Credit Reports:

• Once a year  annualcreditreport.com  (in booklets)
• 7 year statute of limitations on your credit report
• 4 year statute for collection to come after you
• Bankruptcy Chapter 7 for 10 years
• Bankruptcy Chapter 13 7 years
• Student loans are never discharged
• Child support or government loans are never discharged.
• Disputes Experian online, Equifax and Trans Union forms to fill out: Wrong address, incorrect spelling on your name, incorrect credit/social security number, etc.
• Request report, fill out forms and submit

Financial Literay Program Supporters

• Settle debts by offering 1/4 of balance.
• Always mention in your phone conversation you would like to settle a debt.
• Never settle on what the collection agency is offering.  Only settle on what you can afford.
• Never be intimidated by a threaten phone call.  99.9 percent of the time its a bluff.
• Collection agency buys your debt for 50 cents on the dollar.
• Times are tough so they will take anything.
• Some collection agency offer to delete you file if you pay over the phone.  This is true, however  request the agreement in writing.  Example, request a faxed copy to Steven or if you have a fax, to you.  Then after you receive then make the payment and request payment in full.  Make sure the agreement say's they will remove from your credit report.
• Be aggressive and know what you talking about.  It makes for better conversation and negotiation.
• Medical bills are not a form of credit.  Most landlords don't hold it against you.  However, if your medical bill is from Marin General Hospital, Novato Hospital or " Sutter" you can fill out a financial form that will relieve up to 90% of the bill.

Credit cards

• Calling the credit card company and requesting hardship will lower your APR. Your card will be closed for one year but you will be paying on the principle.
• If you do not pay on your cards, more than likely the credit card company will file a judgment against you in Court. If this happens, you can either fight it or do nothing. It means the same thing. If you fight it, be prepared to fight. More than likely you will win because the other side sends a mock Attorney and the judge does not like it.
• Judgments stay on for 7 years.
• Secured credit cards, Capital One, First Premier are good ones to start over. These companies want a deposit of up to $95.00 depending on your credit. These are good for reestablishing good credit.