In the current economic climate, many people are suffering from poor credit. There are ways that you can prevent a bad credit score. If your score is already bad, repairing it is also possible.

Start by requesting a copy of your credit report. You are entitled to one free credit report a year from each of the three major credit reporting bureaus. Seeing everything spelled out for you in your report is often a great wake-up call.

Contacting your creditors will likely be uncomfortable, but you can't let that unpleasant feeling stop you. There are many options available to you that you have to ask about, which include things like late payments and installment payments. It is much better to handle the debt as soon as the company contacts you because procrastinating can cost you in interest penalties and late fees. Contact all of your creditors to determine which ones will work with you. Try to pay off the ones who will not, and set up an easier payment plan for the rest.

As you review your credit report, you need to document all negative entries. It may be incorrect information and you should work with the creditors to resolve it. If there are negative entries that are accurate, having the details on hand will make it easier to find ways to improve those particular accounts.

You can empower yourself by understanding your rights as a debtor. Collection agencies cannot send you to prison for not paying a debt and they cannot threaten you verbally either. Take the time to learn the laws regarding collection agencies, as they differ from state to state. There is no reason for a debt collector to threaten you or engage in verbal abuse.

Try to keep your credit card balances at no more than 30 percent of your available credit. This will make minimum payments easier for you. Going over 30 percent is not good for your credit rating, your bank account or your pocket book.

If you are late paying your bills, you need to inquire about payment plans. The majority of agencies are prepared to work with you in your debt reduction efforts, once you express an interest in it. Avoiding all of the collection calls will not get you anywhere, and many times, this will set it up so that the debt collectors are less willing to help you. Sometimes, collection agencies will forgive part of what you owe, and it's possible to end up only having to pay about half of it. Late fees and interest can increase at an alarming rate, and you will need to take advantage of every opportunity to stop that process.

These techniques can help you get back on the road to good credit. Start rebuilding your bad credit today to achieve a better credit score.