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.

For many folks, it will be possible for them to manage their path back to “good credit.” through their own determination and willingness to confront the problem.

The “credit risk” label is based on your “credit report” and “credit score.” Therefore, you need to know what those are all about. The credit score is a very important 3 digit number that a “credit risk” will need to raise. A score of 700 or more is “good.” If the score is under 700, this might be problematic. This information is essential to the repair process.

You can gather this information by securing your credit reports. Don’t be afraid to look at them. They will provide essential information. Arrange to get these reports from the Credit Bureaus. There are 3 credit bureaus: Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. You are entitled to a free report from each once a year. There is a charge for the credit score. See www.annualcreditreport.com for details.

A business does not always report to the same credit bureau. Therefore, you want to see all 3 reports for comparison. It is possible that they may differ.

When you finish comparing them, review each report for errors. You will need to DISPUTE ANY ERRORS. There is no quick fix, but repairing your credit is a work in progress.

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.

This is essential information for you to have because there may be some unexpected surprises on those reports. Stay with the process, confront the issues.