Don't Play Mr. Fixit without Doing Your Research

Many people tell me that we are in the middle of the "second great depression" and I involuntarily scoff.  It is not a shortage of people with money that is the problem, it is to some, the tightening of credit.   To be competitive on being granted a mortgage as most people don't have millions stashed away in their attic, it is crucial to have clean credit, or at least the best credit that you possibly can.

There are services out there these days that can help you fix credit issues.  Some people say that it is better to watch your own credit very carefully, to which I agree.   Credit repair services claim that it is better if you pay them to fix or monitor your credit. The jury is out, and you need to do your own research to make up your mind, however they do make several claims that go above and beyond what the average person can do.

For example, companies are often affiliated with law offices that write letters to credit bureaus pointing out mistakes on your report.  They know the lingo, but they can also challenge a credit bureau to "prove" the claim.  Often, there are so many credit inquiries on a report that it is difficult to keep track of on one's own.  Whether you decide to go it alone or try a service, do your research.