DIY Credit Repair 

How To Clean Your Own Credit For A Little Bit Of Nothing" by Mina Lakeia is a no-nonsense, legally grounded guide for anyone ready to take control of their financial future—without spending a fortune. This book strips away the confusion and intimidation surrounding credit repair and replaces it with clarity, confidence, and actionable steps.
Inside You’ll Discover:
• How to identify and dispute inaccurate items using U.S. credit laws
• Proven letter templates and strategies that get results—without hiring expensive credit repair services
• How to build a strong credit profile from the ground up, even after setbacks
• Tips for navigating collections, charge-offs, and inquiries with precision and power
Why This Book Works:
• Written in plain language with real-life examples and printable worksheets
• Empowers readers with knowledge of their rights under the FCRA, FDCPA, and other key statutes
• Designed for digital and print use, with clickable layouts and easy-to-follow formatting
Whether you're starting from scratch or recovering from financial hardship, this guide shows you how to clean your own credit—for next to nothing—and come out stronger, smarter, and ready to thrive.

Best Practices

 

  • Send letters via certified mail with return receipt for tracking.
  • Keep copies of all correspondence.
  • Be clear and factual, avoid emotional language.
  • Dispute only inaccurate or unverifiable items, not legitimate debts.

 

 

Purpose of Dispute Letters

  • To correct errors on your credit report (e.g., wrong account status, incorrect balances, accounts that aren’t yours).
  • To request verification of questionable items under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).
  • To improve your credit score by removing inaccurate or outdated information.

Why It’s Affordable

 

  • No expensive service fees: Professional credit repair companies often charge $50–$150 per month or more. Doing it yourself costs little beyond postage and time.
  • Free access to reports: You can request your credit reports for free once a year from each bureau at https://www.annualcreditreport.com.
  • Minimal materials: All you need are basic supplies (paper, envelopes) and certified mail for tracking.

    Why It’s Accurate

    • Direct control over disputes: You review your own credit report and identify errors firsthand, reducing the risk of generic or incorrect disputes.
    • Tailored explanations: You provide specific details and supporting documents that credit bureaus require, improving the chances of successful corrections.
    • Compliance with FCRA: When you follow the Fair Credit Reporting Act guidelines, your disputes are legally valid and processed correctly.

    Benefits of Repairing Your Own Credit

    1. Cost Savings
      • Avoid recurring fees from third-party services.
    2. Full Transparency
      • You know exactly what’s being disputed and why.
    3. Skill Building
      • Learn how credit works, which helps you maintain good credit long-term.
    4. Faster Updates
      • Direct communication with bureaus often speeds up the process compared to middlemen.
    5. Empowerment
      • You take control of your financial health without relying on others.