Credit repair agencies claim that they can remove bad entries from your credit report. But did you know that you can often have them removed yourself at a much lower cost? There are two methods by which you may be able to get negative entries removed from your report.

Option #1: File a Dispute with the Credit Bureaus

The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) requires credit bureaus to investigate any item on your credit report that you dispute. If the information is found to be false, inaccurate or unverifiable, it must be corrected or removed from your report. The bureaus have 30 days from the time they receive notice of the dispute to complete their investigation.

If there is any inaccurate information on your credit report, a dispute is certainly in order. But some people have had luck disputing items that were in fact accurate, including judgments, collections accounts and repossessions. If such items are not verified by the creditor (or the court in the case of judgments) within the time limit for investigation, they must be removed.

If you decide to dispute a legitimate entry, simply write a letter to each of the credit bureaus stating that you dispute that entry. No explanation is required. But keep in mind that if the entry is verified, it will remain on your report. And if the creditor verifies the information after the 30-day time limit, the credit bureau may reinstate the entry as long as they notify you at least 5 days before doing so.

Option #2: Negotiate with Creditors

Dealing with creditors can be intimidating, especially if you’re not on good terms with them. But speaking to your creditors directly may help you get negative information removed from your credit report.

If you only have a late payment or two on your account, a creditor might be willing to remove the derogatory information once you’ve resumed a regular payment schedule. If you’ve experienced repossession or had an account turned over to collections, payment in full might persuade them to remove the negative entry. It sounds like a long shot, but you never know until you ask. Requests to remove late payment information may be made after you’ve brought you account current. But if you’re hoping for removal of a repossession or collection action, it’s best to negotiate a deal before you pay anything.

If You Can’t Get the Bad Entries Removed

There is no guarantee that disputing information on your credit report or negotiating with creditors will get negative items removed from your record. If it doesn’t, the best thing you can do is try to build up some positive information on your report.

The first thing you need to do when trying to rebuild good credit is bring past due accounts current. Try to work out a deal with your creditors to accomplish this, or talk to a credit counseling agency. But don’t miss payments on current accounts to put money toward those that are past due. If it comes down to paying one or the other, keep the current account current.

Once you’ve brought all of your accounts current, put a priority on keeping them that way. Making your payments on schedule will raise your credit score, and with the passage of time, the good entries may outweigh the bad.

When we find ourselves having problems with debt, the first course of action is to take a look at the budget. Finding ways to cut back on unnecessary expenses can help us pay down debts and keep monthly bills current. But what happens when we can’t solve our debt problems with budgeting?

Sometimes we need outside help. It’s hard to go to someone else when you’re having money troubles, but if you don’t gain control over your debts, your credit rating will suffer. So it’s important to take charge before it’s too late.

Some debtors turn to debt consolidation as an answer to debt problems. They transfer high-interest debts to a lower interest credit card, or they put up the equity in their homes to get the money to pay them off. While these options can provide lower payments, they are not without drawbacks. Closing numerous accounts and putting all of your debt into one account can negatively affect your ratio of debt to available credit, lowering your credit score. And if you use your home equity to secure the money needed to pay off debt, you’re putting your home at an unnecessary risk.

Another popular option for those with debt problems is credit counseling. Credit counseling agencies offer help with budgeting, and in some cases, they will set you up with a debt management plan. A debt management plan involves negotiation with creditors to obtain lower interest rates and lower payments. The debtor makes one monthly payment to the credit counseling agency, and the agent forwards payments to each creditor.

A debt management plan can help you get out of debt faster, but it can also impact your credit. A note is added to your credit report stating that you are undergoing credit counseling. This means that you can’t get new credit. However, the notation is removed once you’ve paid off your debts.

It’s also important to make sure you’re dealing with a reputable credit counseling agency. Some charge high fees or fail to make payments to creditors on time. There have also been some that were found to be outright scams, keeping the money that debtors sent them to pay their bills with. When considering credit counseling agencies, make sure they’re members of the Association of Independent Consumer Credit Counseling Agencies (AICCCA) or the National Foundation of Credit Counseling (NFCC). These organizations regulate and monitor member agencies, making sure that they operate legally and ethically.

An overabundance of debt can wreak havoc on our finances and our credit scores. It can also be the cause of undue stress. By seeking help at the first sign of trouble, we can often prevent our debts from spiraling out of control.

It’s easy to dismiss cutting back on little things. A few dollars a month won’t make a significant difference in the big picture. But a few dollars here and a few dollars there adds up to a few more dollars. When you cut back in a lot of small ways, you could end up with a lot more money at the end of the month.

Waste Not, Want Not

One thing we can do that is good for the budget is stop wasting so much. This can apply to many areas in our lives. From eating to home heating, waste equals money going down the drain unnecessarily.

Cooking for the family instead of eating takeout or dining out is a great way to save money. But if you’re throwing food out, the benefit is reduced. So if you have leftovers, don’t let them end up in the trash. Some dishes freeze well, and this makes for easy dinners when you don’t have time to cook. You could also eat dinner leftovers for lunch the following day.

If your home is not well insulated, you’re probably wasting lots of money on home heating and cooling. Insulating will cost some money up front, but it will pay for itself quickly. If you have drafts around windows and doors, weatherstripping can help maintain the temperature of your home.

Most households waste an unbelievable amount of electricity. This can be prevented in part by using energy efficient appliances and light bulbs. Turn lights, televisions, computers and other devices off when you’re not using them, and open blinds to take advantage of the sun’s light during the day.

Do Yourself a Favor: Do It Yourself

Any time you pay someone else to do something that you could do yourself, you’re spending money unnecessarily. This applies to little things like buying coffee instead of making your own, as well as to larger expenses such as home repairs.

Many of us buy coffee or a soft drink from a convenience store or coffee shop on the way to work in the morning. This can really add up over time. Instead, make your own coffee, or buy soda in 2-liter bottles and pour some into a smaller bottle or cup to take with you. The same applies to lunches. Instead of springing for fast food, take a sandwich or something microwavable to work.

While we’re not all good at all types of repairs and maintenance, most of us can do some things for ourselves. Maybe you could change your own oil instead of paying someone else to do it. If the walls need painting, consider getting friends and family to help you do it instead of hiring a painter. Things like these can save us a noticeable amount of money right away.

When you add up the savings, little things can make a big difference to the budget. So take a close look at your budget and see what small expenses are lurking there. If you can eliminate or reduce them, it could positively impact your bottom line.

Fortunately, there are cheaper alternatives to expensive family outings. They provide the opportunity to have just as much fun at a fraction of the cost. Some are even free.

Movies and Music

Kids are often itching to see the newest releases at the movie theater. Doing so even once a month, however, can get pricey. One alternative in some areas is the drive-in. Admission is usually much cheaper than it is at a regular theater, and some let you bring your own drinks and snacks. Drive-ins usually show fairly new releases, so the kids can say they saw something that’s not out on video yet.

Some theaters offer reduced-price matinees during the day. Some even have free kid-oriented movies on weekend days. These options offer the theater experience without the outrageous cost.

Kids often want to go to concerts, but tickets to see the most famous bands are far from cheap. Check your local paper for free concerts in the park. Many areas have them during the warm months. Young children can enjoy the music without the huge crowds and deafening sound systems, and older children might gain an appreciation for less well-known bands.

The Great Outdoors

Nature offers a wealth of possibilities for family outings. Camping is a wonderful activity for families, and it doesn’t have to be expensive. It can be as simple as pitching a tent in the back yard, or you can spring for a camper and rent space at a campground. Bring the grill and some hamburgers or hot dogs, or catch some fish to fry.

Parks are great for day trips. Those with playground equipment can keep youngsters entertained for hours on end. Hiking trails offer opportunities for exercise and exploration. Most parks have picnic facilities, so you can pack a lunch instead of eating out.

Other Ideas

Here are some more inexpensive family activities to consider:

* Play miniature golf. Admission is usually quite reasonable, and it provides the opportunity for relaxed yet engaging family competition.

* Visit a petting zoo. These small zoos do not have the exotic animals you see at larger ones, but kids can feed and pet the animals.

* Go to a museum. Some offer cheap or free admission, while others cost more. But the larger and more expensive ones often sell season passes, so if you live close by, you can visit numerous times for one low price.

* Go boating. If you’re fortunate enough to live near a body of water, boating is fun and relaxing. Canoe and paddleboat rentals are inexpensive, and when you’re done boating there are usually other cheap or free activities in the area.

* Attend events at a nearby college. These may include plays, concerts, dance recitals and movie showings. Prices are low, and student discounts usually apply to kids, too.

Having fun as a family doesn’t require a six-figure income. If you look hard enough, you can find lots of free or cheap activities that parents and kids can enjoy just about anywhere.

In the beginning, video games were universal. Everyone could play tennis or space invaders. There was nothing sinister there. Nowadays, as the graphics have gotten more complex so have the subject of the games themselves. To make the choices easier for parents (especially those who know nothing whatsoever about video games) the gaming industry has come up with a rating system for their games and post it on the outside of every game that is sold.

This system is called the ESRB or the Entertainment Software Ratings Board rating system. It rates games from those appropriate for children to those that are only appropriate for adults. The difference between video games is distinct so it is important for parents to be involved in the process and not let their kids purchase any game that they want.

Think of it as similar to how movies are rated. If a kid goes to a theater and asks for a ticket to see an R-rated movie, he is going to get carded unless he is with an adult. Shopkeepers can do the same. If a kid comes in and tries to buy a game that is not appropriate for his age level, they can ask for identification as proof of age.

If you’ve ever seen a mature game or a game that is rated for adults only, you will know why this system is in place. The rating levels are as follows:

• EC (Early Childhood)
• E (Everyone)
• E 10+ (Everyone over 10 years of age)
• T (Teens)
• M (Mature, anyone over 17 years of age)
• AO (Adults only)
• RP (not yet rated)

Most games fall between the E and the M. the main thing that changes is the violence and the language. In an E-rated game, you’ll see things like in Super Mario Bros. the characters will land on monsters or be landed on. Teen games involve more crashed and fighting like Marvel vs. Street Fighter. There will be blood as well.

Mature games are the ones your kids will try to sneak past you in the house. Here you will hear profanity, possible nudity, sexual references and violent killings. Most of the war games, some fantasy and assassination games fall into this category.

As a parent, you want to limit the poor influences on your children as much as you can. If you have to, offer to play video games with your kids to find out what their friends are bringing over. To keep you out of their room and away from their friends, they will comply with the rules.

How long do your kids play video games? Gaming consoles have replaced the television and social interaction for some kids. They are more at home in the make-believe world of the video game than with others their own age. How can you as a parent change that for your kids?

Growing up is hard for kids even at the best of times. When you hit puberty, you feel like a stranger in your own skin. As an outlet, kids find activities that make them feel less tense. In the world of video games, they can be whoever they want to be. If they make a mistake or take a wrong turn, it can be done over as many times as they need in order to get it right.

The real world is not the same. Video games are a fun distraction but are not meant to replace social interaction with peers. The more time that is devoted to video games, the less time there will be to cultivate those social skills that make kids feel awkward with one another in the first place.

Watch the amount of time that your kids spend playing video games. For boys, it seems that playing video games is a way into the “inner sanctum” of camaraderie. They discuss video game graphics, strategies and scores as a way to begin a conversation and get to know each other. To them, video games are the cool thing to do.

To that end, you can find a happy medium with a daily limit on video game time. Place the gaming console in the family room where it can only be accessed at certain times. You can also monitor the types of video games they are playing especially when their friends bring games over.

Kids need more in their lives than video games. Talking about video games can be a conversation starter but so can other subjects like the latest fashions, the opposite sex (they are at that age) and weekend plans.

How do you know if video games are becoming a problem? Does your kid come home and head straight for the video game system? When their friends come over, would they rather play video games than go outside? Do their friends even come over?

Take stock of your child’s behavior. If they are spending too much time in the world of fast cars, monster aliens and dragons, maybe it’s time to get them to mingle with some real people. Everyone even kids need to share their lives with other people who can talk back to them. Limit video game and encourage more social interaction.

How do they remember which button moves what in those games? However they do it, it’s easier for a child to learn than an adult. Show them how to use video games to take their education to an all new level.

Start with the PC games. Companies like Leapfrog and Knowledge Adventure have put educational games on the market that are anything but boring. Knowledge Adventure produces JumpStart games for each grade level. They are PC video games that teach kids all about math, science and English through games that interest your kids. The characters in the game talk to them and help them with number problems that need to be solved along the way to win.

Kids are given the chance to learn about the world around them through educational video games. Kids get an opportunity to expand their understanding of animals, plants, science and more. An entirely new world will open up before them on the computer monitor.

The games have continuous action and you can play as many times as you need to in order to win. Teaching kids about video games at an early age helps you to control what types of games they watch. In the world of technology, kids grow up way to soon and often know more (about technology) than their parents. Starting early gets you involved and keep you involved in their lives.

Some people believe that playing video games is a mind-numbing process. All you do is sit and shoot.

With the Leapster, from Leapfrog, kids can take their portable gaming system with them and play educational video games on long car trips, on the plane ride or anytime they need something to do. Leapster uses a stylus pen so it is easier for kids mark their answers on the game screen. The characters sing songs that you can learn along with your kids.

V-Tech has come out with a gaming console for kids to play educational games through the television set. Kids learn their alphabet, phonics and things like colors and shapes with fun games.

Educational video games help to reinforce what is being taught at school. As kids master the games and get smarter their self-confidence will rise.

Don’t think of video games as the enemy. They can be used for educational purposes to give your kids a firm foundation in school. As they get older, you can introduce them to educational games for higher grade levels to keep the learning going as long as possible.

If you let a kid sit in his room and play video games, he will hibernate. He’s not a bear and his body won’t digest the fat to survive. Allowing your kids to play video games is not wrong but stay involved so that you can keep them from being a detriment to his health.

Adults play video games almost as much as kids so it won’t seem odd to ask them to play a game with you. As much fun as it is sitting cross legged in the floor with a controller, suggest a game that gets them moving around a bit more while they play.

One solution is the Nintendo Wii. Nintendo has attempted to resurrect virtual reality play on a large scale (with great success) for the gamer and those who don’t really play video games that much. Just the fact that you can control the movement of the characters in the games with your body is enough to get anyone into the game.

The more popular games on the Wii game system are ones that allow multiple players. Try out Mario vs. Sonic. It is a series of Olympic competitions played with the characters from both video games. You and your kids can choose your character and compete in swimming relays, running races, field events like the long jump and high jump and others. You’ll laugh at the movements you make in order to get your character to win. Most of all, your family will get some exercise without even knowing it.

Playing video games with your kids does two things. First, it lets you bond with them using the game to spend quality time getting to know them. Secondly, you can see what types of games your kids are interested in playing and make sure they are appropriate for their age group.

There are a lot of things that kids don’t want their parents to do with them and play video games isn’t one of them. The kids will welcome your competition. And, they get the heart pumping and the blood flowing.

The Wii gaming system has several video games to choose from. Find on that you both like to play. Be sure to have at least two controllers so that family members can challenge each other.

If your kids won’t go outside and play, bring the action to them with an interactive gaming system such as the Nintendo Wii.

You usually gave the old man staring blindly at the television this moniker but it now applies to kids caught up in the video game craze. You’ve weaned them from endless cartoons and cop shows but they’ve traded it in for a console and a joystick. It’s not that video games are bad. They have their redeeming qualities just like television. The name of the game here is moderation.

Even if you don’t know an elf lord from a troll prince you can make sure that that is not the only thing your kid knows about. Video games are a way for your kids to relax but not the only way. Engage your children in other activities (preferably outside) to break the pouch potato cycle.

Endless video game playing has added to the sedentary lifestyle of today’s youth. Instead of playing outdoors with balls and bats they are inside sitting comfortably on the couch or one of those gaming chairs and signing on for virtual worlds unknown to most parents. It scares you because you no longer understand the world of video gaming.

Obesity is now an epidemic with our kids. They lack proper daily exercise to keep their weight under control. By exercise, we mean movement. Kids exercise more than you think. Walking to and from school or dancing to their iPod tunes keeps the body active enough to burn excess calories. They don’t even have to play a sport to get what they need to stay healthy.

Video games are mostly played sitting down. That’s how they were designed. Think of it like an office job. Computers were designed to be used sitting down. It’s a necessary evil but it doesn’t have to ruin your health.

One solution is a set schedule for their afternoon. When your kids get home from school, let them know the order of the day. First, they can tackle chores. After energizing them again, lead them to the homework table.

What do you know; it’s now time for dinner. After dinner, they have a choice of television or video games. All of the other important things are done so they can relax and unwind with either but not both. This limits their time to one or at most two hours of gaming a day as their last activity before bed. After all of the other stuff you’ve given them to do, they might just fall into bed early.

Break the couch potato cycle with a limit on video games and other creative ideas, such as outdoor activities or any activity that will help gain quality time with your children.

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