GUIDE: LOANS, GRANTS AND EQUITY FUNDING > PART TWELVE

Credit Repair Resources

The first step is finding out your credit score. AnnualCreditReport.com is jointly operated by the three major U.S. credit reporting agencies, Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. The site was created in order to comply with their obligations under the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act (FACTA) to provide a mechanism for American consumers to receive up to three free credit reports per year. Missouri Families provides information about credit report basics.

If you need assistance in repairing or building credit, consider the following resources:

Federal Trade CommissionThe Federal Trade Commission offers tips on how to improve your credit score.

University of Missouri ExtensionThe University of Missouri Extension offices offer a range of classes focuses on financial literacy and money management. Check out a complete list of classes. 

Next Step KC: Kansas City SavesMembers of Kansas City Saves set financial goals, pay down debt and take control of their financial future. Together, the program helps Kansas City’s “unbanked” and “underbanked” households open checking and personal savings accounts, build credit history, gain access to lower-cost sources of credit and invest in their future. Click here for the Kansas City Financial Education Calendar.

Justine PETERSENJustine PETERSEN’s innovative credit building program focuses on how to best help low – to moderate income individuals build credit and have high credit scores. Many believe that if individuals pay off bad debts or collection accounts this will help with their credit score increase. The “Credit as an Asset” model has found that establishing affordable, positive lines of credit that report to the credit bureaus can increase an individual’s score significantly; allowing individuals to save money each month on interest, rental housing, insurance payments, and more.

Grace Hill Women’s Business CenterGrace Hill provides credit repair classes along with many other programs to help people starting businesses. 

Consumer Credit Counseling Service of the OzarksConsumer Credit Counseling Service of the Ozarks is a local, not-for-profit organization that has been providing credit counseling to the southwest Missouri area since 1969. Policies and procedures are established by a local board of directors and it is fully-accredited as a credit counseling agency with certified credit counselors. Offices are located in Springfield, Joplin and West Plains.

Clearpoint Credit Counseling SolutionsClearpoint is the CCCS office in St. Louis, part of the National Foundation for Credit Counseling. Counselors help consumers identify and resolve financial concerns through budgeting, an understanding of credit, learning how to set financial goals, prioritizing debt repayments and making the most effective financial choices. Classes are also offered.

Need help understanding your credit report?

Missouri Families, part of the University of Missouri Extension service, provides information about credit report basics.

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