You have most likely done damage to your credit, whether you got a card from friends, went on too many shopping trips or were hit by economic pressures. The good news is that there are some things that you can do to repair it.
Getting a traditional home loan can be difficult, if not impossible, with imperfect credit. Look into alternative financing options like FHA loans. FHA loans even apply for someone who doesn't have closing costs or the funds that are needed for down payment.
When you want to fix your credit, you need to start somewhere. Have a realistic plan and stay with it. You must be dedicated to making some significant changes in the way you spend your money. Limit your purchases only to things that are absolutely necessary. Consider if a purchase is both essential and affordable, and only purchase it if you can answer "yes" on both counts.
If you are unable to get a new card because of your bad credit, try to apply for secured cards. Anyone can get one, but you must load money onto the card as a type of "collateral". Using this new credit card in a responsible manner will help to build back up your good credit rating.
Interest Rate
By keeping your credit score low, you can cut back on your interest rate. This will help you afford your payments, and get out of debt quickly. Obtaining the best possible interest rate saves you money, and helps you maintain your credit score.
If your debt includes large amounts for interest charges contact the debt collector and see whether you can pay the original debt and avoid some of the additional interest charges. In most cases, creditors are somewhat limited in the amount of interest they can charge. However, you have entered into a legal agreement that requires you to pay accrued interest. The only way you are legally able to sue the creditors is if you are able to prove that your interest rates are much too high.
Credit Counselor
Before using a credit counselor, it's important to research them completely. There are a lot of unscrupulous agencies scattered in among the few legitimate credit counselors that are really there to help you. Other options are clearly scams. If you're smart, you'll make sure the credit counselor is not a phony first.
Be wary of credit repair scams that can get you in legal trouble. Sites may act like you can create new credit lines and tell you how to do it. Of course, this highly illegal, and it will cause you even more problems, because it will not go unnoticed. The end result of getting caught during the crime could be expensive legal fees and a possibility of time behind bars.
Find out how your debt settlement contract will make your credit score look. Some debt settlements are better than others. Do your homework and find out how your score will be impacted before agreeing to anything. Remember creditors want their money. They really don't care about your credit scores. That is up to you to protect.
At first, it may seem impossible to repair your damaged credit. However, with some effort and the right advice, you can start to improve your credit rating and eventually regain a credit score that will instill faith in any lender. With the tips above, you are better prepared to take action and get your credit situation back where it should be.