Guides: Credit Repair

Offers credit repair report information.

Sample letter can be tailored to your specific credit report dispute action with the top credit bureaus.

Offers information credit bureau report dispute process information.

Address, telephone and web site contact information on TransUnion, Experian and Equifax credit bureaus.

The Equal Credit Opportunity Act requires that companies reporting to credit bureaus must make their reports in the names of both husband and wife if both use an account or are responsible for repaying the debt. SPENDonLIFE.com explains what to do if a credit account is not in your name. We also show you how to determine which spouse is responsible for repaying debts.

While frustrating, credit errors can be corrected. It takes patience and knowledge of dispute settlement procedures provided by the Fair Credit Billing Act (FCBA). We list 7 common billing errors. Know how to respond to errors. Our handy sample dispute letter is a good guide. Find out what creditors must legally do if you file a dispute -- and what you can do if they don't obey the law.

Negative information can be removed if it can't be verified. Most negative items are automatically removed after seven years from the original delinquency date. Here are exceptions: Bankruptcies are on your report 10 years; and Lawsuits or unpaid judgments against you can be reported more than 7 years if the statute of limitations is longer. See three items for which there is no time limit.

Budgeting. Lock your credit cards up, don't CUT them up. If you cancel them while having financial difficulties, you may find it hard to get one again. In order to get an overall look at your family income and debt, you need to sit down and total up what your net income or take home pay is, against what you owe in everyday living expenses and regular bills, including your credit cards....

Once you have gotten your credit reports from all three reporting agencies, or, better yet, from a company that combines all three into one report, there is a specific procedure for removing and correcting items, or adding your own statement. This is a great way to begin the credit repair process. It is well worth your time. We give you a step-by-step guide to dealing with the credit bureaus.

Whether you hire a credit repair clinic or use your own initiative, keep these tips in mind: Dispute bad credit information; Alert others to errors and start to repair your credit; Order a free copy of your credit report; Beware of upfront payments; After any credit report investigation, get a free copy in writing. Plus, 8 credit legal rights. And how long negative info. stays on your report.