Believe it or not, it is possible to repair your own credit. Do not pay attention to those commercials you see on television that tell you the only way to clear your credit report or raise your score is to use a professional company. Those companies are only out to make a profit off of you. Now, you might think that repairing your own credit is a complicated process, but it isn't. It just takes some time and attention.
The first step you need to take to repair your own credit is to get a copy of your current credit report from each of the three major credit reporting agencies, Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. You are, by law, allowed to get one free copy of your credit report from each of the three major reporting agencies per year. You can get your report in one of two ways, either by contacting each reporting agency individually (they each have websites) or by going to freecreditreport.com, which is endorsed by the federal government. At freecreditreport.com, you can get your reports from all three agencies at the same time. Most of these companies will allow you to access your reports for anywhere from a week to a month without incurring any further charges. Make sure you keep your information for this on file somewhere, because you might end up needing it.
Print out your credit reports. Now, sit down and go over them. Go over them very carefully. Make sure that all of the information contained in the report is accurate. Make sure the account numbers are correct, that your billing information is right and that each account listed in the report matches your records. Mark down any mistakes you find, no matter how trivial they might seem.
The next step to repair your own credit is to challenge each and every one of the mistakes you have found in your credit reports. The easiest way to do this is through the websites for each of the major credit reporting agencies. The best way is to send your disputes in writing. Most of the websites will have a form you can print out and use. When you send it in, make sure that you send it via certified mail with delivery confirmation. Keep the postcards with the recipients' signatures. By law, the credit reporting agencies must respond to you within thirty days to let you know where your disputes stand and they will send you written confirmation of any corrections that have been made. They are also required to tell you why corrections do not get made, in the event that an account is not corrected. Repeat this step until your credit report is one hundred percent accurate.
Sometimes the agencies get their information confused and sometimes there are glitches in the computer. The time it takes to repair your own credit will vary, but if you are diligent, you will get your credit score up to where it should be.
Copyright (c) 2008 Steven Magill
We've all heard the phrase "seize the day" but how many of us actually make a conscious effort to grasp each opportunity as it comes? When we think about taking opportunities we rarely think about the simpler ways in which we can make good use of our time. Have you even ever explored your own hometown?
We've all been faced with the task of showing visitors around our town. Someone comes to visit and you are required to show them the best of what your area has to offer. This is when we start realizing how little we know about our own area. It can be embarrassing not knowing your own town.
You can combine learning about your town with a break. Why not turn the experience into a fun filled adventure?
Everyone needs a break from the mundane realities of the daily grind. So what if you can't afford to go far away for some adventure why not rediscover your own hometown? Avoid the embarrassment of being the only one who has not explored where you live.
There are so many places that you pass by without visiting every day. Why not take some time to rediscover your own home. Short breaks can do just as much good as long ones and will make as much of a difference to your stress levels. And everybody needs a break. And it doesn't have to cost the earth.
Make a list of all the places you have been meaning to visit but haven't gotten around to - in your own town. The list can serve as a useful reminder that there is plenty to do and see on your own doorstep!
Use the internet as a resource. Check what kinds of activities you have never tried or places you have never seen.
Contact the Chamber of Commerce in your area. They will be able to assist you find new activities and make some excellent suggestions. You can also try phoning the chamber of commerce in neighboring town. Often the Chamber of Commerce will have a list of things to do and they will know about what kinds of activities offered.
Try to arrange yourself an action packed weekend getaway close to your home. Visit some local tourist attractions. Look for bed and breakfasts situated close by and let them look after you. Enjoy the feeling of being looked after and pampered, and maybe even steal a few recipes to use later!
Check your yellow pages and bus services for ideas. Tourist attractions are a great way to spend some time in your own town. A short getaway might be just what you need. Try a fun mini break without going too far and rediscover your own town. You will be glad you did!
Both Steven Magill & Christine Bettridge are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.