If you are young or have otherwise lived a careful and frugal life, then it is unlikely that you have a horrible credit score. On the other hand, some people have lived carefully, but have undergone a series of financial woes, such as losing a job or a large chunk of savings when the stock market fell. These might have resulted in foreclosure or the inability to make payments for several months. Anything that went unpaid might reflect in a person’s credit score. Losing savings or assets might reflect in a credit score. Sometimes bad things happen to financially sound people, but credit is damaged because of it.

It is also true that some people overdraw themselves, and find themselves in a hole because of their own decisions. Whatever the case, when credit sinks, it may be time to seek professional help. A poor credit score can prevent a person from obtaining badly needed funds, including new credit cards, but it can also cause damage in other ways. Businesses sometimes gain access to a person’s credit history, and a poor credit score can make them seem irresponsible. Insurance companies also look for statistical signs of recklessness, and your credit score rating is a major tool. You might be a responsible person, but the pitfalls are further incentives to seek professional help.

Fixing a credit score involves both basic and complex tasks. Getting finances leveled is the single most important factor. If a person cannot afford to take on more debt, then logic will also dictate this on the lender’s end. If a person can meet all their bills and have cash to spend, then debt becomes viable. Companies honestly want to lend to you, but not if you are a shaky asset.

Professional credit repair companies understand the finer points of your credit score, as well as ways to haggle a better deal. They can help debt get rolled into a consolidated account and can help with debt settlement. They understand the small things that affect credit score ratings, and can help their customers get around the pitfalls while they wait and work. Credit professionals cannot make decisions for you; it is still up to you to make the right choices, but they will definitely point you in the right direction.