It seems like every time you turn on the TV or radio you are bombarded with advertisements for companies that will, for a nominal fee, legally restore your less-than-sterling credit history. It sounds so good...an alternative to bankruptcy that costs less, and will actually improve your credit. Well your mother was probably right when she told you that watching too much TV will rot your brain, but she definitely knew what she was talking about when she told you that anything that sounds too good to be true, usually is.

What these companies do not bother to make clear to the average person is that by paying these companies the "nominal" fee they charge, you are simply paying for convenience. The reason for the existence of so many of these companies is there are many people in who are desperately in debt. Since everyone with the capacity to sign a contract may begin doing so at eighteen, a lot of people start their credit history off with a bang, opening several credit accounts quickly, only to have it all blow up in their face when they are suddenly faced with bankruptcy before they graduate college. Student loans notwithstanding, credit, like anything else that is a privilege of age, must be treated as such.

Please note that I am not referring to debt consolidation companies. I am referring to companies who claim to be able to go in and basically erase your credit history. Unfortunately, it simply can't be done legally. However, with much patience, diligence, and ingenuity, you can "clean" your own credit report, and save yourself a lot of money. Here are some tips and tricks to help you get started on your way to a better financial future.

1. Order a copy of your credit report.

There are many options for obtaining your personal credit report. The cheapest way is to go to www.annualcreditreport.com, and order a report from all three of the major credit bureaus. Due to a law passed in 2005 to assist consumers in understanding and being able to protect and rebuild their credit, Trans Union, Equifax, and Experian will all provide a credit report once annually to anyone with a credit history at no charge.

In order to be able to obtain the reports you will have to provide your personal identifying information, including your name, social security number, date of birth, etc. Please be aware that you will also have to provide more detailed information such as past addresses, bank accounts, counties of residence, for example.

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