Month: November 2024

Apache is functioning normally

The information provided on this website does not, and is not intended to, act as legal, financial or credit advice.See Lexington Law’s editorial disclosure for more information.

There are over 18.3 million veterans in the United States and an additional 2.86 million service members on active duty. Service members dedicate their lives to our country, but many have poor credit, making it difficult to get a loan for a home or a vehicle. If you’re a veteran, a bad credit score can also cost you more money due to higher interest rates, but credit repair for veterans may be a solution.

Learning how to fix your credit score can help you and your family improve your financial well-being. There are steps you can take to repair your credit and programs that can help. In the guide below, we teach you how credit repair works and what you can do to work on your credit score.

Key takeaways:

  • Credit repair for veterans involves improving your credit score by learning how credit works and focusing on problem areas of your credit report.
  • In some cases, there are errors on your credit report that you can challenge to potentially improve your credit score.
  • There are many nonprofit organizations and additional resources for veterans looking to repair their credit.

What is credit repair for veterans?

Credit repair is when you take certain actions toward fixing and improving your credit score. Your FICO® credit score is the primary scoring model lenders and other businesses use to assess your creditworthiness. The five weighted factors that make up your credit score include: 

  • Payment history (35 percent): How well you make your payments on time and in full
  • Credit utilization (30 percent): How much you owe compared to your max credit limit
  • Credit age (15 percent): The average age of your credit accounts
  • Credit mix (10 percent): Your mix of revolving credit and installment loans
  • New credit (10 percent): How often you apply for new credit accounts

Credit bureaus use your credit report to find information on these five areas to determine your credit score. To repair their credit, veterans can review their credit reports and work on specific areas that need improvement. This involves developing good financial habits and paying down debts.

Your credit report may also contain errors like misreported late payments, which you can challenge with the credit bureaus.

How can credit repair help veterans?

There are VA home loans that don’t have minimum credit score requirements, but it’s different when dealing with private lenders. So, if you go through a bank for a home loan, auto loan, personal loan or anything else that requires a credit check, you need a good credit score. Putting in the effort to repair your credit as a veteran allows you to have more choices and opportunities with your finances.

When veterans fix their credit, they’re able to save money and have more opportunities. Your credit score is a primary factor in determining where you live, how much you pay in interest and deposits and sometimes, it determines what kind of job you can get. Fixing your credit score can take time, but it can help you and your family buy the home of your dreams and save money for your future.

Additional credit repair programs for veterans

In addition to the NFCC, there are more credit repair programs that specifically work with veterans. By working with veterans and their families regularly, they understand the specific needs and challenges veterans face. Some of these organizations offer free credit repair services for veterans by providing debt relief options. The following organizations provide services and resources that may be able to help you fix your credit score: 

  • Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA): The VBA is an organization run by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs that helps veterans understand their benefits. They also provide many services to help veterans manage their finances. This includes beneficiary financial counseling, a fiduciary program and mortgage delinquency assistance.
  • Military OneSource: Military OneSource offers many resources for veterans and their family members. They provide assistance with taxes, financial education resources, spouse employment and more. They also have financial counselors who help veterans manage their finances and debt.
  • Military Saves: This nonprofit organization is dedicated to helping military members learn how to save money, reduce debt and manage their finances. It partners with a wide range of military banks and credit unions to help veterans improve their financial well-being.

Can you get a VA home loan with bad credit?

Regardless of your credit score, you can qualify for a VA home loan. Unlike private home loans, there’s no minimum credit score for a VA home loan. Should you choose to work with a private lender, the minimum credit score is often 500, but it may be higher depending on the lender and the loan amount. Eligibility requirements for a VA home loan include:

There are also additional benefits to VA home loans. Unlike private loans, there are no down payment requirements or repayment penalties. VA home loans often have lower interest rates than private home loans, so you can save on the total price of the home.

How long does credit repair take for veterans?

How long credit repair takes depends on the individual. When you have more issues with your credit score that are lowering your score, it can take longer to repair it. Some of the factors that can determine how long credit repair takes include:

  • Your current credit score
  • How many derogatory items are on your credit report
  • Your current amount of debt

Some negative items on your credit report may take seven to 10 years to fall off your credit report, so this can increase the time frame. The length of time also depends on what score you’re trying to achieve.

For example, raising a score of 550 to 750 can take longer than raising it to 650. 

5 steps to improving your credit health

Credit counseling organizations and other programs can help you with your credit repair, but there are some steps you can take on your own as well. Before focusing on specific areas of your credit score, there are some initial steps you should take:

  • Step 1: Check your credit report
  • Step 2: Look for potential errors on your credit report
  • Step 3: Challenge potential errors
  • Step 4: Analyze your credit score for areas that need improvement
  • Step 5: Begin working on areas that are lowering your credit score

Below are some simple tips to help boost your credit score by focusing on the individual factors affecting your credit score: 

  • Make your payments on time
  • Keep your credit utilization below 30 percent
  • Have a good credit mix
  • Try not to open too many new credit accounts
  • Don’t close old credit accounts

If managing debt is a primary issue affecting your credit score, the following are some simple ways to begin paying down debt:

  • Create a budget
  • Consolidate your debt for a lower interest rate
  • Find sources of extra income

Check your credit score for free today

Before you can repair your credit score, you need to know what it is. The best way to do this is to get detailed information about your credit score so you know exactly where to focus your attention. Here at Lexington Law Firm, we provide a free credit assessment that can help you get started with a free credit score, credit report summary and credit repair recommendation. Sign up for your free credit assessment today.

Note: The information provided on this website does not, and is not intended to, act as legal, financial or credit advice; instead, it is for general informational purposes only. Use of, and access to, this website or any of the links or resources contained within the site do not create an attorney-client or fiduciary relationship between the reader, user, or browser and website owner, authors, reviewers, contributors, contributing firms, or their respective agents or employers.

Source: lexingtonlaw.com

Apache is functioning normally

If you’ve ever dreamed of a perfectly organized home, free from clutter and full of things that spark joy, the Marie Kondo Method checklist may be just what you need. Created by bestselling author and tidying expert Marie Kondo, this approach to decluttering is as much about mindset as it is about organization. This article, will guide you through a KonMari checklist to help you remove the clutter and transform your space with intention. 

From clothing to sentimental items, get ready to tackle each category in a way that brings harmony and lasting order to your home. Explore these decluttering tips and organizing hacks to transform your home into a peaceful, joy-filled retreat, whether you’re living in a stylish apartment in downtown Cleveland, OH, a cozy coastal home in Miami, FL, or a spacious rental in Newark, NJ.

Who is Marie Kondo?

Marie Kondo is a renowned Japanese organizing expert and the author behind the popular KonMari Method, which focuses on keeping only items that bring joy. Her approach to decluttering, rooted in mindfulness and gratitude, has helped people worldwide create calm and orderly spaces that reflect what truly matters to them.

What is the Marie Kondo, or KonMari, Method?

In a nutshell, the KonMari Method simplifies the decluttering process by encouraging you to organize your home by category rather than by room. Marie Kondo suggests beginning with clothing, then progressing through other categories such as books, papers, miscellaneous items, and, finally, sentimental objects.

One of the most celebrated aspects of Marie Kondo’s philosophy involves reflecting on each item you own and asking yourself whether it sparks joy.. Does it speak to the heart for you? Does it bring you happiness?  If it doesn’t, take a moment to thank the item for its role in your life and part ways. Many choose to donate or pass on items that don’t bring joy as part of this decluttering journey.

As Kendall from KENDALLCLUTTER in Los Angeles, CA suggests, incorporating a “declutter-as-you-go” strategy can make a huge difference. “When you make breakfast, declutter coffee cups. When you get dressed, declutter old clothes you haven’t worn in years. Even if you declutter just one item a day, that’s progress,” states Kendall. A simple daily routine can help make decluttering a habit over time, making the overall process more manageable.

The four guidelines to tidying

Here’s a step-by-step guide for how you can follow the Marie Kondo Method, as well as your very own Marie Kondo Method checklist.

Step 1: Commit to tidying up

As with all journeys of self-improvement, the first step in the Marie Kondo Method checklist is to commit. Just as you’d commit to losing weight, working out or starting a new hobby, commit to tidying and organizing your home through and through right at the start.

Leah Forbert, owner of LRO Home Organizing in Austin, TX, recommends starting small, especially if you’re feeling overwhelmed. “Choose a single room or even a simple drawer to begin. Take your time and be thorough. Organizing and decluttering your home can be challenging, so be patient with yourself. It’s a process that takes time, but once you experience the joy of a well-organized home, you’ll be motivated to tackle even more spaces,” shares Forbert. This reminder helps reinforce the KonMari philosophy: committing to the process with patience and persistence is key to success.

Step 2: Visualize the lifestyle you want

Create a picture in your mind of your ideal lifestyle. What does it look like, and how does organizing and decluttering the home fit into it? “What do you envision for your home or for your space? Having a specific goal in mind before you begin will give you momentum as you begin and move through the decluttering checklist,” advises Suzanne O’Donnell of My LA Organizer. Visualizing the lifestyle you want can keep you motivated throughout the journey.

These answers are deeply personal and can vary significantly from person to person. For instance, a cluttered home can alleviate stress and anxiety levels, making it hard to relax or focus. Research shows that disorganization can lead to feelings of overwhelm and distraction, impacting productivity and contributing to mental fatigue. In contrast, a neat and organized environment promotes a sense of calm and control, allowing for clearer thinking and greater peace of mind. By eliminating clutter, you not only create a more visually appealing space but also foster improved mood and motivation, supporting your overall well-being.

Step 3: Discard first, then move on

When organizing and tidying your home, it’s easy to get sidetracked along the way. However, the Marie Kondo Method emphasizes the importance of staying focused, beginning with the process of discarding items. Prioritizing what to let go of is crucial before fully transforming your space. Consider this step a cathartic release; only by removing the unnecessary can you truly envision and create your ideal environment. Clearing out what you don’t need allows for a fresh start and sets the foundation for realizing your dream home.

As you sort through each category, let go of items that no longer serve you by expressing gratitude for their role in your life. Reflect on their value, thank them, and prepare them for a new purpose. If something didn’t serve you well, consider why and how future choices might better align with your goals. This reflection not only eases the letting-go process but also clarifies what you truly need going forward.

Missy Weimer from Lifehack Organizing located in Oak Park, IL suggests, “When unsure what sparks joy, start with what doesn’t. Begin with items you never used or didn’t like—broken or useless items—and say, ‘Your job here is done.’ It’s a great way to build decluttering momentum.” Starting with items that clearly don’t serve you can help ease you into the process.

Nicole Korman, owner of Denver, CO-based Westside Cleaning Services, also suggests a “Declutter Challenge” that might be helpful. “Empty the room or space, fill a box or trash bag, select 10 items to keep, and donate the rest to your local domestic shelter..” These incremental steps can make the discarding process more achievable.

Parisa Ozmen from Organize Me Well in West Hollywood, CA adds, “Choose items that truly add value or joy. Start with a small category like kitchen gadgets, evaluating each piece. This focused approach builds momentum and prevents overwhelm.” Tackling a manageable category first can simplify the process, making it easier to move on to larger areas with confidence.

Step 4: Tidy and organize by category

One of the key differences of the Marie Kondo Method is that, instead of going through your home and tackling your decluttering project room by room, you do it category by category.

When helping clients achieve balance and calm, Paula Pham, Health and Organizing Coach at SparkOrganizers in Topanga, CA, notes the importance of containers. “I often use white storage containers when a client’s life is overwhelming or chaotic. Clear containers with bamboo lids offer clarity and simplicity, while the natural warmth of bamboo adds a grounding richness,” she says. Using purposeful containers as you categorize and organize can also support well-being and harmony in your space.

The order of categories in your Marie Kondo Method checklist

When organizing by category, Marie Kondo emphasizes the importance of following a specific order:

1. Clothing

The KonMari Method stresses that it’s important to start with clothing when beginning the Marie Kondo Method checklist. Gather all your clothes, hold each and think about your history with them. Did you use it often? If so, how? Does it spark joy? If it does, place it in the “keep” pile; if not, express gratitude for its service and let it go. Leah Forbert advises, “Take your time and categorize each item. Pull everything out, and as you go, sort through each piece. You’ll often find items to donate or discard right away.”

2. Books

Many of us enjoy building extensive book collections. Marie Kondo herself prefers to keep a small selection, but recognizes they’re often exceptions in decluttering and organizing a home. Her advice: hold each book, assess whether it sparks joy, and decide what to keep based on that feeling.

3. Papers

With papers scattered everywhere— to-do lists, flyers, pamphlets—it can be overwhelming to know what to keep. If you struggle to part with the paperwork cluttering your space, the KonMari Method can guide you in identifying what is truly essential and valuable.

4. Komono (miscellaneous items)

This step in the Marie Kondo Method checklist could take a while, as we all have tons of miscellaneous junk cluttering up our homes, but it’s extremely important to sift through it and determine what you actually use, need and spark joy within you.

5. Sentimental objects and mementos

This final category is the most difficult to work through. Maybe there’s a figurine that your grandmother gave you. Perhaps it’s a now-broken souvenir from a favorite trip.

Leah Forbert suggests the “edit” step. “Let go of broken items, clothes that no longer fit, or items that you have multiples of. Once you experience the joy of a well-organized home, you’ll be motivated to tackle even more spaces,” says Forbert. 

Similarly, Suzanne O’Donnell notes, “Establish a ‘home’ for everything. And if you cannot create a home for certain items, then you know it’s time to edit.”

Follow the Marie Kondo Method checklist to keep yourself on track

We all accumulate a lot of belongings over time, often leading to cluttered spaces that can feel overwhelming. To help you stay focused during your decluttering journey with the KonMari Method, we’ve created a comprehensive KonMari checklist. This handy resource is designed to guide you through each category, ensuring that you don’t miss a step along the way. You can easily download and print the checklist, making it a practical tool to reference as you tidy up your home. Whether you’re just starting or need a little extra motivation, this checklist will support you in creating a more organized living space.

Ask yourself: Does it spark joy?

As you’re going through the Marie Kondo Method checklist, you must ask yourself the key question: Does it spark joy? Sparkle & Shine Cleaning LA emphasizes this approach by suggesting, “Start small and focus on one area and keep only what truly makes your space important or makes you feel good, letting go of the rest.”

Regardless of the reason, if an item truly sparks joy within you, it deserves a place in your home. Remember, it’s your space, and curating it with items that truly make you happy can lead to greater contentment and a sense of harmony in your everyday life. By focusing on joy, you’re not just clearing out clutter; you’re intentionally creating a mindful living space that reflects your values and brings you peace.

Source: apartmentguide.com