Live the Dream by Mastering Your Credit for Free

Posted: Feb 27, 2011 |Comments: 0 |

If you're here then obviously you've been hearing the word "credit" thrown around a little bit. What we can do now is to go over some of these credit starting points to help ease some of the concerns and give you a starting place.

To regard the significance of your credit, it's valued like your reputation. Maintaining good credit is achieved simply by keeping your bills paid on time. It's that simple, but it isn't that simple.

Credit cards, loans, and low interest rates for either of these are the reason why your credit is so important. If you have credit issues, if will more than likely be difficult in getting a loan and at a respectable interest rate.

Something else that you will hear about is your credit score. This is the number that is assigned to your credit history. They calculate at your spending habits and how well you've made your payments on time. Your credit score ranges from 300 to 850 where most are looking for a score of 660 and higher.

Just so you have an idea, here are some factors that determine your credit score:

1.    How have you used your credit? If you have more than one credit card and they are maxed out or close to the max, you are more of a risk.


2.    What is the length of your credit history? If you're 18, you will pose a greater risk than a person that is 40 years old.

3.    How many times you have applied for credit? Every time you apply, it gets recorded. By applying too often, your credit score gets dinged.

4.    The different types of credit you have. Some carry more risk than others.

Now you have a few fundamentals, you should be questioning what is next. To get started, you will need an actual copy of your credit record. There are three companies that report on your credit - Equifax, TransUnion, and Experian. Each of these institutions are required by The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) to provide you ever 12 months with a free copy, by request.

This is your first step. Have a credit report sent to you by each institution so that you will be able to examine your credit history.

How to dispute your credit report

The FTC recommends that if you want to dispute an item on your credit report, the best way is by mail. They are going to want to see proof of your dispute so be sure and gather all of these things up. If a late payment is reported that you know isn't correct, attach a copy of something like a online receipt or testimony that shows differently. When you do this, it is almost impossible to lose. Many people insist that the reporting agencies believe them but it never really works out for them that way.

Be sure and send your dispute by certified mail and make sure you request a return receipt. The credit agency is upheld to investigate your dispute within 30 days unless they deem it without merit. When the investigation is over, the agency has to report back to you the results in writing and if there will be a change or modification to your credit report.

If you get changes made in your favor, there are a couple of options to you that I highly recommend you take advantage of. If anybody requested a copy of your credit report within the last six months, they will report to them any corrections made. If a copy was requested based on your employment, you can request that the corrections be sent to them as well up to two years before.

Repairing your credit report is certainly not a fun task. It's aggravating, tedious, and you need to maintain good records. But, in the end, the time and effort are more than worth it by making things so much easier for you.

Questions and Answers

Ask
200 Characters left
Rate this Article
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 0 vote(s)
    Feedback
    Print
    Re-Publish
    Source:  http://www.articlesbase.com/credit-articles/live-the-dream-by-mastering-your-credit-for-free-4322282.html

    Article Tags:

    free credit report

    ,

    credit scores

    ,

    credit report dispute

    ,

    credit

    ,

    credit cards

    ,

    loans

    ,

    credit score

    Who else wants a 750 credit score... or better? Are you sick and tired of being turned down for credit? Are you fed up with being embarrassed, humiliated and REJECTED each and every time you apply for something new? If you are anything like I once was, the simple truth is that bad credit MAY be ruining your life.

    By: Lee A. Johnsonl Finance> Creditl Aug 27, 2010

    Credit report different from My credit league later credit report I buy? I bought my 3 credit reports and I only have two negitive tradelines on all three, when I go to my credit union they pulled a credit report from Transunion and here was 3 more negitive tradelines on it from 9 years ago.Why did thoes tradelines not show up on the reports I bought?And I thought they be to "fall off" surrounded by 7 years.Thanks for your replies ....

    By: creditfaql Finance> Creditl Feb 02, 2010 lViews: 164

    Negative information on your credit report can harm you and impact your life in many ways. Creditors and debt collectors don't always play fair when it comes to the items they report to credit reporting agencies. The Fair Credit Reporting Act sets out certain credit reporting rights that are important for you to know and understand.

    By: Sergei Lembergl Finance> Creditl Jul 25, 2011

    There are many ways to improve credit score ratings, and the first step is to check credit score standings whenever possible. Inquiring about a credit score is important because it allows the consumer to keep track of his or her financial practices, and report any fraudulent activities or mistakes that could occur on the account. Once you determine your rating, you can start taking steps to improve your credit score.

    By: Credit Sesamel Finance> Creditl Jan 02, 2011 lViews: 147
    Dr. Credit Score

    It can happen to anyone: Miss just a credit card payment or two and the next time you check your credit score, you're stunned to find a low number that makes lenders shun you. But with patience and discipline, you can move that score from the depths to the stratosphere.

    By: Dr. Credit Scorel Finance> Creditl Jul 26, 2010 lViews: 251
    Genuine Credit Recovery

    Genuine Credit Recovery - The Most Trusted Credit Repair Company. The Seal of Approval ™. Raise Your Credit Score To New Heights.

    By: Genuine Credit Recoveryl Finance> Creditl Mar 05, 2011 lViews: 298

    Registering a company is no longer a time-consuming and tedious business. With the new online company formation services available you will be able to register your new company in just a few clicks of a button.

    By: Adam Nicolsonl Finance> Creditl Jun 02, 2012

    Establishing large credit card debts in college develops poor money management skills. Also, high interest rates keep students in debt well after school.

    By: Roshanl Finance> Creditl May 30, 2012

    "In full swing, there is news in the industry every day." A third-party payments industry veteran, told us. Third-party payment industry is in the most rapid period of development of this industry.

    By: annegyl Finance> Creditl May 29, 2012

    Typically, small company proprietors rely on financial loans to invest in their companies. But when you're a small company, remember to think about other kinds of economic financing like a business credit line.

    By: Irish B. Taylorl Finance> Creditl May 29, 2012

    If you're planning a holiday with your family, don't forget to include your credit score with you. Monitoring your credit score while you're away can be a big help. If the thought of thieves running up a huge debt on your credit card scares you, then online monitoring is what you need. Read article to know more.

    By: joymalil Finance> Creditl May 29, 2012

    Almost everyone snores one time or another in their lifetime. When snoring starts to become more frequent, then serious problems can result from this annoying occurrence. The first problem can lead to poor sleep for you or your partner. Poor sleep can lead to fatigue during the day, and loss of focus and loss of energy that can affect your relationship as well. Finding a cure or ways to prevent snoring is the first step in regaining your sleep and quite possibly your relationship as well.

    By: Jim Flanniganl Health> Sleepl Mar 20, 2012

    The majority of people want to drive their vehicle from one place to another, but upkeep is another story. Because many people do not take care, there is a good possibility that they will see the check engine light come on. It has to be taken care of right away but many people do not take it to the mechanic.

    By: Jim Flanniganl Automotive> Carsl Mar 16, 2012

    Ford performed a clever thing by making its first hybrid as an SUV, which is considered as very American. This Ford hybrid was simply created to look like any other SUV so it doesn't really stand out. Contrary to the Honda Insight, people did not react badly to the design of the Ford Escape.

    By: Jim Flanniganl Automotive> SUVsl Feb 03, 2012

    The Porsche 911 Turbo may be a car that appeals to your senses, and your sensibilities, also, but if you need to be driving down the road in one, you better have a few bucks. Having this sports car will cost you $132,800 if you want the Turbo coupe and $143,00 if you want the Cabrio.

    By: Jim Flanniganl Automotive> Carsl Jan 09, 2012

    Once in awhile there will be parts that break on your vehicle that you could probably fix yourself. It's very costly to take your automobile to a mechanic, especially when you have to pay what they charge for the part, when you could save so much time and money by doing it yourself.

    By: Jim Flanniganl Automotive> Carsl Jan 05, 2012

    Discuss this Article

    Author Box
    Articles Categories
    All Categories
    Quantcast