{"product_id":"credit-repair-kit-for-dummies-isbn-9781119771067","title":"Credit Repair Kit For Dummies","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eSensible ways to manage and repair your credit \u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eNeed a credit makeover? You’re not alone: in the U.S., outstanding credit card and other types of revolving debt have jumped over 20% in the past decade, and millions of Americans are struggling with one or more credit-related issues. Whether you’re just working on improving your score or need some sound advice on how to make debt a thing of the past, the latest edition of \u003ci\u003eCredit Repair Kit for Dummies\u003c\/i\u003e is packed with reliable information for escaping the quicksand and taking the concrete steps needed to build up a solid score.  \u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThere are many reasons why you might have a subpar credit score—mortgage and auto debt, student loans, impacts of disasters such as COVID-19, and even identity theft. This book covers these scenarios and more, helping you identify the reasons behind a lower score and providing you with straightforward, proven techniques for managing it back to where you want it to be. Also included are sample credit reports, forms, templates, and other helpful online tools to use to whip your score into decent shape.  \u003c\/p\u003e \u003cul\u003e \u003cli\u003eAdd information to your report to beef-up a low score \u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eAvoid, reduce, and get rid of mortgage, credit card, student loan, and auto debt \u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eKeep a good credit score during a period of unemployment \u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eFight back against identity theft \u003c\/li\u003e \u003c\/ul\u003e \u003cp\u003eA good credit score is always a great thing to have. This book shows you how to put even the worst credit situations behind you and make a poor score just a bad—and distant—memory.  \u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eForeword xvii\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eIntroduction\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e 1\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAbout This Book 2\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFoolish Assumptions 3\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIcons Used in This Book 4\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eBeyond the Book 4\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eWhere to Go from Here 5\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003ePart 1: Getting Started with Credit Repair 7\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eChapter 1: Introducing Credit Repair, Credit Scores, and Your Life on Credit\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e 9\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eRepairing Bad Credit 10\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eSettling debts 10\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eResetting your goals 11\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eRebuilding your credit by using it 11\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eUsing a cosigner or becoming an authorized user 12\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFinding sources of free help 12\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eDealing with collectors 13\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eWeathering a Major Crisis 13\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eMortgage meltdowns 13\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eMedical debt 15\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eStudent loans 16\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eCar loans 16\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eUnderstanding Diversity in Credit 16\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFiling Bankruptcy 16\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eProtecting Your Credit and Your Identity 17\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eGetting familiar with credit laws 17\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eReceiving free reports and filing disputes 18\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eSigning up for credit monitoring 18\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eSetting alarms, alerts, and freezes 19\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIdentifying identity theft 19\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eMaintaining Good Credit Throughout Life 20\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eEstablishing credit for the first time 20\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eMaking credit changes at life’s stages 21\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAvoiding pitfalls 21\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eManaging Credit in Today’s Unforgiving Economy 22\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003ePlanning for success 22\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eReviewing your credit report 23\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eKnowing your credit score 23\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eConsidering credit a renewable resource 24\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eChapter 2: Turning Your Credit Around\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e 27\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eUnderstanding How Your Actions Impact Your Credit Score 28\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eUsing a Cosigner to Raise Your Score 29\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eTurning Small Purchases into Big Credit 30\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eMaximizing Your Credit Score with Major Expenditures 33\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eLeveraging your mortgage 34\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFinancing your car 36\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003ePaying back student loans 37\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eUnderstanding How Good Debt Builds Good Credit 38\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAchieving goals with the help of credit 38\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eSending a message to potential lenders 39\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eGiving nonlenders a sense of how you handle responsibility 39\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eSelecting the Best Tools for Building Your Credit 40\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eSpending your way to better credit with a spending plan 40\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eTracking your progress: Paying attention to your credit report and score 41\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eChapter 3: Cleaning Up Your Credit Reports\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e 43\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eUnderstanding the True Value of Good Credit 44\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eReviewing Your Reports for Problems 47\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eUsing the Law to Get Your Credit Record Clean and Keep It That Way 50\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIdentifying and Disputing Inaccurate Information 53\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eUnderstanding the dispute process 53\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eCorrecting all your credit reports 54\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eContacting the creditor 59\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAdding Positive Information to Your Credit Report 60\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAsking your landlord to report your rent payments 60\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAdding your utility and cellphone payments to your report 60\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eOpening new credit accounts 61\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAdding a 100-word statement 61\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eChapter 4: Getting the Best Help for Bad Credit for Free\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e 63\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eKnowing Whether You Need Help 64\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eGauging your need for outside assistance 64\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eHandling situations on your own 65\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIdentifying Help You Can Get for Free 67\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eGetting help with your mortgage 68\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eConsidering credit counseling 69\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eWorking with an attorney 74\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eChapter 5: Coping with Debt Collection\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e 77\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eHandling Those Collection Phone Calls 78\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eKnowing what collectors can do 78\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eKnowing what collectors can’t do 80\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eDeciding whether to answer the phone 81\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003ePreparing to answer collection calls 81\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eKnowing what not to say 82\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eTaking Charge of the Collection Process 83\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAsking for proof that the debt is yours 84\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eKnowing when debts fade away: Statutes of limitations 84\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eNegotiating a payback arrangement 86\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eKeeping your promise 87\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIdentifying Escalation Options That Help 89\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAsking to speak to a manager 89\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eApproaching the creditor 90\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFighting harassment 91\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eCommunicating with Customer Service Before Being Placed for Collection 92\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eContacting your creditor promptly 93\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eExplaining your situation 94\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eOffering a solution 95\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eCovering all the bases 96\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eKeeping Collectors in Check 96\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eCalling in a credit counselor 96\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eReferring the matter to your lawyer 97\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFreeing Up Money to Pay a Collector 97\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eUtilizing a spending plan 97\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eCutting the fat from your monthly spending 98\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAvoiding Collectors Altogether 98\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eGetting organized 99\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eStopping the paycheck-to-paycheck cycle 100\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eChapter 6: Working with Collectors, Lawyers, and the Courts to Manage Debt Obligations\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e 101\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eGetting a Handle on Charge-Offs 102\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eSo what is a charge-off? 102\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eMaking sense of unpaid charge-offs 103\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eMaking charge-off payments 104\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eComing to a Debt Settlement Agreement 105\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eConsidering a debt settlement offer 105\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eHiring a debt settlement firm 106\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eReaching expiration dates on debts 106\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFinding Out about Judgments and What They Mean to You 107\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eUnderstanding Wage Garnishments 110\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eDodging wage garnishments 110\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFiguring out how much can be garnished 112\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eStating Your Case in Court 112\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eManaging IRS Debts, Student Loans, and Unpaid Child Support 114\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eHandling IRS debts 114\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eEducating yourself about student loans 115\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003ePutting your kids first: Child support 117\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003ePart 2: Reducing Credit Damage from Major Setbacks 119\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eChapter 7: Reducing Credit Damage in a Crisis\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e 121\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAssessing the Damage from a Mortgage Meltdown 122\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eUnderstanding How Mortgages Differ from Other Loans 124\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eSpotting a foreclosure on the horizon 124\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eCounting to 90 125\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eKnowing Where to Turn for Help 126\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFinding good help for free 126\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eWorking with your mortgage servicer 126\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAvoiding help that hurts 127\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAlternatives to Going Down with the Ship 128\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eWhat to do first 129\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eWhat to do for more serious problems 129\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eWhat to do to end matters 130\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eManaging a foreclosure 131\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eStrategic default: Stopping payments 132\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eDealing with Deficiencies 134\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003ePreparing for “Credit Winter” 136\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eCuring Medical Debt 136\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eUnderstanding new reporting and scoring rules 137\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eReviewing your options for paying medical bills 137\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eDiscovering how insurers get your medical information 138\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eMonitoring insurance claims for errors 138\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eDealing with denied medical claims 139\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eManaging Student Loans 139\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eDefault timelines 140\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eLoan forgiveness programs 140\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eWhere to get help 141\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe impact of the CARES Act on student loans 141\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAvoiding Car Repossession 141\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eRepossession: What you can do 143\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eDealing with auto loan default deficiencies 143\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eCoping with So-Called Acts of God and Other Things That Are Not Your Fault 144\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eChapter 8: Filing for and Recovering from Bankruptcy\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e 145\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eDeciding Whether Bankruptcy Makes Sense for You 146\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eDeliberating the bankruptcy decision 146\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAdding up the pluses and minuses 150\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eConsidering a debt management plan first 152\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eUnderstanding Bankruptcy, Chapter and Verse 154\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eQualifying for and Filing for Bankruptcy 155\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eQualifying for Chapter 7 155\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eQualifying for Chapter 13 157\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eManaging Your Credit After a Bankruptcy 159\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eTelling your side of the story 159\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eReaffirming some debt 161\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eRepairing your credit score 161\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eEstablishing new credit 163\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eMoving forward with a game plan 163\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eChapter 9: Repairing Credit Damage in the Wake of Identity Theft\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e 165\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eTaking Fast Action When Identity Theft Occurs 165\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eCommunicating with the right people 166\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eProtecting your identity through the FACT Act 169\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eSending out a fraud alert 171\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eBlocking fraudulent credit lines 171\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eGetting and Using Credit After Identity Theft 172\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eClosing and reopening your accounts 172\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAltering your PINs, passwords, and radio transmissions 173\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eChanging your Social Security number and driver’s license number 174\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003ePart 3: Rebuilding Credit, No Matter Where or When You Begin 175\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eChapter 10: Starting or Restarting Your Credit in Real Life\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e 177\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eDebunking Misinformation about Banking and Credit 178\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eWhy you need credit 179\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eWhy credit is safe 180\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eObtaining Credit: Starting Out on the Right Foot 181\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eEstablishing a credit file without a Social Security number 182\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eSetting goals before you set out 183\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eEstablishing a relationship with a financial institution 185\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eUsing prepaid and reloadable cards 186\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFattening up your credit file 187\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAvoiding high interest, fees, and scams 189\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eOvercoming Credit Fears and Mistakes 190\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eQualifying for First-Time Cards and Lending 192\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eGetting a credit card 192\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eUsing savings for credit 194\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eConsidering Credit for Students and Military Members 195\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eGiving credit to students 195\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFollowing military credit rules 197\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eChapter 11: Ending Life’s Negative Credit Surprises\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e 199\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eKeeping Your Credit from Hurting Your Job Prospects 200\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eDealing with Rental Application Checks 201\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eKnowing what’s on your reports 202\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eTaking action 203\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eQualifying for a Mortgage 203\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eOrdering your credit report and score 204\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eLooking at your credit file like a lender 205\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003ePreparing to Purchase a Car 205\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eArming yourself with information 206\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eReviewing what to consider when you’re at the dealership 207\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eUnveiling the Relationship between Your Credit and Your Insurance Premiums 208\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eUnderstanding insurance scores 209\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eGetting a copy of your insurance score and insurance claim report 209\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFiguring out what to do with your newfound knowledge 210\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eTaking other factors into account 211\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eChapter 12: Protecting Your Credit During Major Life Challenges\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e 213\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eTying the Knot in Life and in Credit: A Couples’ Guide to Building Good Credit 214\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eEngaging in prenuptial financial discussions 214\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eConsidering joint accounts 216\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eManaging joint debt 218\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAvoiding money conflicts 219\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eProtecting Your Finances in a Divorce 220\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eTaking precautions when a split-up looms 220\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003ePreparing your credit before heading to court 221\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eProtecting your credit in a divorce decree and beyond 222\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eKeeping Credit Strong While Unemployed 226\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003ePreparing your credit for the worst-case scenario 226\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eUsing credit when you don’t have a job 226\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eProtecting your credit lines 228\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eCuring Medical Debt 229\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eReviewing your options for paying medical bills 230\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eDiscovering how insurers get your medical information 234\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eMonitoring insurance claims for errors 235\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eDealing with denied medical claims 236\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eResolving Credit Issues After the Death of a Spouse or Partner 238\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eUnderstanding what happens to joint credit when you’re single again 238\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eKnowing exactly what your liability is 239\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eBuilding your credit record on your own 240\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFitting Credit into Retirement 240\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eBudgeting on a fixed income 241\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eUsing credit for convenience 241\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003ePart 4: Making Sense of Credit Reporting and Scoring 243\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eChapter 13: Discovering How Credit Reporting Works\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e 245\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eGrasping the Importance of Your Credit Report 246\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eWhat is a Credit Report, Exactly? 247\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eRevealing the facts about your financial transactions 248\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eProviding insight into your character 252\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe Negatives and Positives of Credit Reporting 253\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe negatives 253\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe positives 255\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eYour Credit Report’s Numerical Offspring: The Credit Score 255\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eCracking credit score components 256\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe reasoning behind risk factors 259\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eChapter 14: Understanding Credit Reports and Scores\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e 261\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eGetting Copies of Your Credit Reports 262\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eWhere to get your reports 263\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eWhat you need to provide 264\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eWhen to get copies of your credit reports 265\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eTracking Down Specialty Reports: From Apartments to Casinos to Prescriptions 268\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003ePerusing Your Credit Reports 271\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIdentifying information: It’s all about who you are 272\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAccounts summary: An overview of your financial history 272\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eBankruptcy public records: The most serious element in a credit report 273\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eCredit inquiries: Tracking who has been accessing your file 273\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAccount history: Think of it as a payment CSI 274\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eYour optional 100-word statements: Making sure your voice is heard 281\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eCorrecting Any Errors You Find 283\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eContacting the credit bureau 283\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eContacting the creditor 283\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eGetting and Understanding Your Credit Scores 284\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eOrdering your score 285\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eTelling a good score from a bad one 287\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eConnecting pricing to your credit score 290\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eKnowing the reason for reason statements 292\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eChapter 15: Monitoring Your Credit Reports and Scores\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e 295\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eHow Credit Monitoring Really Works 296\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eUnderstanding the Types of Monitoring Services Available 297\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eMaking a Case for and against Third-Party Credit Monitoring 299\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eMonitoring on your own 300\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eWhen paid monitoring may be worth the time and money 301\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eRecognizing the protection you have already 302\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eGetting Your Money’s Worth from Monitoring Services 303\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eSetting Alarms, Alerts, and Freezes 304\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAlarms 305\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFraud alerts 305\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eCredit freezes 305\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003ePart 5: Successfully Managing Your Credit for Life 307\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eChapter 16: Putting Yourself in Control of Your Credit\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e 309\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eDetermining Your Credit Style 310\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eBalancing Spending, Savings, and Credit Use 312\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eSpending on your terms 312\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eSaving for financial emergencies 312\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eUsing credit to enhance your life 313\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eRemembering the Importance of Planning When It Comes to Your Credit 313\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eZeroing in on the plans others have for your money 314\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eDeveloping your own plans for your future 314\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eChapter 17: Taking a Sustainable Approach to Your Credit\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e 317\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eGoing Green: Treating Credit as a Renewable Resource 318\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eRecognizing your credit environment 318\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eTaking a closer look at the parts that make up your credit ecosystem 319\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eSustaining Your Credit Ecosystem for Life 321\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFunding college 321\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eHome sweet home 322\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eCredit on wheels 322\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eSteering Clear of Credit Pollution 322\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eEndangering your payment history 323\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eClear-cutting your credit in bankruptcy 323\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eOutlasting a long, cold credit winter 325\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eSurviving and Reviving After a Credit Catastrophe 325\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eUnderstanding what happened 325\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eRebuilding your credit ecosystem 327\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eChapter 18: Safeguarding Your Credit with a Spending Plan\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e 329\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAppreciating the Benefits of a Solid Spending Plan 330\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eDeciding on Goals: Imagining Your Future as You Want It to Be 332\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eSetting the stage for planning 332\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eCategorizing your goals 333\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003ePutting your goals in order 334\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eBuilding Your Vision of Your Future 334\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eStep 1: Counting up your income 335\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eStep 2: Tallying what you spend 336\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eStep 3: Making savings part of your spending plan 341\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eStep 4: Managing your credit to improve your spending plan 345\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eStep 5: Looking at your insurance options 346\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eStep 6: Planning for the IRS 348\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eStep 7: Planning for retirement 349\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eUsing Cool Tools to Help You Build and Stick to a Spending Plan 351\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eWeb-based financial calculators 352\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eBudgeting websites 352\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eSmartphone apps 353\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eSpending plan assistance 353\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAdjusting Your Priorities and Your Plan 354\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eChapter 19: Understanding Equity and Diversity in Credit\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e 355\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eBenefitting from Financial Inclusion 357\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eParticipating in the Financial System 358\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eTaking or Retaking Control of Your Credit 358\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eEducating Yourself on How the System Works 359\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eTackling Debt 362\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eStudent loans 363\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003ePayday loans 363\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eCollections 364\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eBankruptcy 364\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eWorking Toward the Goal of Homeownership 364\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eChapter 20: Knowing Your Rights to Protect Your Credit\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e 367\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eWhy You Have the Right to Credit Protections 368\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe CARD Act: Shielding You from Credit Card Abuse 369\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe Consumer Financial Protection Bureau: The New Cop on the Financial Beat 372\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eSafeguarding Your Credit Data through the FACT Act 372\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe FDCPA: Providing Protection Against Debt Collectors 375\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eControlling the contacts 375\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFinding out about the debt 375\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eStopping a collector from contacting you 376\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eSpotting prohibited behavior 376\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eSuing a collector 377\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe CROA: Getting What You Pay For 378\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eKnowing what credit repair organizations must do 378\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eUnderstanding what credit repair companies can’t do 379\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eExploring Other Protections 379\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe ins and outs of payday loans 380\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe details of debt settlement 382\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe scoop on the statute of limitations 384\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eChapter 21: Protecting Your Identity\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e 387\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eKeeping Thieves at Bay 388\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eGetting on the technology train 388\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eLooking out for phishing scams 389\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eSafeguarding your computer data 391\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eKeeping passwords secret 392\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eProtecting your mail 393\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eStoring financial data in your home 393\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003ePutting your credit information on ice 394\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eShielding your credit card number 395\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eCatching Identity Thieves in the Act 397\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eWatching for early-warning notices 397\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eEarly warnings from the IRS 399\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eHandling a collections call 400\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eDetecting unauthorized charges 400\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eBeing denied credit or account access 401\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eNoticing missing account statements 401\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003ePart 6: The Part of Tens 403\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eChapter 22: Ten Consumer Protections Everyone Needs to Know\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e 405\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe Fair Debt Collection Practices Act 406\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act 406\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eYour Lawyer 407\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eCoronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act 408\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eStatute of Limitations Laws 409\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eYour State Attorney General 409\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe Consumer Financial Protection Bureau 410\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe Credit Card Accountability, Responsibility, and Disclosure Act 411\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act 412\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe Federal Trade Commission 413\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eChapter 23: Ten Strategies for Dealing with Student Loans\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e 415\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eKnowing How Student Loans Are Reported Differently Than Other Loans 416\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eDealing with the Collection Process 416\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIdentifying the Best Repayment Option for Your Situation 417\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eTaking Your Loans to Bankruptcy 418\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eDealing with the Prospect of Default 418\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eGaining Student Loan Forgiveness 419\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eLowering Your Bill While You’re in School 421\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eKeeping Up with Your Loans After You’re Out 422\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eSetting Limits During the Planning and Application Process 423\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eGetting Help if You’re in the Military 423\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eChapter 24: Ten Ways to Deal with a Mortgage Meltdown\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e 425\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eKnowing When You’re in Trouble 426\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eKnowing How Your State’s Laws Treat Foreclosures 427\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eNonrecourse or recourse 427\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eJudicial or nonjudicial 427\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eDeciding Whether to Stay or Go 428\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eWalking away 428\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eWorking with the lender to exit 429\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eStaying the course 429\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eTightening Your Spending to Stay in Your Home 430\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003ePrioritizing Your Spending to Build Cash 431\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eLessening the Damage to Your Credit 431\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eKnowing Who to Call 432\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eBeware of Scams 432\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eBeefing Up Your Credit 432\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eConsulting an Attorney 433\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIndex 435\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eMelyssa Barrett\u003c\/b\u003e is Vice President of Identity Solutions at Visa, Inc., where she creates products to detect and predict fraud within consumer credit, debit, and prepaid products.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eSteve Bucci\u003c\/b\u003e is a credit-scoring columnist for CreditCards.com and a syndicated columnist for Bankrate.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eRod Griffin\u003c\/b\u003e is Senior Director of Consumer Education and Advocacy for Experian, responsible for the company's national consumer education programs and outreach.\u003c\/p\u003e  \u003cul\u003e \u003cli\u003eUnlock the secrets to a great credit score\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eUnderstand how credit and credit reporting work\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eMinimize impact from identity theft\u003c\/li\u003e \u003c\/ul\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eGet on the road to credit recovery today!\u003c\/b\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eNeed a credit makeover? You're \u003ci\u003edefinitely\u003c\/i\u003e not alone: Millions of Americans are struggling with one or more credit-related issues. But don't despair! \u003ci\u003eCredit Repair Kit For Dummies\u003c\/i\u003e is packed full of simple, proven methods for escaping the quicksand and taking the concrete steps needed to build up a solid score. Whether you just want to improve your score or make your debt a thing of the past, this book shows you how to put even the worst credit situations behind you and make a poor score a bad—and distant—memory. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eInside...\u003c\/b\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e \u003cli\u003eClean up your report\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eReset your goals\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eWeather a mortgage crisis\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eSettle debt\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eMaintain a good score\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eEvaluate bankruptcy options\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003ePlan ahead for the rest of your life\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eKnow your rights\u003c\/li\u003e \u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"For Dummies","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47989003911397,"sku":"NP9781119771067","price":34.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1842\/7735\/files\/9781119771067.jpg?v=1761782394","url":"https:\/\/k12savings.com\/products\/credit-repair-kit-for-dummies-isbn-9781119771067","provider":"K12savings","version":"1.0","type":"link"}