How do I obtain my credit reports?

You may order your credit reports from us for only $39.

Or you may obtain them from the three credit reporting agencies:

TRANS UNION, Customer Disclosure Center, P.O. Box 390, Springfield, PA 19064-0390
http://www.transunion.com/ 1-800-888-4213

EQUIFAX, P.O. Box 740241, Atlanta, GA 30374-0241
http://www.equifax.com/ 1-800-685-1111

EXPERIAN, P.O. Box 2104, Allen, TX 75013-2104
http://www.experian.com/ 1-888-397-3742

What is a credit score and how can I improve it?

A credit score, called the 'Fair Isaac' is a score that is based on the number of credit accounts you have, your payment history, and your personal information.

It is made from a calculation so complex that there is no exact formula, but the scoring ranges from 350 to 900. You can improve your score by paying your bills on time; closing accounts that are no longer needed; not maxing out your credit cards (never owe close to your limit); not letting prospective creditors pull your credit reports unless it is absolutely necessary; deleting negative credit; deleting inquiries; and doing your best to settle outstanding debts, collections, and judgments.

Can a credit counseling service help me?

Honest answer? Yes and No! Yes, they can help you negotiate lower payments to your original creditors, and you will be able to make one monthly payment to the credit counseling service rather than many payments to all your creditors. However, should you miss a payment or pay less than the minimum amount due to your original creditor, the creditor has the right to report you to the credit reporting agencies for making late or insufficient payments.

With the interest rates being the lowest they have been in several years, can I refinance my home with bad credit?

Yes, there are companies who will give you a mortgage loan if you have less than perfect credit, but you can expect to pay higher interest rates, which will make your monthly payments higher. It is much better to clean up your credit reports so that you can have higher credit scores, which will result in the best interest rates possible. Want to clean up your credit reports? Give Simple Solutions a call at 1-888-303-7722 if you would like us to help show you how!

I have a couple of credit cards that are usually maxed to their limits. Is this hurting my credit scores?

Yes! You should always keep your balances at least 50% below the limit. If at all possible, try even lower than 35% below the limit. Having credit cards can improve your credit scores?if you do not abuse them and if you have no more than one to three. Of course, making your payments on time will also help increase your scores.

Where can I get copies of the Fair Credit Reporting Act, Fair Credit Billing Act, and Fair Debt Collection Practices Act?

You can request these copies from the Federal Trade Commission or you can learn all about them in our easy-to-read ebook/CD "Credit Repair 101: An Educational Guide to Repairing and Rebuilding Your Credit".

Can a collection agency harass me?

No, legally they cannot. The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act contains information as to what a collection agency can and cannot do, what times they can call you, etc. You may obtain a copy of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act from the Federal Trade Commission, or you can learn all about it in our ebook/CD "Credit Repair 101: An Educational Guide to Repairing and Rebuilding Your Credit" which also includes the form letters you will need to stop the harassment.

I paid a collection account and it did not come off my credit report. Why?

Paying a collection debt doesn't mean it will come off of your credit report. What it does mean is that now it will be reported as a 'Paid Collection.' For more detailed information about debt collection, debt negotiation, and how to deal with those nasty collection people who prey on unwitting consumers, check out our ebook/CD "Credit Repair 101." It will save you time, money, and a whole lot of aggravation.

How long does positive and negative information stay on my credit report?

The Credit Bureaus would like you to believe that all information stays for 7-10 years, regardless of anything you do.

However, the dispute process we use may DELETE THESE NEGATIVE ITEMS ALTOGETHER!

Good credit - 10 years or longer.
Negative credit (late payments, collections, charge-offs, closed accounts, child supports, civil and small claim judgments, paid tax liens) - 7 years.
Chapter 7, 11 and 12 Bankruptcy - 10 years.
Chapter 13 Bankruptcy - 7 years.
Unpaid tax liens - 10 years.
Inquiries - 2 years.

What is the difference if I do my own credit repair or hire you to do it for me?

If you don't have the time or inclination to do the work yourself, it is a convenience to have us do it for you. This is not an easy job. It takes time, dedication, determination and persistence, and you must have a low frustration level. If you do have these qualities, then self-help is the least expensive way to go.

Can information be removed from my credit reports even if it belongs to me?

Any information on a credit report can be removed, but it has to be removed due to a violation of some type (which you will find described in the Fair Credit Reporting Act) (FCRA). There are many laws written to protect you (the consumer), so anything that violates these laws will cause removal of any accounts including judgments, liens, collections, charge-offs, bankruptcies and late payments that are incorrect, misleading, obsolete or inaccurate.

If I believe that a credit bureau or collection agency has violated the law, but I do not want to sue, can I complain to someone?

Yes! A consumer can file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission, Office of the Attorney General, or Consumer Credit Commission. If you do want to sue a credit bureau or collection agency, you can file a complaint with the small claims court in your area. You do not need an attorney to do this. With proper documentation, you can effectively take care of this on your own.

How can I stop the credit card companies from sending me the so-called "pre-approved credit card" junk mail?

By calling 1-888-5OPT-OUT. You can opt out for two years or indefinitely. This will stop the credit card companies from pulling your credit reports, sending you junk mail, and in the process, you?ll also be saving a lot of trees!