Question

how much does it cost a month to pay a credit counselor to dispute my accounts on my credit report

 James T.

Answer

James

The cost of credit repair services varies from company to company.  They range from $39 – $120 a month.  It is important to know that according to the Credit Repair Organizations Act which regulates companies that provide credit repair services, it is unlawful to collect fees BEFORE performing the work.

With the down turn in the economy, there are more and more credit repair “shops” popping up to provide these services.

Creditrepair.com will provide you with a free referral to the most reputable credit repair company based on your individual situation.  Give us a call @ 800-445-8540.

Thanks

Candice

Question

I am overwhelmed in credit card debt and would like to try the debt settlement.  A company called Zwicker and Associates has already taken over my Discover card.  What can they do to me?  Is debt settlement a good idea?

Julianna H.

Answer

Julianna-

Debt settlement is usually a good program for old unpaid collections, charge offs, judgments or tax liens.

Usually, in the cases I just listed, you can get a 40 to 60% reduction in the balance that you owe.

There a few pitfalls to be aware off.

1)      The remaining balance that you do not pay on your settlement may be considered income by the IRS and is taxable as ordinary income.

2)      Your credit report will be updated as a “settlement for less than full balance” which can be a red flag for future creditors that you may apply for new credit with.

3)      Lastly, some settlement companies will take monthly payments from you until you have enough to equal the settlement amount.  Be aware that these monthly payments are going to the settlement company and not your creditors.  This means that the creditors still have the right to attempt to collect the debt including garnishing your wages, getting a judgment or seizing your assets.

Let us know if we can be of any assistance finding a reputable partner for you.

Candice

Question

How can I increase my credit score quickly?

Mary J.

Answer

Hi Mary

Good news…there are many ways to improve your credit and there are things you can do today to see some improvement quickly.

1)    You have the right to dispute any negative item that you question as being accurate, obsolete, unverifiable or misleading.  Audit your credit report and challenge any questionable negative item to make your report as accurate as possible.

2)    By off or pay down your balances.  If you have old collections, charge offs, judgments or tax liens, you should resolve these and get these satisfied.  Also, any revolving accounts need to be paid on time and keep the balances low, usually below 30% of your available credit.

3)    Build positive credit.  You should have a good mixture of revolving and installment credit on your credit reports.  And, continue to pay on time!

4)    Lastly, check your credit often.  Make sure there are no mistakes and make sure no one is pulling your credit.  Inquiries can lower your score.

If you would like a customized personalized solution to increasing your credit score, please don’t hesitate to call us.

Thanks,

Candice

Question

Hi Candice I’m having trouble trying to initiate a credit dispute with Equifax.  Everytime I give them the basic info that they want,  I’m told the can’t proceed.  Any suggestions?  Also could you recommend a web site for a professional credit repair compnany.  Thank you.

David W.

Answer

Hi David-

The Fair Credit Reporting Act allows the credit bureaus the opportunity not to research a dispute request if they deem the dispute to be FRIVOULOS.  Many times the bureaus will respond to a dispute asking for more information in an effort to see if the dispute is legit or frivolous.

The best disputes are in writing, they clearly state the account you are disputing and why you believe it to be inaccurate, unverifiable, incomplete, obsolete or misleading.  They also have a copy of the evidence backing up your belief.  For instance, if you are disputing a late payment, include a copy of the cancelled check that shows you paid on time.

It is also recommended that you send your disputes by certified mail.  Document all of your communications with the credit bureaus.

Creditrepair.com serves to match consumers to the most reputable companies in the credit report repair, debt, mortgage, auto and foreclosure industries.  Give us a call @ 800-445-8540 and we can match your personalized situation with the best partner available.

Thanks

Candice