Credit problems are common these days, especially considering the current economic crisis. Regardless of how dire your current credit situation may be, these tips can set you on the road to recovery.

The first step to fixing credit issues is knowing your credit score and what your current credit report says. You can find this out online with a company that may even offer a free consultation. You can try repairing your credit after you have all of the key info.

Work with your creditors to work out a payment plan for your debts. If you are unable to make payments ask for a postponement. If you can make a plan, it will pay off in the long run. Once you have figured out what can be put off, you can pay the creditors with the meanest attack dogs now.

Take the time to go over your credit report, and make sure it's free of mistakes. Make sure all the information on your credit report is accurate. Get in touch with credit agencies and dispute anything that is suspicious. If a mistake has occurred, it can then be removed, improving your score.

Know your rights when it comes to being handled by a collection agency. Agents are not allowed to harass you, and you are not required to speak to them on the phone. You do not have to worry about being sent to prison for not paying a particular bill. Since each state has slightly different laws, you should be aware of what rights you have in your state. If you have to, request that the debt collector only contact you in writing, leaving communication to that end.

It is a good practice to utilize only 30 percent of the credit that you have access to through your credit cards. Keep the remaining 70 percent free. You may stress out over making payments on your credit cards if your balance is more than 30 percent of your available credit.

Blowing off collection agencies is a losing strategy. Many of them will work with you to negotiate a payment plan. Collection agencies can also find ways to work with you, not against you, to help you restructure your payment options, reduce payments or consolidate debt. If you make a concerted effort to pay all of your accounts, this will also help to prevent extra fees from accruing.

A healthy credit score is within your grasp when you heed this advice. Start today and begin rebuilding your credit.