subject: Credit Repair - Fix Your Credit Rating In 5 Steps [print this page] In the current economy it is very difficult to get accepted for a loan to pay off your debts, the mortgage for your dream home or paying your way through University. It is so important that you have a good credit rating as this will make your life so much easier when applying for a loan. The ironic thing is that most people know the importance of keeping a good credit rating however, when it comes to putting it into practice many people fail miserably to repair their credit.
If you are in a negative financial situation then you need to take a drastic look at your spending habits and make some serious changes. The following tips will help you get back on course.
1) For one month keep a written record of what you spend, this maybe hard at first but it will get easier. Many people find this very revealing as it provides a clear picture of where your money is going, where your overspending on credit cards and helps you identify where you need to cut your spending on expenses that are not important. Once you have identified and cut any unnecessary spending allocate yourself a budget for the month and try your utmost to stick to it. Do not think about having to do this for a whole month, just take it one day at a time and before you know it this will become a habit.
2) If possible get a copy of your credit report which most credit rating companies provide for a small fee. The credit report is a very important and revealing document because it provides a history of your financial activities and transactions. Financial companies will use this information to assess your credibility and determine if you qualify for any loans or credit cards that you apply for.
3) When you have your credit report the first thing to do is identify the most negative items that you think will have an adverse effect on your credit rating. For most people this is involves credit card debt and also loan defaults. Although credit cards are very convenient many people have a tendency to overspend on them because its so easy to do so. If you have many credit cards you need to ask whether you need all of them. Having one credit card makes more sense as it is much easier to manage. It is important to check your report for any inaccuracies or unknown transactions as this may reveal signs of identity theft were your name and personal details could be used by someone else to set up accounts in your name for their own financial gain.
4) In most cases these inaccuracies are the results of either errors or misprints, but it is better to be safe than sorry. If you find yourself deep in debt then the worst thing you can do is try and ignore it you have got to take positive action to rectify the situation. You need to have the courage to approach your bank or debt collectors to agree a realistic payment plan to pay back the debt. Most lenders are willing to do this but you have to approach them and be honest and clear about your situation.
5) In certain situations a debt consolidation loan can be a viable alternative for some people as you have the convenience of grouping all your debts into one payment plan. However, before committing make sure you understand the conditions and the interest charges as these types of loans tend to have a higher rates than normal bank loans. At the end of the day you have to take responsibility for repairing your credit and that takes discipline and positive action.
