Credit Repair for the Perpetually Broke (cont.)
Contributed by Melissa Knight
2. Treat your luxuries as just that. What I mean is, save up for them. If you want a new computer, rather than putting it on a credit card, save up the cash for it. Remember, we are talking about repairing your credit, not getting deeper in debt. If you save up the cash for it, then you know it's been paid for and you can move on. Apply this to new clothes, whatever, you'll soon get into the habit and won't think too much about it.
3. Utilities can report bad payments to credit bureaus, too. Don't think they won't, because they are very likely to do just that, so stay on top of them!
4. Stay in contact with your creditors. If you cannot pay the full amount of a bill, or are going to be late, give them a call. They will usually be willing to put you on a payment plan or allow the late time. If you don't contact them for three months of non-payment of a bill, DO NOT expect them to be too excited to hear from you.
5. Once you have made payment arrangements, stick with them. This is probably one of the MOST important keys to repairing your credit. Decide on an amount that you can afford, then stick with it. Don't commit to a hundred dollars a month if you can only afford twenty.
These may seem tough, but I guarantee that if you do it for a month, you will get used to it and you will see results. Good luck!
