bureaus to find out if you’re eligible for a free credit report and when. But if you want to be posted of your credit report, you need to shell out money for it, especially if you are getting a new loan or a Florida refinance. Get a better deal for your new mortgage. Repair your credit score now.

Keith

trashelle_miro asked:


My credit score is 662. I have around $7,000 in credit card debt, which can be paid in 5-6 months. My husband’s car will be paid off in a couple of months. I just purchased an used Audi, which will be our only debt. How long will it take to improve my score to 760 or above in order to buy a house in March?

Betty

Capricorn82 asked:


I just very recently paid of all my credit card debt and I have been told to improve my credit I should get another credit card and pay on time (obviously) but I have been denied. Is there anyway I can improve my credit score without getting another credit card? and how long will it take for me to be approved for a credit card again? and how bad is my score if I wasnt approved for a credit card?
I appreciate everyone;s responses but my problem is that b/c my accounts went into collections the credit card compnaies closed my accounts. so I am starting over… that is my delimma.Thanks

Lucille

Lee Boogie asked:


I signed up with a debt management company due to a large amount of credit card debt I accumulated.This was after I read that this can be equivalent to filing for bankruptcy? Is it really that bad? Now that I have focused on paying off debt (on time) and budgeting, I am hoping my credit score can greatly improve in spite of the debt mgmt program? I have since canceled the program and I’m paying the debt myself.Thanks.

Please, no sarcastic “told you so” comments, I’m kicking myself enough as it is!

Johnny

Jack Harmon asked:




So you need to raise your credit score fast? Well credit scores are a very complicated mathematical formula, but if you understand how they are calculated and the factors that affect your score you stand a much better chance to raise your credit score fast.

First off you must understand that there are 3 credit reporting agencies (Experian, Transunion, Equifax) and each of them could have a different credit score for you.

Sometimes a credit score is referred to as a FICO score or beacon score so don’t be alarmed if you see different terms.

In addition, different credit reporting agencies can report more heavily in different regional areas. For instance, Experian could be more heavily reported for customer in the Western region while Equifax could report more heavily in the Southern region.

It is for the above reason that frequently why you will have a different credit score with different credit reporting agencies. If you want to raise your credit score fast here are some things to consider:

Raise Credit Score Fast With These Tips

1. Get a free copy of your credit report and check for errors: Every year 1000s of people find that a creditor or creditors have placed inaccurate information on their credit report. It could be anything from a late payment to a collection. These errors can significantly affect your credit score and getting errors removed can help you raise your credit score fast.

You should highly consider getting a free copy of your credit report and check it for errors. If you find errors, you need to contact the credit reporting bureau and explain to them that you would like to file a complaint as a result of an error on your credit report.

Checking your own credit will not hurt your credit score.

2. Payoff outstanding debt: If you have outstanding debt or credit card debt paying it off can help you improve your credit score. It is not recommended you close your credit cards, because the longer length you have held the credit card can actually help your score.

However, paying off the debt on your credit card can help tremendously because payment history is highly important to your credit score.

3. Avoid shopping for too many loans or credit cards: Every time you shop for a credit card or loan each application you submit can affect your credit score. This does not mean you can not shop for a loan, just do not get out of control with it. Also, if you do shop for a loan be sure to submit all applications within 14 days of each other as this will be more favorable to keeping your credit score high.

In the end, following the above tips can be highly helpful to raise your credit score fast. It is highly recommend you get a copy of your free credit report as any errors on your credit report can be the best option to raise your credit report fast.

Terry

Marie Megge asked:




If you’re buried deep in credit card debt, you probably shouldn’t be asking if debt settlement affects your credit score. Instead, you may want to consider if you should really care what your score is. Think about your situation very seriously for a moment. You’re losing sleep and can barely make the minimum payments due on your credit cards. This situation is making you nervous and you can’t shake the sick feeling in the pit of your stomach because you’re always thinking about the money you owe and how you’ll be able to pay it back. Should you be worried? Probably, because this is a legitimate concern, and one that has the potential to remain for several years if you continue making minimum payments.

Now, jump over to the other side for a moment. Let’s say you’ve struggled and sacrificed to make your credit card payments each and every month. Because of this, your credit score is relatively high. So what? Is it worth feeling stressed out just to have a good credit rating? If you should enter a debt settlement program and your credit score is lower than you’d like it to be for a year or two, would you be awake at night thinking about your credit rating? It’s doubtful. If you’re like most people you’ll probably be so relieved to be debt-free, your credit score will be about as significant as your neighbor’s sister’s dog’s puppies.

Entering into a debt settlement program may or may not affect your credit score, depending on what your current situation is. Chances are, if you’ve made some late payments already and/or your credit cards are carrying high balances, your score is probably not as high as you may think it is. Negotiating reduced settlements with your creditors, through debt settlement, however, can save you thousands of dollars, help you avoid bankruptcy and finally get you to the point of being debt-free and stress-free in less than two years – very possibly even sooner.

If you should decide that debt settlement is your best option, be sure to hire a company you trust. If the first representative with whom you speak sounds like a salesperson and not really interested in your concerns regarding your current financial situation, there’s a good chance you’re not going to get the customer service you desire and deserve once you become a client with this particular firm. While going through the process of debt settlement, you’ll want assurance that your questions and/or concerns will be addressed promptly by the company you’ve chosen.

In summary, you should probably take a good look at what matters most to you – a lifestyle free of debt and concern, or a high credit score. When it comes right down to it, the choice really is yours, so be sure to make the decision you’re most comfortable with.

Judy

sehasara asked:


My credit reports tell me I can improve my score by paying down my debt (which is happening slowly) but give little other advice. Also, my credit reports state that some of the debt will drop off in 2011, so should I settle or wait until then?

Ann

Marie Megge asked:




It seems as though individuals and families seeking some form of debt relief are seeing a significant amount of information regarding credit card debt settlement. Obviously, this form of debt relief (like all others) has some critics, which leads to at least a little skepticism amongst consumers who might be considering debt settlement.

One of the most common questions that are asked of debt settlement is whether or not it will have a negative impact on your credit score. The answer is yes, no and maybe. You see, each person’s situation is different, so depending on your own personal financial status, credit card debt settlement may have a negative impact on your credit score.

If your bills are always paid on time each month, and your credit score is relatively high, I can say with a great deal of confidence that your credit score will be compromised by the time your accounts are settled. Most people who are paying their bills on time, but are seeking debt relief, do so because they tend to find themselves borrowing from one creditor to pay another in an effort to keep their finances afloat each month. Unfortunately, by doing this you’re really not keeping your finances afloat; rather, you’re getting yourself deeper in debt. Your credit score might appear to be okay, but overall your finances are lacking the type of stability that is needed to truly stay afloat. In situations like these, people notice that their credit score may fall below 700, sometimes dipping to as low as 500 during the delinquency period that is required to negotiate with creditors. After all of your accounts are settled, and reflecting zero balances, however, you’ll see your credit score increase and reach a level which is considered to be high enough for credit approval on an auto loan or home mortgage within 9-12 months.

Those individuals whose accounts are already delinquent will likely not see their credit score negatively impacted due to debt settlement. Rather, those who fall into this category will find that their credit scores will increase significantly after all of their accounts are settled and reflecting zero balances. Let’s face it – delinquency is what really impacts a credit score, so by remedying this delinquency, whether through full payoffs or reduced debt settlement payoffs, your credit score has nowhere to go but up.

In summary, depending on your personal financial situation, your credit score may be negatively affected by debt settlement, or this process can have a positive affect. Again, this all depends on your own financial situation. Debt settlement has helped many individuals, families and small businesses to avoid bankruptcy and/or years of paying high interest to various creditors.

Thelma