How To Repair Your Credit Yourself For Free

No matter what caused your credit to default, the reality is that the credit reporting agencies do not care. They only report what the hard core reality of your life. It can be a constant reminder of a job loss, divorce, school, or even the dreaded "identity theft". A bad credit score can make a big difference in the amount you qualify for, the interest that you pay, and if you get the loan at all.

Fortunately, there are things that you can do to fix the situation. It may take time and patience, but the overall difference will be seen and felt in the end. In my situation, I had four children right in a row. After I got out of the hospital with one of my babies, the car company decided to immediately take my car. This was devastating to me and to top it off my husband would not keep a steady job. It was hard to work and take care of babies and myself getting ready to give birth. My car company did not seem to care about my situation, and they immediately took my car. Now how was I going to work? An unforeseen circumstance you never expect to be in when you are signing the initial paperwork for your vehicle. Devastated would only describe one of the emotions.

I immediately went into "recover mode". I had to come up with a solution to fix my problem. A repossession was only part of my credit problems. My husband would not work to pay the rent, so I also had apartments on my credit report. Everything always had to be in my name because he wasn't responsible enough. I called the credit repair companies, and they wanted to charge $1000 to fix my credit. I didn't have $1000. I then thought that maybe I could do it myself. I did research and watched professionals at work. I realized that I didn't have to pay anything but my own blood, sweat, tears, and massive amount of patience. You will need that patience virtue as you argue with your creditors about your bills. The one virtue you do not need when repairing your credit is "honesty". When it comes to a better score, who cares how you got it, right? I don't mean doing anything fraudulent. What I mean is sometimes stretching the truth like saying "I never paid late". We all know you did, right? But nobody cares.

The first step you need to take is to get a copy of your credit report. You will need the tri-bureau report that mortgage brokers or a bank can pull. Sometimes you will have to pay for it, but usually it is only about $20. The next step is to look at all your debt and your addresses.

Here is where it gets tedious. You then need to write three letters. The letter will look like this...

To Whom it May Concern:

Upon looking at my credit report I noticed several items that were either not mine or outdated. Please investigate these and delete or update accordingly. I have enclosed a copy of a utility bill for proof of address and a copy of my drivers license and social security card for proof of identity.

Please send me an updated copy of the results to the address provided.

Name:

Address:

Social Security Number:

Thank you,

Signature

You then place at the bottom of the letter the specific items you want them to investigate. Don't forget the items you promised. It will take about three weeks for you to get your results back, but when you do you will be satisfied. It sometimes takes several efforts of doing this. You can do it once a month. Sometimes the credit reporting agencies complain, but do not let this stop your efforts. There is nothing they can do about and they are required to investigate. You do not need to pay for this service, it is free.

Here are the addresses to the credit reporting agencies that you will need to keep t hand at all times while repairing:

Trans Union

P.O. Box 2000

Chester, Pa 19022

Equifax

P.O. Box 740241

Atlanta, Ga 30374

Experian

P.O. Box 4500

Allen, TX 75013

Now you just sit and wait for your results. You are on your way to a better credit score and a new house, car, boat, or whatever it is your heart desires. Just use this as an opportunity to make things right and make your payments on time...otherwise you are back to square one!!

I hope this works for you as well as it did for me. It took me a long time because of my situation, but everyone's situation is unique. I say the word unique because the word different does not give enough credence to the pain of the causes of defaulted credit for every individual.

Sometimes you will find after things are deleted your credit score isn't raising. What you can do in this situation is obtain a "secured" credit card. This is one you will have to put a deposit down on. Some banks will have a special account to individuals trying to raise their credit score. Something else you can do is purchase seasoned tradelines to add to your account. That can be expensive, but it is worth the results.

Good luck in your credit repair. It is not hard, but it is very serious and something that needs to be done!!