Let me show you how to start a great annual tradition that can save you money and your reputation, and it’s free!
Now is a good time to check your credit report at www.annualcreditreport.com. This is the free credit report source. I think you should check your credit report every single year. Tax Time is a great memory trigger to take a few minutes to make use of your free annual credit report review. It is easy and smart to check this all important rating to protect your reputation against errors and inaccuracies.
How to Dispute Errors on Your Credit Report
If you find mistakes on your credit report, you should dispute the errors by writing each of the credit bureaus. The Federal Trade Commission provides a helpful article on writing credit report dispute notices at http://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0151-disputing-errors-credit-reports. The FTC provides a sample form letter that you can change and use at http://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0384-sample-letter-disputing-errors-your-credit-report.
Errors on Your Credit Report Can Do More Harm Than You Think
Your credit score can raise or lower the interest rates you pay on vehicle loans, mortgages and consumer accounts, and can affect the rates you pay for automobile and other insurance policies. Some employers “cull” job applicants based upon their credit scores.
The good news is that following a bankruptcy filing, your credit score can often increase in comparison to the level before you filed.
How to Spot Harmful Credit Report Errors
There are many credit score errors that you should look for on your annual credit report, including these:
1) Credit lines/cards that your report shows as open that you know to have been closed, paid off and canceled long ago.
2) Credit card reports that show high balances when the cards actually have much lower balances.
3) Debts that were discharged in bankruptcy that your credit report lists as open and unsatisfied obligations.
4) Debts that were discharged in bankruptcy that have been reposted on your credit report by a collection agency that is unaware of your bankruptcy filing.
5) Inaccurate information about delinquencies or late payments.
If You Live In the State Of Washington, We Can Help
Our law firm offers premier bankruptcy and debt representation in the Puget Sound and southwestern Washington areas and beyond. We have helped clients from the San Juan Islands and Bellingham to Vancouver, and eastward to Aberdeen and North Bend.
If you or someone you know is struggling with their debt load, we are here to help.
Spring Cleaning!
It happens. You had an appointment with us or scheduled an appointment that you could not make. We want to help you through financial difficulties that won’t go away. Now is the time to contact us to move forward on a bankruptcy case.
To serve you better, we now offer expanded spring hours during our busy tax season to help you get your case filed quickly, and to get those creditors off of your back right now!
Your Debts Won’t Go Away By Themselves
After filing for bankruptcy, many people can get a loan to replace their aging automobile not long after the case concludes successfully. You may soon be able to apply for a credit card to handle unexpected expenses.
But doing nothing will bring the wrong kinds of certainty. By doing nothing,
- Your credit score will stay down indefinitely,
- You will not get a car loan except at ridiculously high interest rates
- You will not get a modest limit credit card, and worst of all,
- Your creditors will continue to sue, harass and garnish you.
Those are the realities of doing nothing. Nothing will change for the better unless and until you take control of your future, and get your bankruptcy case filed.
Life After Bankruptcy Is Always Better Than Living in Fear and Dread of Debt
Call us at (253) 383-1001 during our expanded spring hours:
Monday 8 AM—7 PM
Tuesday 8 AM—7 PM
Wednesday 8 AM—5:30 PM
Thursday 8 AM—7 PM
Friday 8 AM—5 PM
Saturday 9 AM—3 PM
You can reach us by email at [email protected] with any questions you might have or to arrange your free, no obligation 30 minute consultation with the attorney. We care about your future, and we are here to help.
If All This Seems Confusing or Too Complicated,
Please Call Us for Help
Tax problems or long neglected debts can be complex and overwhelming. I may be able to help you understand your situation; I can certainly help you by discussing certain trade-offs and options concerning your situation with your debts, the IRS, and bankruptcy. Contact my office for a free, no obligation consultation right away!