Where Can I Go to Repair My Credit?

In the current economy, it's hard to find someone who does not have bad credit. While many people assume the worst-case scenario, there are organizations working to keep everyone afloat. Declaring bankruptcy is not the only option. Nonprofit and government organizations are working to ensure that people with bad credit have somewhere to repair their credit. These organizations will help you deal with your credit problems and provide you various, if limited, options.

In the current economy, it's hard to find someone who does not have bad credit. While many people assume the worst-case scenario, there are organizations working to keep everyone afloat. Declaring bankruptcy is not the only option. Nonprofit and government organizations are working to ensure that people with bad credit have somewhere to repair their credit. These organizations will help you deal with your credit problems and provide you various, if limited, options.

Credit Agencies

There are credit repair organizations that will prepare the paperwork, by gathering all your credit information, and then contact the various agencies dealing with credit reporting in order to reduce the negative elements in your report. There are some agencies that offer a free credit report, while others require a small fee. Some of the major agencies are Equifax, TransUnion and Experian. You can order a free credit report through the official site, AnnualCreditReport.com. This site allows people to get their free credit report, once every 12 months.

Local Attorneys

There are many attorneys who deal with credit repair. Given your situation, it may make sense to consult a reputable credit repair attorney. However, do not expect quick answers. Fixing credit problems is much harder than creating them. In order to re-establish good credit, you have to change your financial handling of any situation. Consolidation of loans and installments are never the only answer, so try to find alternative answers. A credit repair attorney may not be a solution you can afford. However, for those with moderate debt levels can opt for this solution. The lawyer can advise you of your legal rights and will provide you with legal options to dealing with the negative elements in your credit report. If you have several debts and are dealing with numerous credit agencies at the same time, you will have to get a credit report from each of the agencies because each may have a different statement. Doing so allows you to go through the reports and dispute any outdated or erroneous items. The credit repair attorney, if licensed and reputable, can help provide debtors with customized and comprehensive financial plans that help deal with their negative credit reports.

Local Non-Profit Credit Repair Organizations

There are many credit counseling centers created through state and federal efforts to bring relief to the nation. These community service organizations offer professional and personal guidance to help you deal with credit card bills and improve your debt situation in bids to prevent bankruptcy filings. There are many other similar centers throughout the United States and contacting your local government will help you locate one in your area. Money Management International provides financial education through its Consumer Credit Counseling Services division and makes up the largest nonprofit credit counseling agency in the United States.