Money, Debt, and Credit are intimidating topics. However, knowledge can bring hope and answers to stressful times and provide practical, easy tools to use when your financial back is up against a wall. At Best Credit Score, we are more than willing to sit down and talk with you about your financial situation so that you can better understand money, debt, and credit. Our counselors enjoy the opportunity to provide guidance and advice to those needing direction in their financial lives. You can begin by creating a budget.

A budget is simply a game plan of how you're going to spend your money. That's it! There are people who budget and people who don't. Typically, those who don't incur more over limit fees on credit cards, bank charges for bounced checks, past due charges for bills missed, and less money in their savings and checking account. Money seems to vanish because the user doesn't have a game plan! There are some of us who have tried to budget, but find it extremely difficult because of unexpected financial responsibilities. That realization brings to light a couple of things budgets are meant to help you with and some common misconceptions of them.

• You will never be exact when budgeting, but you can get close. So don't fret if you're over or under a little bit.



• Budgets are often avoided because they remind people of the money they DON'T have. But remember, budgeting doesn't change how much money you have, it just lets you know where it's being spent.



• A budget can in fact provide stability and direction even when stress is high because it helps reduce unknowns.



• A budget is just a tool and will not solve financial difficulties alone.

Step 1: Get a Copy of Your 3 Bureau Credit Reports (Experian, Trans Union, Equifax)

If you do not have a recent copy of your credit reports, you will be directed where you can obtain them online immediately for free.

Step 2: Bring Your Credit Reports to Us

Once you have your credit reports in hand, make a copy for your own records. Forward a copy to us or bring in at the time of your free consultation.

Step 3: Complete the New Client Form

During the registration process, a case number will be created for you. You will also be assigned a credit adviser.

Step 4: Your Credit Issues Are Entered In Our System

Upon receipt of your reports, your Case Advisor will examine each entry for items which have a negative impact on your credit score.

Step 5: Your Case Advisor Will Contact You

Your advisor will get any additional information that may help with your credit reports and discuss any facts with you that may help in clearing up issues.

Step 6: You Will Receive Updates

Your Case Advisor will send you updates as work is completed. In addition, you will receive correspondence from the credit bureaus also. When you receive correspondence from a creditor or credit bureau, you will make a copy for your records and forward the original to your Case Advisor via mail or fax.