A poor credit report doesn't mean you can't get credit. Every creditor has their own credit-granting standards and evaluates your credit performance in their own way. Often, if your bill-paying history has recently improved - you may find that you are eligible for a limited amount of credit at reasonable terms, even with bad credit. If time permits, you should contact potential creditors directly to discuss their credit standards.
If you can't resolve your credit problems yourself or you need additional financial help, contact a credit counseling service or debt negotiation company such as US Debt Network. There are organizations in every state that counsel consumers in debt. Counselors will attempt to negotiate repayment plans that are acceptable to you and your creditors. They can also help you establish a realistic budget.
Don't confuse a debt negotiation company with the "so called" credit repair companies. Many states have laws strictly regulating credit repair companies. If you've lost money to credit repair scams, don't hesitate to consider contacting the Attorney General.
The law requires that credit repair companies give you a copy of the "Consumer Credit File Rights Under State and Federal Law" before you sign a contract with them. They must also give you a written contract that itemizes your rights and obligations. Read these documents before signing the contract. The law contains specific protections for you. For example, a credit repair company cannot:
- make false claims about their services;
- charge you until they have completed the promised services; or
- perform any services until they have your signature on a written contract and have completed a three-day waiting period. During this time, you can cancel the contract without paying any fees.
Your contract must contain:
- the total cost and payment terms;
- a detailed description of the services to be performed;
- how long it will take to achieve the results;
- guarantees, if any, that they offer; and
- the credit repair company name and business address.
A debt negotiation company is fully versed in the credit scoring process and knows exactly what factors to negotiate and how to arrange (negotiate) debt repayment plans that are a win situation for both the overburdened debtor and the creditor. There is no "secret bullet" or hidden law (except for bankruptcy) that allows you to legally avoid paying your bills. If you want to protect your credit and avoid bankruptcy, there is only legitimate, face to face restructuring of your debt with the creditor.
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