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So, you are out of debt? How do you avoid going into credit card debt again?

by Blair Warner

You have finally done it! Congratulations! Your hard work paid off! You pulled yourself out of credit card debt and restored your credit rating through credit repair, and now, no doubt, want to avoid making the same mistakes that drove you into debt in the first place. In one sense, it is easy, but, as we all know, it is just as easy to get back into credit card debt again unless some habits are changed, and systems in place to avoid it.

Consider the following simple strategies for credit and financial management.

Make a budget

The best way to avoid going back into credit card debt is by making yourself a budget. You will want to be realistic about your budget. Think about what your spending was before that got you into debt and figure out how you are going to avoid overspending on the same things. The secret to budgeting success is to keep on track with your budget. You may want to enter in your expenses every day, weekly or pre-determined, regular times so that you do not get behind without realizing it. If you spend too much in one area, try to make up for it from another one.

Think about whether you really need all of your credit cards, and possibly get rid of some.

Some people will just spend what they have available. If you do not need all of it, which most people don’t, then you might want to start cutting down on them. This is a tricky one, though. You don’t want to get rid of all of them, yet you have to be a bit strategic on which ones to close and which ones not to, so that the hard work of building a new credit score is not wasted. If done right, it might also help your credit rating. Here are some suggestions:

You might want to start with all of the miscellaneous store credit cards that you have. Not only might this make it less likely for you to go shopping when you really don’t need anything, but store cards often charge more interest, and don’t report to the Transunion, Experian and Equifax as often as credit cards like Visa, Mastercard, Amex, etc. — not adding as much benefit to your credit scores.

You do NOT need a gas card. It is better to use a general credit card and then pay it off each month. Things like gas and groceries really shouldn’t be bought on credit anyway, but if you want to use your credit card as a type of debit card (it is not, though. It is indeed credit), then paying it off each month is important.

During your previous credit repair journey you should have been advised which cards to close and which ones to leave open. If you have not done that yet, consider closing the younger ones first, and/or the ones with higher interest rates. Again, this must be done somewhat strategically. Ask your credit specialist for advice.

Pay with cash most of the time.

Some people who are survivors of credit card debt want to deal with credit cards as little as possible. They may just take out how much cash they want to spend at any given time and just bring that with them when they go to the store. They will not have the option of overspending.

Do not go shopping. (easier said than done, right?)

Some people just cannot help themselves when they are at the store. Do you get a “Must have it, gotta have it, can’t live without it” mentality when you go shopping? If this is you and caused you problems in the past, then you might want to just avoid the stores altogether. That also goes for the online shopping websites if that is your weakness.

When you get the urge to spend, think about how hard you worked to get out of debt and repair your credit. Be proud of yourself when you see your bank account growing and as you see yourself getting in charge of your finances. This simple tips above will help you stay out of credit card debt for good.

Learn more about this author, Blair Warner.
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It seems like a new business networking group springs up every week. This last week, I was asked to join a new group by the name of Cup of Coffee Networkers. From what I can tell, it is primarily an online group, so I am still trying to figure out how this avid coffee-drinking connoisseur is going to get his cup of coffee. Actually, I think the goal is to start online and then organize groups offline step by step. Are they going to meet at coffee shops?

All humor aside, it is a fact that business networking groups are the in thing these days. A popular one that I personally attend is Netweavers– SAKM Netweavers (South Arlington, Kennedale, Mansfield) . You are probably asking “what does this have to do with the title ‘What is credit repair anyway?'” Well, I am glad you asked. One of the key components of any networking group is to meet with other members one-on-one in order to get to know each other and their respective businesses better. Without fail, whenever I do a one-on-one with someone they either ask “what is credit repair anyway?” or, “so, how does credit repair work?”. That is the question I am waiting for them to ask. I love to answer it.

Credit repair in a nutshell:

The first step is to obtain your credit reports and get them to us. Once we’ve received your credit reports, we will analyze your credit history to identify items that are responsible for bringing your credit score down – including not having enough current positive credit.

We will recommend and provide ways to increase your score, as well as draft letters to dispute the negative items on your behalf. Upgrade My Credit’s letters are expertly designed such that credit bureaus will accept the dispute and conduct an investigation.

A disputed credit listing must be verified as accurate and within the correct time constraints for it to remain on the credit report. If the credit listings contain an error, the credit bureau may simply correct the item, but, very often, disputed credit items cannot be verified because either the creditor no longer possesses necessary information or does not to go to the effort of verifying it. Furthermore, the investigation must be completed within 30 days or the listing must be removed. For these reasons, properly disputed credit listings are removed from your credit report with remarkable frequency.

At the conclusion of the credit bureau’s investigation, a new copy of the credit report is sent to you along with any deletions or improvements. You then provide us with a copy of the new credit report and the cycle repeats itself at strategic intervals and according to a personalized plan for reaching your goals.

The above process can be done DIY (Do it yourself), as the laws used by Upgrade My Credit and all credit restoration companies were written for the consumer. However, for some reason, the government did not write the laws consumer-user friendly. And, just like we need a CPA or even have someone mow the lawn for us, often times, it is more efficient and quicker to let a professional help.

In addition to credit repair, Upgrade My Credit offers many more financial and credit services to help you build and manage your financial future well, such as personal budgeting help, debt reduction programs, classes and workshops, bankruptcy counseling, etc.

Well, that is it in a nutshell. Hope it has answered the question “what is credit repair?”.

Here’s to your financial future!

Blair Warner – Founder and Sr. Credit Consultant

I met with a past client the other day whose story inspired me, and I want to share it with you toward that same end — that you will be inspired. At the beginning of this story this person was in her late 30’s, had 3 children (not 2.3) and a hard-working, devoted husband. Things were rolling along uneventful, so to speak, when her husband was suddenly killed, almost instantly, when hit by a speeding car while checking the mail. Needless to say, her life was turned upside down and very challenging on many fronts for a while. Fortunately, Spring comes after Winter, and she is well on her way to a happy ending.

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Everyone has a story. In fact, it is your story that makes you unique. Stories offer the listener a new perspective, new experience, even a new adventure of sorts, while at the same time often sounding a ring of familiarity to each one of us as a common member of the human race. That’s why it is said “everyone LOVES a story” — and stories are not just for children. Look at how many movies and novels are pumped out every year. It is also said that “‘everyone has a story”. What is your story? Have you thought about what you would share with someone if you had 5-10 min to share a story of your life in a way that would leave the listeners …… kind of a “Personal Chicken Soup”? Of course, there are stories of the personal, private nature. I am not asking for stories reserved for those closest to us, but for those that if shared will inspire and encourage. Inspire us! Share it as a comment.

At Upgrade My Credit we get to hear, and be a part of many people’s stories as they come to us with credit, debt and budget problems affecting their financial lives and futures. It is our privilege to help.

Cheers,

By Blair Warner

Getting through a divorce is one of the most challenging situations in life. It can be both emotionally and mentally draining. Add to that, there are financial issues involved. If you have just been through divorce procedures, what can you do to avoid the threat of bankruptcy?

Find a new home. Some couples may agree to sell their home and find separate properties. If you plan to purchase a new house, make sure that you do not make decisions in a hurry. Do extensive research and consider your repayment capabilities before applying for a loan. It is also wise to get a pre-approval so you can have a more realistic idea as to the price of home you can afford.

Be financially independent. If you have joint bank accounts or credit card extensions, it is best to have these separated. Thus, possible issues or problems on money matters can be avoided.

If you haven’t done so, open your own savings account right away. Be sure to save up for minor emergencies as well. Build your savings account fund which can last you for a least six months or longer just in case you need to take a leave from work or find a new job.

Create a new budget system. Budgeting your money will be different now that you and your spouse are separated. Study your monthly expenses and find practical ways to cut back on your costs. If you have unpaid debts with any creditor, debt repayment should be put on top of your priorities.

Get an insurance policy. Do you have a health insurance plan for you and your kids? Even if it means getting a second job, having an insurance coverage gives you financial protection during times of need.

Get help. Seek advice from an attorney regarding your rights and obligations, particularly with regards to giving financial support to your kids. A trusted credit counselor can also give you better strategies in managing debt and finances.

Upgrade My Credit can help!

Plan ahead.

Blair