Credit Repair Kit ANNOTATION
This book is for the approximately three million consumers who are refused credit each year because of inaccurate, incomplete, or out-of-date information in their credit files; the nearly four million who have filed for bankruptcy in the past five years; and those whose credit has been damaged by money troubles. The Credit Repair Kit offers the information needed to correct and rebuild credit histories.
FROM THE PUBLISHER
A bad credit record can make it tough to get a loan or adequate insurance, land a good job, or rent an apartment. According to a 2003 Consumer's Union study, nearly half of all credit records contain serious errors. The Credit Repair Kit, Fourth Edition, provides new and updated information about ordering a copy of your credit record from each of the three national credit bureaus, understanding what they say about you, and how to resolve credit record problems. In addition, credit expert John Ventura explains your legal rights under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act. The Credit Repair Kit is loaded with practical tips, sample credit reports, checklists, and information about helpful Web sites and organizations -- it's a virtual first-aid kit for credit record problems.
SYNOPSIS
Ventura is a bankruptcy attorney and national authority on consumer and small business financial and legal issues. His guide is written for not only the financially distressed but also the general reader who wants to maintain a positive credit record. The fourth edition includes new information on credit scores and how they can be raised, avoiding identity theft and what to do if you become a victim, and consumer privacy and how to preserve it. Annotation ©2004 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR
FROM THE CRITICS
Library Journal
According to a May 1991 Consumer Reports article, each year approximately three million consumers ask to have their credit reports changed because they contain wrong information. Both these books serve the needs of consumers who attempt to combat and correct the giant credit reporting agencies such as TRW, Equifax, and Trans Union. Ventura ( The Bankruptcy Kit , LJ 6/1/91; Fresh Start , LJ 8/92) succinctly explains the credit reporting process, using examples of actual credit reports from the ``Big Three'' agencies. He then shows readers how to correct reports, using written communication and, as a last resort, small claims court. Along with a warning against unethical companies that offer expensive credit repair services, the book contains instructive chapters on women and credit, divorce and credit, and preserving privacy. Hammond, an author of several books on credit, including Life After Debt (Paladin, 1992), describes the difficulties people have with credit and how to negotiate favorable repayment plans with creditors. He also includes a too-brief chapter on bankruptcy. The second half of the book deals with credit repair, as does Ventura's book. It also describes in 12 pages the ethically questionable process of taking advantage of agencies' file-retrieval systems to establish a ``new'' credit file. Both books on this high-demand topic are recommended for public libraries. If only one can be purchased, choose Ventura's, which is more focused and better written.-- Robert Kruthoffer, Lane P.L., Hamilton, Ohio
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