Credit Score Articles How To Repair Your Credit & Improve Your Credit Score - Even If You Are Not A Financial Expert! Tip! An individual's race, sex, age, level of education, or marital status has no bearing on a credit score, nor does the fact that an application for credit was previously turned down. If you have less than perfect credit, and you've ever tried getting a loan or credit card, then you know just how much poor credit can cost you. So, the next step to getting yourself completely out of debt is learning how to clean up your credit file! Many people think that by paying on time they automatically have "perfect" credit. But that's not always true - if you have too much credit available to you if can hurt your credit, even if you don't use all of it. So can having high credit card balances, even if you pay on time every month. You Can Repair Your Credit Also, most people think - incorrectly - that once something bad goes on your credit report, it will automatically stay there for a long time. That's not always true, either. Fortunately, there are ways to remove even the MOST damaging items on your credit report...and to do it legally and honestly! Keep in mind that debt negotiation does go on your credit report, and it can lower your credit score. And that's where credit repair comes in. The first step is to get a copy of your credit report. Even if you THINK you have perfect credit, it's still a good idea to get a copy of your credit report every year and check it carefully. Because statistics show there's a good chance you'll find AT LEAST one negative item on your credit report! But, just because you do find some negative items on your credit report does NOT mean your credit is automatically ruined forever! Tip! Be truthful on your loan application. Don't indicate a 'fair' credit rating (620 and above), when you have a 'poor' credit rating (any credit score below 600). There is nothing written in stone saying you must pay for your mistakes for the rest of your life - yet there ARE rules that require creditors to remove incorrect and damaging items from your credit report. All you need to know is HOW to get them removed! How To Repair Your Credit One option is to hire a credit repair company. Unfortunately, there are a lot of credit repair companies out there that will charge you an arm and a leg. Some even use illegal tactics. So, if you decide to hire someone else to repair your credit, please BE CAREFUL! Ask lots of questions. And do lots of research. Fortunately, there are ways to repair your credit on your own. Once you know how to do it, credit repair is NOT that difficult at all. It does take some work, especially if you have a lot of negative items. But even the worst credit can be repaired if you do it correctly - and you keep trying. Tip! Check your credit score online with one of the official companies to see what or why your credit score is the level it is. This will help you determine what you can really do to increase your credit score. Credit repair is not an overnight process, so it's a good idea to get started cleaning up your credit as soon as possible. Everyone makes mistakes, especially when it comes to money. But you DON'T have to keep paying for those mistakes forever! Kris Bickell is the owner of Debt-Tips.com, a helpful site for consumers struggling with credit card debt. For tips on getting out of debt, repairing your credit, saving money, and making extra money online, sign up for the free "Get Out Of Debt Faster" email course at: http://www.Debt-Tips.com/course.html © 2005 Debt-Tips.com