I've received quite a few questions and comments over the past few weeks regarding credit reports, credit ratings and questions on how to improve information in the credit files.

It's not a surprise then that one of the biggest problems plaguing over 260 million Americans is the negative and damaging information about them in their credit file. And Americans aren't the only ones plagues by this problems. People from all over the world are too! While some of the information in your credit report may be accurate, there are many times when there is false or inaccurate data. Has this been your experience?

The first step you should take whether you have good, bad or something in between credit is to find out exactly what is in your credit file. You can do this by either contacting each of the three agencies directly or ordering them through a service. (I'll list a few places to do that below). It is a good idea to order a copy from all three agencies so you can compare them and get a more accurate picture of what is being reported.

Your second step would then be to review the information thoroughly and carefully. It is as important to note the good and positive things that are missing from your file, as well as any incorrect information that might be present.

If you find some negative reports in your file, even if they are true, there are times when they are misleading. There are several things you can do to complete, correct and make your file up-to-date. Matter-a-fact, it is your responsibility. The credit bureau's are not going to help you out. Their basic responsibility is to collect information about you. This would include things such as account information and payment habits.

If the information in your file is accurate but doesn't tell your side of, the story, it is important to get your story included. If you were seriously ill or had some unavoidable circumstance happen in your life, you might want to include that in your file. Definitely emphasize all the positives before the incident.

If there is inaccurate information in your file, challenge it. If there are items in dispute status and that isn't indicated in the report, be sure to inform the agency.

Complete a consumer dispute form that is available at any consumer reporting agency. If there are errors in your file and you are able to get them corrected, the consumer reporting agency is also responsible for notifying all potential creditors and employers who have inquired into your file the past few years about any of the errors that have been corrected.

Don't let the credit bureau tell you that you have no right to request changes. Section 611 of the Fair Credit Reporting Act states that you do have the right to question your report and have it corrected. The agency must investigate and either respond or delete the item within 30 days.

If you will need credit in the future to buy a home or vehicle, it is a good idea to start this process at least six months before you will actually need the loan. This will give you time to clean up any problem areas and disputes as well as have any red flags removed that might have been placed in your file as a result of the correspondence.

There are three main credit bureaus. Here is their contact information:

EquifaxP.O. Box 740256,Atlanta, Georgia 30374-0256Phone: (800)685-1111http://www.equifax.com

Experian National Consumer Assistance Center(Formerly TRW)P.O. Box 2104Allen, Texas, 75013-2104Phone: (800)682-7654 or 1-888-397-3742http://www.experian.com

TransUnionP.O. Box 2000Chester, PA 19022Phone: (800)888-4213http://www.transunion.com

Another site for credit report information is: http://www.mycreditfile.com

They will obtain your credit reports for you from all three bureaus and you can access all three credit bureaus from their site. For some credit problems, self-help may be best. Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, credit repair companies can't do anything that you cannot do for yourself at little or not cost. You don't have to pay a credit repair company to learn what is in your file or to correct inaccurate or incomplete information. - per the Federal Trade Commission

This site has some great articles on credit as well as some credit repair tools. Free straight talking info, advice and tips: http://www.consumercreditrepair.com/default.asp?AffID=30003160

I challenge you to get a copy of your credit bureau report as soon as possible and review it carefully. Take the necessary steps if you find errors. Also, make a commitment to follow this procedure once a year to keep your credit looking good.

Doris Dobkins is the author of "Financial Freedom From A-Z" and publisher of the weekly ezine $mart Money New$ featuring financial strategies and money saving tips. To subscribe, send email to: news@creativefinances.com or check out her web site: http://www.creativefinances.com