Who Else Wants Perfect Credit?

Due to hard economic times, many people have seen their credit score suffer.  Here is how to get started with the credit restoration process.

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If you are like most people, your credit has some room for improvement.  In this lending market, even people with good credit are looking to give their credit score an extra boost.  The good news is that you do not have to hire an expensive credit restoration company to improve your credit.  You can do it yourself!

It all starts with a careful review of your credit report.  You can get your free credit report once a year at annualcreditreport.com.  You also can get a report for free if you are unemployed, on public assistance, or believe that you are a victim of identity thief.  Likewise, if you have been turned down for employment or credit in the last 60 days you can get a report for free.  If you do not meet any of these criteria, you can get a credit report by paying a small fee.

You can also get your report by contacting the credit bureaus directly:

Equifax - 800-685-1111
http://www.equifax.com/

Experian - 888-397-3742
http://www.experian.com/

Trans Union - 800-888-4213
http://www.tuc.com/

When you make your request, you will need to include your personal information such as your name, address, social security number, birth date and employer.  It is a good idea to include a copy of your driver’s license with your request if you are requesting by mail.

Once you have your report you will want to review it carefully.  Installment accounts will be rated an I and then that status.  Revolving accounts with show as an R.  After the I or R you will see the account status.  A 1 means paid as agreed, a 2 is 30 days late, 3 is 60 days late and so on.

As you review your report, make note of anything that is incorrect as well as each negative account that needs addressing.  Now it is time to formulate a credit restoration plan!

Most credit repair plans include disputing accounts with the three credit bureaus.  You may also implement strategies like paying for deletion, debt settlement, debt validation and the 623 method.  Once you decide which methods will work for you the key is implementation. Credit restoration does not happen overnight, but with diligence and time your credit score will see steady improvement.

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