People who know they have “bad” credit and are a big “credit risk” are usually aware that something has to change with the way they manage their money and debts.

It is actually possible for you to travel the “repair road” with yourself as the driver. However, when setting out on this trip, you will need a triptik to break down the milestones on the way.

First you need to find out what your actual “credit score” is because it is this 3 digit number that you will want to raise. A score over 700 is considered “good”, but under 700 may be problematic. This knowledge is fundamental to the process.

To find out this information, you will begin by obtaining your credit reports. You will need to be brave and confront these reports. There are 3 credit bureaus that supply reports: TransUnion, Equifax, and Experian. On a yearly basis, you are able to receive a free report (fee for the credit score) from each of these agencies. For the details on this procedure, see www.annualcreditreport.com.

It is possible that each of these reports may actually be different. Therefore, it is very important to obtain all three report for comparison.

After the comparison, examine each report for errors. Determine the nature of the error or errors and DISPUTE THE ERRORS. This will take some time but you are the one who has to fix it.

Document all errors, and the reasons why you know they are errors and send this in writing (with a copy of the credit report) to any or all, if needed, credit bureaus. Definitely retain COPIES OF EVERYTHING for your records.

Please approach this part of the process carefully as you would any DIY project. Deal with problems along the way, stay calm and this part of the project will get finished.