Questions about Bad Credit Answered

• Can you pay the original creditor instead of a collection agency? What if you decide to pay your debt to the the people who originally billed you –  since they still send you bills and statements, instead of the collection agency? Will the collection agency see that you are making the payments and leave you alone?”  If the debt has been sold, you should not be getting a bill from the original creditor.  In the case of a medical bill, you need to check and see if your are being contacted regarding two separate items!  If you determine that there’s only one bill – and two different groups are trying to collect, then YES, I would deal directly with the original creditor. Before you do ANYTHING to pay a credit collection off, I would read this.
• Finding my credit score?  The report I have doesn’t have scores on it, and I’d like to see my updated report (with scores) for all three agencies. What’s the best/cheapest site to purchase the reports?  If you want a free credit report, you can click here. If you are not eligible for a free report, and you are working on your score so that you can purchase – you can contact Steve Thorne.  I don’t believe any of the sites offer you the opportunity to “see” your scores because… Mortgage Scores, Insurance Credit Scores, Medical Credit Scores, Retail credit scores are all “calculated” differently (for more info click here).
• How can I get my credit card company to raise my limit?  I have a secured credit card and my limit is $200.  My current balance is around $100.  My available credit is $82, and I am suppose to pay $15 a month.  Sometimes I pay $20.  I need to know how much I need to pay to get my credit limit increased.  If you have a SECURED Credit Card, then you made a deposit to get the account open… which means you would need to make another deposit to get the limit increased.  (Click here for more information).  If you are asking, how long do I have to wait for them to extend credit, without me having to SECURE it – well that’s a whole ‘nuther question.  You need to check your credit, and establish more than one trade line.  If you need more credit history, and you don’t want to get another secured card, read this.
• Will using a Consumer Credit Counseling Agency hurt my credit scores?  Read this more more details – but the short answer is yes.  Not as bad as bankruptcy – but yes, you are going to take a hit.

If you are serious about fixing your credit, and improving your fico score – schedule time to talk to Steve Thorne, FFSI, 919-649-5058.  Straight Answers that will really help you in your goal of a better credit score!  Don’t let Bad Credit hold you back from achieving your goals!