How To Improve My Credit Scores?

How to improve my credit scores?

As a credit expert I answer dozens of questions a day. Many those questions have to do with repairing bad credit.

Here's the bottom line, pure and simple: no matter what anyone promises you, there is no "instant fix" to repair damaged credit.

BUT, there ARE plenty of things you can do to improve your credit. You can start making an impact right away.

There are simple, real-life steps you can take to improve your credit standing. Don't waste any more time fretting about your low scores – instead take action today and, before you know it, those dings and dents in your credit reports could become a thing of the past!

HOPE4USA specializes in helping our clients learn the steps to earn healthier credit. We would like to teach you these principals as well. There are certain things you can do which may potentially cause your credit to improve significantly in a relatively short period of time.  If you would like to know more, please call us at 704-499-9696. We are waiting on your call.

How Do I Deal With My Debt Collectors?

How do I deal with my debt collectors? We truly hope that you are never in the situation where you are dealing with a debt collector. But as this financial crisis has gotten even more serious (millions of jobs lost!), more and more people are finding that they can’t keep up with their bills. 

This is an incredibly stressful situation, made much worse by aggressive, relentless and sometimes unethical debt collectors. If you are dealing with debt collectors, we want you to know your rights. Debt collectors have a job to do, but that doesn’t mean they legally can harass or intimidate you. 

There are detailed rules that debt collectors must abide by and there are ways for you to respond if they are not following those rules. They are not above the law. There are also ways for you to dispute claims if you think the charges are wrong.

Remember, you absolutely have the right to try to deal with credit problems and debt collectors all on your own. However, you also have the right to hire professional help as well. At HOPE4USA we help our clients everyday deal with collectors, incorrect credit reporting, and many other credit related issues. If you would like to know more please call us at 704-499-9696. We are waiting for your call.

Credit Myths Exposed

Credit myths are not just annoying, they can be dangerous. Check out the 4 perceived credit myths below and find out whether they are true, false, or somewhere in between. 

Myth #1: An Account May Only Stay On My Credit Report for 7 Years

False:  The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) limits credit reporting on most negative accounts to around 7 years. However, there are exceptions to this rule (i.e. unpaid student loans, unpaid tax liens, judgments, bankruptcy, etc.). 

Myth #2: Collection Accounts Must be Deleted from My Credit Report Once Paid or Settled.

False:  The FCRA does not require for your debt collectors to remove paid collection accounts from your credit report. The balance on the account should be updated; however, many times they do not fulfill  this obligation. If a paid/settled collection is reporting on your credit you can either dispute the mistake on your own or work with a professional credit repair company who can send disputes to the credit bureaus on your behalf. 

Myth #3: Being Turned Down for a Loan Hurts My Credit

False:  There is nothing on your credit reports which records the event when you are turned down for a loan.  However, the simple fact of having your credit pulled for the application (aka the inquiry) could potentially have a negative impact upon your credit scores. 

Myth #4: Debt Collectors Have the Right to Call Me to Collect a Debt

True:  Your debt collectors do have the right to call you to try to collect a debt as long as they follow the rules and UNLESS you request to only be contacted via mail.  If a debt collector is harassing you, the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) gives you the right to request for the calls to stop.

Looking for Professional Help?

Dealing with credit issues can often be very overwhelming.  You have the right to work on your credit problems alone, but you can also rely upon professionals to guide you through the process.  If you need help with your credit, please click here or call 704-499-9696 today.  We are waiting to hear from you!

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Ron Lambright is an expert with over a decade and a half of experience in credit repair, credit improvement, credit reporting, and credit scoring. Ron is called upon weekly to speak at various seminars educating attorneys, loan officers, Realtors, other professionals, and consumers regarding the complex subjects of credit reporting and credit scoring. He is regularly featured on talk shows and podcasts and has been published in countless articles, educational handbooks, and blogs. He is an expert at teaching consumers and business owners how to achieve their credit related goals. Connect with Ron on Facebook here. 

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Beware of Credit Repair Scams!

Let's face facts. The credit repair industry has a bit of a black eye. Sometimes credit repair companies have a very bad reputation for a good reason.  There are companies which claim to help repair your credit which are simply scams.  There are dishonest people out there who will promise you the moon and the stars when it comes to improving your credit.  However, just remember, if it sounds too good to be true then it most likely is.

Companies that promise to improve your credit 100+ points in 30 days are not being truthful.  In fact, they are most likely either lying or doing something illegal. The truth is, there definitely are ways to improve your credit.  However, it will usually take some times to see results.  Any company that makes untruthful promises regarding lightning fast credit repair is willing to lie to you in order to get your money.  Beware!

A full credit education program, like HOPE4USA, is typically your best bet when it comes to resolving your past credit issues.  HOPE4USA offers credit report dispute services and helps you learn how to leverage your rights, of course, but we also offer budgeting assistance, guidance in establishing and maintaining the right kind of current credit and, most importantly, HOPE4USA educates its members on how to keep the healthier credit once it has been earned. 

If you or someone you know could benefit from the services offered by HOPE4USA, please contact us.  You may call 704-499-9696.  We would love to hear from you!

Is It Possible To Get A Credit Card With My Current Credit Problems?

Is It Possible to Get a Credit Card with My Current Credit Problems?

Even with damaged credit, there is a good chance that you will be able to qualify for a credit card account. There are several credit cards out there designed to help those with less than perfect credit. 

Even if you have been turned down for credit cards in the past there are likely options still available to you.  For a list of these types of cards, please visit www.hope4usa.com/credit-cards.  Remember, regardless of your credit issues, you may still be able to qualify for a credit card account.  Just visit the link above to consider some of the options available.