In 2020, I was 21, living with my then-boyfriend, and life was a mess. Both our names were on
the lease, COVID had hit, and we were stuck inside, going broke because neither of us could
work. Maxed-out credit cards made things worse. On top of that, the relationship turned toxic,
and all I wanted was to leave and get my own apartment.
But every time I applied for an apartment, I got denied. The rejection after rejection was
devastating. I felt completely stuck—like my life was on pause, and there was no way out. When
the lease ended, I had no choice but to leave a city I loved and move hours away to a small town
to live with my mom. That was one of the lowest points of my life.
During that time, I reflected a lot on my financial choices. I started a new job, dug into credit
repair research and got to work. I bought manuals, DIY credit repair guides, dispute letters from
Etsy—you name it, I tried it. It felt like nothing was working at first, and I wondered if all the
effort, side hustles, and savings were just a waste of time.
But then, things slowly started to shift. My credit score, which was at a depressing 559, climbed
to 610, then 685. I saw collections drop off one by one, thanks to the snowball method I was
using. I got approved for a credit card, even if it was just $300. That moment gave me hope and I
promised myself that I would never return to where I started.
Not even a year later, I moved out of my mom’s house and back to Atlanta, more determined
than ever. Since then, I’ve helped my friends and family repair their credit, and now, I want to
help you too. If you’re feeling stuck like I was, don’t worry—you can turn it around. Let me
show you how.
I'll introduce some helpful resources, including my free dispute letter templates, business credit building blocks, and the ultimate Credit Repair Kit to help you fix your credit at home.
What is credit repair?
The purpose of credit repair is to identify and address errors on your credit report to improve
your credit score. Inaccuracies, outdated information, or bad financial habits may hurt your credit score.
Understanding your credit report and score is the first step to credit repair. Is it possible to
damage your credit even with a small mistake, like an incorrect late payment? It's also easy to
fix—don't trip.
Free Resource: Get started with my free Snowball Method Guide or Dispute Letter Templates to
simplify the process.
Step 1: Credit Score Check
Alright, first things first—you’ve got to know what you’re working with. Think of your
credit report like a report card for your finances. To pull it, go to
AnnualCreditReport.com. It’s legit, free, and the one site I trust. You’re allowed to pull
your credit reports from all three major bureaus—Experian, Equifax, and
TransUnion—once a year. (Pro tip: During Covid, they started letting us pull them
weekly. Use that!)
When you get your report, grab a highlighter (or just make notes) and start reviewing
everything:
● Late payments: These are a big deal because payment history makes up 35% of
your score. One late payment can knock your score down for years, so flag
anything that looks off.
● Accounts you don’t recognize: If there’s something you didn’t open, it could be a
mistake—or worse, identity theft.
● Old debts or collections: These are the ones that sting. Even if they’re paid off,
they can still hurt your score for a while.
● Personal information errors: Even small typos in your name or address can make
disputes more complicated.
By checking your report carefully, you’ll know exactly what’s dragging your score down.
And trust me, not everything on there is accurate. That’s why pulling your report is the
first step in taking control of your credit—it gives you the power to start fixing what’s
wrong
Step 3: It’s Time to Act
Once you’ve pulled your credit report and identified the issues, it’s time to roll up your
sleeves and get to work. Let me tell you, I’ve been there. Back when I started repairing
my credit, I had to face the reality of some serious debts, like that $1,672 I owed from my
first apartment when I was 18. It felt impossible at first, but by taking small, consistent
steps, I turned it around.
Here’s what worked for me and can work for you too:
● Dispute errors: If you find inaccurate items on your credit report, don’t just let
them sit there. Send dispute letters to the credit bureaus to get them removed. Each
item you successfully dispute can mean a nice boost to your score.
● Pay down balances: Start with the Snowball Method—it’s a game-changer. Focus
on your smallest debt first and knock it out. Once it’s paid, move on to the next
smallest. For me, this method worked wonders, especially when I negotiated with
creditors. That $1,672 debt? I settled it for $950, saving me over $600
● Avoid late payments: This one’s huge. Late payments can crush your score, so
make sure you’re staying on top of due dates. Set up automatic payments or
reminders so you never miss one.
Taking action isn’t always easy, but every step you take gets you closer to financial
freedom. Credit Fix isn’t just about numbers; it’s about building confidence in
yourself and your future. Start small, stay consistent, and watch the progress unfold.
Pro Tip: If you want a detailed roadmap to repairing your credit, my Credit Repair Kit includes everything you need to fix your credit score from home.
Step 4: Build Positive Credit Habits
Fixing your credit is just the start—keeping it strong is where the real work begins. Once you’ve paid down debts, it’s time to focus on smart habits that build your credit and keep it growing.
1. Start with a Secured Card or Credit-Builder Loan
If you’re rebuilding, a secured credit card or credit-builder loan is a great first step. Secured cards require a small deposit (like $200–$500) and help you build credit with responsible use. For credit-builder loans, your payments go into a savings account you’ll get back at the end of the term, with a boost to your score. (add an affiliate link for Capital one and Discover)
2. Keep Your Credit Utilization Low
Your credit utilization ratio (how much credit you use compared to your limit) should stay under 30%. For example, if your limit is $1,000, aim to use no more than $300. Even better? Keep it closer to 10% for maximum impact.
3. Always Pay On Time
Payment history is the biggest factor in your score. Set up autopay or use reminders to make sure you never miss a payment. If you’re struggling, reach out to your lender—they may offer assistance to keep your account in good standing.
4. Monitor Your Progress
Check your credit report and score regularly to stay on top of improvements or catch any errors. Tools like Credit Karma or Experian can make this easy.
Building these habits takes time, but the payoff is worth it. With patience and consistency, you’ll not only improve your score but also set yourself up for exciting milestones like funding your business, buying a home, or simply feeling financially secure.
These small, consistent actions will get you an 700 credit score.
Common Credit Pitfalls to Avoid
Follow these tips to avoid common credit repair mistakes:
- Closing old accounts: This can lower your credit age.
- Applying for too much credit: Too many hard inquiries can hurt your score.
- Ignoring credit report errors: Even small mistakes can cost you points.
Stay patient and consistent. Credit repair is a marathon, not a sprint.
Take the First Step Today
Rebuilding your credit isn’t just about numbers—it’s about freedom, confidence, and unlocking the opportunities you deserve. I’ll never forget the day I finally got approved for my own apartment after years of denials. That small win felt like a huge step toward taking back control of my life.
Today, I’m able to fund and grow my business, qualify for pre-approvals on big purchases like a home, and confidently build the future I’ve always wanted. It didn’t happen overnight, but by taking consistent steps—and learning from my own trial and error—I made it happen.
And now, I want to make it easier for you to start your journey. Download my free dispute letters to tackle those inaccuracies on your credit report. Ready to take it to the next level? My Credit Repair Kit is packed with everything you need to fix your credit at home, from step-by-step guides to proven strategies like the Snowball Method.
The best investment you can make is in yourself. Fixing your credit isn’t just about raising your score—it’s about creating the life you’ve always dreamed of. So, start today. With the right tools, patience, and determination, you’ll be amazed at how far you can go.
Ready to fix your credit and boss up your life? Start with my free dispute letter templates to get those errors off your credit report—that’s step one to seeing real results. Then, when you’re ready to take it all the way, grab my Credit Repair Kit. It’s got everything you need to clean up your credit from home, step by step, no guessing.
Don’t let bad credit hold you back any longer. Your financial glow-up starts today!