Sorry it’s been a few days since our last post – it’s been pretty busy at camp MCG lately.

We received an email Monday that we really need to discuss again. I say again, because we’ve talked about it over and over. That being said, we really have noticed a change over the last year in your perception of credit repair. It’s a good change – you’re becoming much smarter about your credit, and you’re asking more educated questions.

Anyway, on to our email.

Louis writes:

"Hi I hope you can help me. I have pretty bad credit and after doing a lot of research I’ve decided to probably use mycreditgroup.com

I have a question before I get started though. Can I repair my credit just by disputing the bad stuff? I know you include debt negotiation and stuff, but I don’t want to pay 1 of the debts.

It was for verizon. After signing a 2 year contract, I moved to an area where they didn’t have service. They wouldn’t let me out of the contract, but I didn’t feel I need to pay, so I didn’t.

Now its on my credit, but I refuse to pay them.

So if we remove all the other stuff and leave this one alone, can I still repair my credit?

Thank you"

Answer: These types of questions are very difficult to answer and remind me of this post. But there are so many unique factors to consider when talking about repairing somebody’s credit, so all I can do is paint some broad strokes for you.

Improving a credit profile takes a well rounded approach and it’s much more than just sending dispute letters. In fact, if I had to name the most overrated and least effective means of repairing credit – it would be those dispute letters.

Further, disputing something without careful consideration of state statutes, balances, and whether or not you own property could land you in court. It really makes my blood boil every time I see a credit repair website that says something like:

“Send us your credit reports, tell us what to dispute, sit back and let us do the rest”.

Anyway, to get a little more specific about Louise’s question. If you’re trying to repair your credit by pounding out dispute letters and nothing more, you’re probably going to be disappointed.

Assuming you did manage to remove something, you’re only going to get so far because that verizon bill is a big black eye on your credit report.

And what about good credit, do you have any? Again, negative items is one little piece of a big puzzle.

In closing, consumers are getting much smarter about their credit. But if there’s one piece of advice I hope everybody listens to, it’s that you have to focus on the whole credit picture. There is no single aspect that’s going to turn your credit profile around.

• Look at erroneous debts and have them removed
• Make some sort of payment arrangements on accurate debts
• Make sure you have a responsible mix of good credit
• Keep your balance to limit ratio in check
• Keep your inquiries to a minimum