Unfortunately, it is risky to trust anyone to help you restore your credit. It is estimated that fraudulent credit repair companies have bilked Americans out of more than fifty million dollars. The majority of credit repair companies were started by entrepreneurs with a penchant for marketing. Consumers have flocked to these "credit doctors" only to discover that their advertisements proved far more impressive than their results. Hiring a credit repair company is like playing Russian roulette. Many of them are effective and legitimate, but it is difficult to tell a rip-off from the real article.

So, can credit repair companies guarantee results?

Not a chance! No credit repair company is so good that it can guarantee a specific outcome. It would be like a defense lawyer guaranteeing that the jury will find his client innocent. Guarantees are a sure sign of credit repair fraud. A warranty, where the credit repair company promises a refund if certain results don't occur, is a better, more realistic claim. Lexington Law is a respectable company that we recommend.

"How about 50,000 deleted listings, would that convince you?" continued the Lexington attorney. From his briefcase he pulled a stack of papers six inches high.

"In these pages, we have listed the permanent deletion of over 50,000. listings from our clients' files in the last two years alone," he explained. The agents pulled the stack across the conference table and began to pick through the pages, taking in the massive list.

"But have you deleted any bankruptcies?" shot back one of the agents, "we know that bankruptcies can't be deleted." The Lexington attorney leaned across the table and ran his finger down the first page.

"There's one deleted bankruptcy... and, there's another,... and another,... and another. Should I go on?" asked the Lexington attorney.

The agents sat back in their chairs. "You know," began the junior agent, "I have this one listing on my credit report that simply must belong to somebody else..."

How is credit repair possible?

The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) allows a consumer to challenge the information on his credit report on the basis of "completeness and accuracy." When a consumer files a dispute, the credit bureaus must contact the source of the credit information (the creditor) and confirm that the information is accurate, verifiable, and not obsolete. In some circumstances, the credit bureau is required to go beyond a simple verification of the creditor's own computer record. If, within 30 days, the credit bureau has not received verification from the creditor, then the credit bureau must promptly delete the credit listing. Learn More.

FICO credit scoring is a numeric method of scoring your credit worthiness developed by Fair Isaac and Company. Your credit score is a number between 300 and 850 that tells creditors how likely you are to pay your bills. The higher the number, the better it looks to potential lenders and creditors.

The three major credit bureaus each have their own version of the FICO score: Equifax uses the Beacon system, TransUnion uses the Empirica system, and Experian uses the Experian/Fair Isaac system. Despite each credit bureaus' use of their own versions, all systems are based the original Fair Isaac FICO scoring method, so each credit score calculated with these systems are generally called FICO scores. However, although most lenders do use FICO scoring, some lenders may have their own scoring methods.

There is only one place where you can get your FICO score from all three bureaus and that is at www.myfico.com. If you order your credit score from anywhere else, again be aware that these scores are "FAKOs" (or "fake") and can differ considerably from your FICO credit scores.

Adding to the confusion is the credit bureaus themselves. Recently, Experian revealed that the national average credit score of its consumers is 678. This is very misleading to the average consumer. When you buy your credit report and score directly from Experians website, you are getting what they call the "PLUS Score," which is NOT a FICO score, and is NOT used by lenders anywhere. (Equifax is the exception--you can buy your FICO score directly from them at their website; however, the only place to get all three scores together is at www.myfico.com.) The 678 PLUS Score reported by Experian is actually the average of consumers' PLUS Scores, not their FICO Scores.

Clearly, the PLUS Score (and all Non-FICO scores) are useless. Not only that, but such hype misleads consumers into purchasing their PLUS Score thinking that they are getting the same credit score that their lender will use. Non-FICO scores are worthless not matter what the credit bureaus or any website selling non-FICO scores claim. Even a few points difference in your credit score can mean confronting the reality of the loss of thousands of dollars out of your pocket--a loss that you probably didn't plan for. The next time you want the most accurate credit score available, do yourself a favor and get the industry standard: the FICO credit score.

These are just some of the many reasons as to why having a good credit score is very important in today's world. However, what do you do if you happen to have a bad credit score? If you have bad credit it is important to fix the problem as soon as you can. Here are several ways to do just that.

First, you must stop your bad credit before it gets worse. So how do you do this? You pay your previous overdue debts as soon as possible. This cuts off the bad credit reports from creditors. It will not improve the actual credit score but it will put you on the right track to repairing your credit history.

Secondly, you must raise your credit score by opening a new savings or checking account. You should also apply for a secured credit card. This will mean that you will have a higher interest rate but it is also a good way to control your credit card spending and it will also raise or repair you bad credit score. By paying the monthly credit card bills on time you will be able to see a significant rise in your credit history report.

If you continue to follow these steps you will eventually start to see a good credit rating. However, your past credit history will contain bad credit scores and ratings. This does not expire for 5 to 7 years. You must remember that it does take time to raise your credit rating. You must be patient and diligent to see a change.

That is why it is very important to make positive reports for your creditors. They then will pass those on to credit reporting agencies. Remember to pay your loans and credit cards on time in order to get a good credit rating. By doing so you will eventually end up with a good credit score and history. Never miss out on a future financial opportunity when they come your way.

If it is a third party i.e. a specialized collection agency, they usually purchase your debts for less than you owe from your lender and then the debt becomes theirs. Therefore, they then have vested interests in settling the same.

Debt collectors while doing their job may tilt towards being forceful and intimidating. As a defaulting borrower, you are already on a back foot. However, you can still stand firm and not give in to their demands. Here is how:

The job of a debt collector is to advise you that you owe some monies. He cannot threaten, abuse or intimidate you by threats of harm or police action.

A debt collector may establish contact with the borrower in person, via sealed mail, telephone, fax or a telegram. He cannot use a postcard as it can be read by anyone. He cannot also call before 8 a.m. and after 9 p.m., unless you agree on a time.

The first call from the debt collection agency has to be followed up by a written statement clearly stating your creditor's name, the actual amount owed and what action he can take if you do not acknowledge the money owed. This written letter must be accurate and have no false information.

Also note, the debt collector cannot contact your relatives, friends, neighbor etc unless to obtain your contact information. In such circumstances he cannot inform them that you are in debt. You are entitled to your privacy even if you are in default.

Remember you cannot and should not force the debt collectors to coerce you into making payments as per their demands. A number of collection agencies work on the premise that the best way to get the payment is to make sure that it becomes number one on your priority list. While you know you owe the monies, you have to ensure that you clearly prioritize your finances. If there is a greater and pressing need for your money, like for medicines or food then you must allocate the funds accordingly.

You can choose to directly negotiate with the debt collector or appoint an attorney instead. If you deal directly, do not feel compelled to offer private information that can be misused to force payments from you. Example, details of where you work, your personal account information and the like.

Always seek written communication from the debt collector instead of phone conversations. This will put pressure on the collector to be polite and accurate in his dealings with you. All agreed terms and conditions will also be clearly outlined. The original amount owed, along with any interests and fees should also be clearly mentioned. It is also a good idea to tape your phone conversations after having explicitly informed the collector when he calls that the same is being recorded.

If your debt collector continues with his forceful methods you have a right to redress. You can complain to the concerned authorities within your jurisdiction and obtain relief.

The best way to counter force is through knowing the facts and standing firm on them.

Let's look at a typical California House priced at $395,000. The builder, in order to make a profit, needs to sell many of these homes at this price. How many of us have $395,000 to plop down in one lump sum?

The homes must be sold at a price that is consistent with perceived value and quality, but still needs to make it available to the average consumer. This is the reason the mortgage business is so huge.

Let's look at another example. This trend is deeply rooted in our history. Have you ever gone to a store and realized you didn't have the money to purchase an item? Remember asking the store clerk to put it on your account?

Actually you can still find this type of system where the merchant would allow the consumer a period of up to 30 days to repay the debt; when payment for the goods or services is not convenient. This began back in the days of the general store where a patron would come by and pick up a few items, charge them to a personal account and the patron would agree to pay the entire account by the end of the month.

You can still find this type of environment but it's gone for the most part replaced by the modern day credit and department store cards. This is a system designed with the theory that you never have to pay off the balance in full - the revolving credit or charge account. Pay off some and spend it to the limit.

This is where people get in to trouble everyday; from late payments piling up debt and adding stress; who needs it? As an evolution of this process, it was natural that some type of credit reporting system would be create; the dawn of the credit bureau.

Creditors or merchants were concerned about doing business with bad debtors; they needed a way to report problem consumers and a way to get the information about them before they established an account for them.

Now that the bureau had been born they began tracking information on individuals and businesses, selling that information to subscribers (creditors) and receiving information as well.

The credit cards kept coming. They came in very handy while I was a poor college student. In fact, I took out a hefty cash advance to pay tuition one semester. It seemed like a good idea at the time. I also could finally afford the trendiest fashions and accessories with the credit. No worries, I would get out of debt once I hit the work force.

The great job was more elusive than I imagined and by the time I was in the work force full time I had racked up quite a stack of bills. When I hit my mid-twenties, I knew that I desperately needed to get out of debt quickly. Unfortunately, there is no quick way to get out of debt. You have to consider that you didn’t spend the money overnight, and you can’t expect to pay it off overnight. The good news is that there are steps you can take to get out of debt and it won’t take nearly as long as you think. The first thing you need to do is take action. Don’t wait another year or even another month. Once you decide that you need to make a plan, do it before your old habits overwhelm you.

Make sure that you pay off the credit cards that have the highest interest rate first. Never squeak by month after month paying the minimum. It will take decades to pay off high interest credit cards this way. Make a list of your debtors. Then start making a plan. This plan includes making phone calls. You would be surprised at how many creditors will take a payoff that is significantly less than your balance. Oh yes. And stop using your credit cards. This is one of the most important steps to get out of debt relatively quickly.

In the US there are 3 agencies which keep information on you and your credit. This information includes a whole range of details on many of the financial transactions that you make through your life. You may not be aware of it but much of your financial data is kept by credit agencies, and can seriously affect your life.

And this information is not just kept there for the sake of it. This information is used to assess your credit worthiness so that when you go for a new loan, for example, the organization through which you are applying can access this information to help it decide whether or not it ought to grant you the loan.

You are in fact, rated for your credit worthiness using this information collected on you, and a credit worthiness score is applied to you. This score is part of the information that an organization may wish to find out if they are judging your credit worthiness.

Something as simple as missing a few bills because you were on vacation can quite seriously affect such things as your ability to obtain credit in the future. So as you can see the information kept in your credit report is important information and can affect your life in ways you may not be aware of. For this reason it is important to know what information is kept on your credit report. It is not unheard of, for example, for there to be inaccurate entries on your report and if you are unaware of this and therefore cannot correct it this inaccurate information may well cause you all sorts of unexpected problems.

So, how do you get a copy of your credit report? Luckily you are entitled by law to get a free copy of your report each year. You will need to provide your name and address as well as your social security number and date of birth to identify yourself, as well as possible former addresses if you have moved recently.

To get your credit report ring 1-877-322-8228 (toll free) and proceed as directed.

So remember, you are entitled to a copy of your credit report free each year. Make use of your entitlement, check your report and see if there is anything there which could be causing you a problem. If there is then you can start finding out what to do about it.

The advantage is that credit bureaus cannot list the negative accounts against you if you are divorced. Once you have copies of your credit report you will then need to cancel all joint accounts. If you contact the creditors to resolve the issues on your credit report be sure to ask the creditors to take in consideration your spouse’s credit history.

It is important to bring into light your spouse’s credit history when applying for a loan. Let the lenders know that you are now divorced and starting your own credit line. If you apply for credit cards, be sure the cards are in your name and use them wisely since this helps to rebuild your credit quicker than most sources. Make sure that you pay minimum balance on the credit card accounts each month to avoid delinquencies.

If at all possible when you see that your funds are low; pay your bills rather than making a purchase on your credit card. Once you bills are paid be sure to make a payment on your credit card. This method not only keeps you out of trouble with other creditors, but offers a solution for repairing your credit.

If you can afford to pay your bills each month and use your credit card be sure to only purchase items you need and keep it at a minimal. If at all possible payoff your credit card balances each month to avoid interest. Interest rates cost an additional hundreds of dollars in the long run, so paying off your dues on time can save you money. If you don’t have credit cards and decide to choose a card be honest on your application and look for the best interest rates available.

If you are in debt it is wise to payoff your dues before applying for a credit card, unless you intend to use the card to get out of debt. If you plan to use the card to get out of debt search for the best interest rates, as well as cards that offer cash back on your spending. There are tips for managing credit cards to repair credit. It is important that you are consistent with the use of your name.

For example, if your name is Robert Leon Swisher Jr., always sign your name accordingly. Do not use your card dishonestly for advantages. Few people believe that lying can get them out of a problem. The truth lying gets you in deeper. If you are filling out an application for credit cards tell the truth. It is important that you understand the timeframe to apply for a credit card.

If you are out of work, lived at your resident for less than a year or you have negatives on your credit report, this is not a good time to apply for a credit card. If you are stable it is always wise to apply with lenders where you have done business with them at a later time.

Building your credit after divorce is difficult at times. However it is not an impossible task. It is important that you are aware that most credit card solicitations are gimmicks that only offer you a solution for hanging yourself. Instead of getting out a rope, it is wise to stay alert, and investigate any credit card offer made available to you. Finally, you want to avoid low introductory rates on credit cards since after about six months the interest rates often hit the roof.

First, it is important to avoid Identity Theft by protecting your Social Security Card, Driver License and other important information about yourself. However, if you are already in the credit bureaus labeled under the Freud Alert, then you may find yourself giving up. Identities are stolen in several ways.

The Internet is swarming with predators waiting to mess up someone else’s life. People may stand over your shoulder peeking down at you while you are keying in your PIN number at the bank. You might have been in a relationship and the person decides he/she owns you and when you break up that person takes your identity.

There are several ways that your Identity can be stolen. The solution is then protecting your identity with shields that no one can break through. If you are a victim of Identity Theft then your identity needs to be protected more so than ever. This sounds crazy since someone already has your ID. You will need to stay alert to the activities that affect your credit report. It is important that you keep updated copies of your reports at all time.

If you notice activity, immediately dispute the claims against you. Be sure to file a police report since you will need these reports to show the 3 bureaus and others that your identity has been stolen. Once you receive the reports be sure to send copies to each credit bureau so that the companies can get you on record.

The companies are going to put up a Freud Alert once the copies are evaluated. Here is where you need to stay alert. Instead of Freud Alerts, the companies can put up a FREEZE on your accounts. A Freeze gives you the options that Freud Alerts will not. For example, if you go to a bank and apply for a loan with a Freud Alert on your accounts, most likely you will be turned down.

However, if the banks see that you have a FREEZE on your accounts, they will investigate and possibly give you the loan. Freeze means that someone has affected your life by stealing your identity, while Freud means that someone has committed a criminal act on your account, and that someone could very well be you. You will also need to report any checks that you suspect were stolen.

Monitor your banking account at all times to make sure that no out of place activities are going on. It is important that you alert your utility providers and anyone that you have open accounts with. If you have credit cards report them immediately to get replacements. You may even want to cancel your current bank account and open a new account.

This will offer a source of protection. It is also important that you contact your Social Security Office to find out if your Social Security has been used out of place. If actions have been listed on your card, be sure to let the Social Security Administrators know. Making others aware of what is going on in your life, can spare you additional headaches. You are already a victim of criminal behaviors, why not take the steps to repair your credit and restore your life. Finally, you will need to contact Washington D.C. or the Identity Theft Clearinghouse, Federal Trade Commissions and let them know you are a victim of Identity Theft.

A successful middle class consumer, with a good income and excellent credit history, enters middle age knowing that it is time to start saving for retirement. Then something unexpected happens. It may be good news, such as the birth of a new baby, or it may be bad - an illness, a family emergency, a divorce...

It has become quite common for the middle-aged, middle class consumer to have many bank and store charge cards at any given time. And most, if not all, are carrying large balances. In 2005, the average consumer had nearly $10,000 in credit card debt, or even double or triple that if loans for cars and other large expense items are included. Worse still, in 2005, the credit "rules" were changed...

First, many credit companies have now doubled the minimum monthly payment to four percent. In itself, this is not a real problem for most consumers. Most cardholders probably pay this anyway.

Second, with no usury laws to stop them - and despite inflation rates from 1-to-3 percent - credit companies have pushed interest rates for "problem" cardholders to 30 percent or more.

Third, if there is a problem with any creditor, such as a late payment, other creditors have the option to cut their card's credit limit (often to the current balance), double or triple the interest rate and cancel any "special offers".

The "Six months no interest" or "Zero interest on all balance transfers for one year" are attractive offers. But the slightest infraction involving even one creditor and the next bill may include full interest charges - from the start of the offer.

It only takes one creditor to turn someone with a decade of good credit into a "problem" customer. A bill one day past due may cause an account to go up in interest, down in limit or both. And this can spur other credit card companies to follow suit meaning that in a short time all your credit cards could be charging a high rate of interest, over-limit fees and even late charges when your bank account is hit by the high rate of interest.

Now a double minimum payment becomes a serious problem, as that original $10,000 total debt begins growing by $250 a month in interest, plus up to $500 in accumulated over limit fees and another $500 in possible late fees!! You can begin to see the problem...

And what about bankruptcy to solve the problem? Not any more. As of 15 October 2005, it became virtually impossible for an American consumer to declare personal bankruptcy. At least, not without a lot more cost, a lot more time - and the certainty of losing everything, including home and car.

The moral of this story is this. Take another look at those colorful bits of plastic in your wallet, the ones offering those great promises of "easy payments" and a better lifestyle. See them now for what they really are...Viral monsters, ready, willing and able to destroy the cardholder's life in the blink of an eye.

Next time, think about handing the sales clerk some colorful cash instead.

Secured bills means that you have more to loose so you want to take care of those first before paying off nonessential bills and risking losing your home, car or whatever you are paying on. Most utility companies will wait on a bill if you don’t have the funds. You may be able to get some help paying utilities. The Social Services and some Religious Organizations offer support to low-income families.

If you have a loan with a bank you might want to contact your lender to see if there are options for reducing your monthly mortgage or car payments. Some banks are waiting for financial burdens to occur and offer a solution, such as refinancing your home or car. You want to be careful since some of the loans have high interest rates attached.

Some loans may even have hidden charges attached so it makes sense to read the fine prints thoroughly so that you are not taking advantage of. Remember you are attempting to repair your credit so finding the best deals is important. This brings us to cut backs. When we are striving to repair our credits we want to cut back on spending as much as possible.

Sometimes we have to do without in order to better our future. Credit repair is the process of building your credit history and reestablishing your life. This process means that you have to look at all angles to find a solution to repair your credit. When you are searching those angles you need to consider all aspects of what the solutions include.

If there are added charges you probably are getting in deeper rather than building a better future and repairing your credit. Debt Counselors, Deb Consolidation, Bankruptcy and other companies that offer credit repair solutions are often the last resort to repairing credit.

Here are seven ways that you can change your daily lifestyle for more positive results in your spending habits:

2. Use a bicycle if the destination is within 30 minutes by car. This helps promote blood circulation in your body and also reduces environmental pollution. You can also save on gasoline and parking fees.

4. Dine at home more frequently. You can experiment with different recipes and save some money at the same time. In addition, you are honing your cooking skills and this could be very useful for the home dining experience.

5. If you are a smoker, start reducing the number of cigarettes you smoke each day. Over time, you may be able to quit smoking completely. Besides saving money by not buying any more cigarettes, your health will also improve and this means a huge saving in your medical bills.

6. Have you ever noticed how much time you spend sitting in front of the television? The longer you sit, the worse it is for your blood circulation. Besides, the time you free up can be used for more useful tasks such as teaching your kids or learning a new skill.

7. If you are an avid reader, use the public library whenever possible. There is no need to buy the latest books from bookstores like Borders unless it is in a category that does not fit into a public library. The public library will usually acquire popular titles after some times. Learn to be patient.

These seven ways are a good start for changing unhealthy spending habits. However, you should continue to research and incorporate more healthy habits that contribute to the building of your retirement fund. By re-investing the money saved from using these tips, you will be many steps ahead of your peers and closer to your retirement goals.

With today’s society becoming more and more business oriented, establishing and maintaining good credit is vital if you plan to do any of the following:

1. Apply for employment
2. Rent an apartment
3. Open a bank account
4. Setup an account with public service or the telephone company

Ok, I’m caught in that scary catch twenty-two, what do I do?

Start by requesting a copy of your credit report in writing. You are entitled by Federal Law to receive a free annual credit report. There are three major credit-reporting agencies that you need to contact, you can run a search on the internet or find their information in a phone book. If you have already received a credit report for that year, you may also use any letter of credit denial by sending in a copy of that letter within 60 days of its receipt with your written request. Be sure to include a copy of your state issued ID, proof of your address and your last known addresses for the past 5 years. It is very important to include a copy of your social security card.

What does is mean to have good credit? Who cares who sees it?

Unbelievably, your credit report is public information to anybody where you are asking for a line of credit. Any time you apply for employment, an apartment, or attempt to make a big purchase, you are asking for credit and permitting the potential creditor to view your credit report. Although your credit report does not reveal a personality diagnose, it may just as well, considering it is through your credit report how others (potential creditors) will perceive what kind of person you are.

Businesses look into your credit report and determine by your ability to pay and follow through on your promises what kind of person you are. Do you adhere to your promises? Are you stable, do you follow through on payments? If so, then you most likely are a good and reliable person. You may be worth giving a chance at that perfect job, or residing in that particular community.

What about good people with bad credit?

You may be a good person, you may even be the most considerate and compassionate person alive; however, if your credit report shows a late payment or no payment on an account at all, your entire being could be perceived as not reliable, unstable and untrustworthy. Prepare yourself to deal with a lot of paper work and phone time once you are ready to repair your credit.

What does this mean? How can I protect my reputation?

What this means is that it is time for you to fix your credit. Your income may be null or limited, that’s ok, there is still a way to save your personal reputation and open more doors of opportunity. Once you receive your credit report(s), contact the creditors listed and make payment arrangements, even if it is just $1-$5 a month. Doing this shows your willingness to get back on track, it show that you are putting effort towards establishing stability and responsibility.

Whom can I turn to for help?

There are many resources available to assist with credit repair, make use of your library or the internet. Most credit repair agencies offer free services, take advantage of their offers and assistance. Building your credit is more than being able to make a big purchase, it also means you are establishing your personal reputation and setting your survival foundation.

Although there are several credit models, the most commonly used is FICO, based on a model created by Fair, Isaac Company. Their consumer website is myfico.com, and you can find information about the FICO credit scores there.

Strategy One: Obtain a Credit History

There are many reasons you may have no credit history. Maybe you're just starting out, maybe you pay cash for everything and have never needed a loan. In any case, if you have no credit history, your FICO score is likely to be low.

The easiest way to raise your score is acquire a loan, and pay it off on time. In general, installment loans are weighted more heavily than credit cards. In other words, you will improve your credit score faster if you buy goods with an installment loan, rather than acquiring a credit card.

Another way to acquire a better credit history is to take $1000 and open a 6 month CD account at a financial institution. Now, get an installment loan for $1000, using that CD as collateral. Now, here's the trick. Take the $1000 loan, and open another 6 month CD account at another institution. Take another loan for the $1000 at the second institution. Do this one more time.

Now what you have is 3 loans. Pay the minimum payment for 6 months. In the last month, cash out your CDs and pay the loans off. You now have a credit history, and did not go into long term debt to get it.

Strategy Two: Maintain Your Good Credit History

Good job - you have paid your bills on time, and do not have high credit card debt. Here's some ideas to keep your FICO score as high as possible.

First, don't close your old accounts. One part of your credit score is based on the amount of credit available verses amount of credit used. Closing old accounts can lower this part of your score.

Second, paying off your credit cards every month is good money management, but you may be able to improve in this area. Here's the scenario: you have a $2000 credit card. Every month, you charge about $1800 to that card. And, every month you pay it off. But here's what happens - your credit card company reports your credit information monthly to FICO. If they report it before you pay off your card, it looks like you carry a balance on your credit card every month. You may find your FICO score improves if you pay off your credit card at a different time of the month.

Strategy Three: Repair Your Poor Credit History

For whatever reason, if you have a poor credit history, there are things you can do to improve your score. Some of them take time, and you will probably be best served by talking to a credit counselor to be sure that you not only repair your credit history, but also eliminate what caused that poor credit history in the first place.

The most heavily weighted part of your score is based on your payment history. The first thing to do to start repairing your credit history is to pay your bills on time. The mortgage is the most important, followed by installment loans, and finally credit cards.

The next largest portion of your FICO score is based on how you use credit. The fastest way to improve this is to pay down your credit cards.

One final thing to look for is errors in your credit report. Get a copy of your credit report from all three primary agencies, and look at all the entries. You can find the agencies here: experian.com, equifax.com, and transunion.com. If there are any errors, start the process to have them removed. Call your creditors - sometimes they will remove negative information. Your FICO score is an important part of your financial life, and using these strategies may help improve your FICO score. Before making any drastic changes to your finances, consult with a financial advisor.