Devise your own Credit Repair Plan

By Rob Kosberg

You have reached the point in your life that you realize that you need to make some drastic changes in how you manage your spending and credit before you reach the point of no return. You do not want to rush into "debt consolidation" or use a home equity loan. You need to have a plan that is worked out very carefully.

First of all, you are going to need to collect all your credit reports, credit card and bill payment records, mortgage and loan information. It is likely that some of your repair activities will be going on simultaneously. Debt worksheets are available online to help you.

Remember that there are 3 major credit reporting bureaus and you need all 3 reports. You must make sure that the reports are accurately reflecting your credit profile. Be like a bulldog and hang on. This will probably take some written communications between you and the agencies.

ALL of your financial obligations must be recorded in writing. This will be important for the money management part of the plan. All credit cards can be listed according to highest to lowest interest rate. Write down the minimum monthly payment on each card.

Now need to know your DISPOSABLE AND DISCRETIONARY INCOME. These "d" words are significant for your plan. Disposable income is the amount of money that comes out of your salary to cover necessary obligations like mortgage, food, utilities, insurance, car, credit cards. Subtract total disposable income from salary, you have discretionary income, the amount to be applied to debt.

Next, decide which loans and credit cards you can pay down in the order you can do so. When tackling the first pay as much as you can, and pay minimum on the others. When number one is finished, apply that amount to the next and so on. This is "tough love" money management style and will be needed for quite awhile.

To immerse yourself in this change of pattern of handling money, you need commitment and will not feel comfortable for awhile. Lifestyle changes are needed. You will need to cease unnecessary spending, buy only essentials, avoid travel, eat at home, pay bills on time and stop charging.

This situation didn't happen overnight and it won't improve overnight. Is it worth it? This is your financial life. You are the one who has to save it.

About the Author:

With never before seen challenges in the credit markets it?s more important than ever to have excellent credit. For more information check out Rob Kosbergs' Detailed FREE Guide on Maintaining and Repairing your Credit Score by going to Bad Credit Repair for your FREE information.