How My Credit Went from Trash to Treasure

Credit Repair: What It Is, How It Works, Related Services

How Credit Repair Works

Correcting erroneous information on credit reports takes some time and effort. In general, accurate information can't be removed from credit reports, although there are some exceptions to this (via goodwill letters and pay-for-delete). However, credit report information and accounts can be disputed if they are misrepresented or inaccurate.

The credit repair process requires reviewing your credit reports for details that are bringing your score down, and addressing each of those issues—whether that means sending in disputes or reducing your credit utilization.

You're entitled to free credit reports every week from the credit reporting agencies (from AnnualCreditReport.com) and when an adverse action is taken against you, such as being denied credit based on information in a credit report.2 There are also a variety of credit monitoring services you can use, some free and some not, to keep tabs on your credit.

“I once tried to buy a $3 coffee with my debit card and it got declined. I had to pretend I changed my mind and wasn’t ‘in the mood for caffeine.’”

Everyone with a bad credit history, at some point.

Let’s Be Honest: Credit Is Like Your Reputation... But With Banks

Imagine your credit score as your financial street cred. It’s what banks, lenders, landlords—and even some employers—use to decide if you’re the “responsible adult” you claim to be, or the kind of person who forgets to feed their goldfish and pay their bills.

At Oakwood Financial Partners, a proudly U.S.-based credit repair agency, we specialize in helping people like you clean up their credit report, boost their score, and stop living in fear of the words:

"We regret to inform you..."

But First... What Exactly Is Credit Repair?

Let me tell you a story.

Once upon a time, in the land of “I’ll-pay-later,” lived a man named Joe. Joe thought minimum payments on 5 credit cards meant he was being “responsible.”

Wrong.

Joe’s credit score plummeted faster than a pizza at a college party.

That’s where credit repair comes in.

Credit repair is like sending in a cleanup crew after your financial tornado. We find the inaccurate, outdated, or just plain wrong stuff on your credit report and challenge it legally—so your score can rise like the Phoenix... or at least like a decent loaf of bread.

What Oakwood Actually Does

You’re not alone if you’ve ever stared at your credit report and thought:

“What in the fried chicken is this account from 2014 doing here?!”

Here’s how we help:

Full Credit Report Analysis

We deep-dive into your report like Sherlock with a calculator. Weird medical bill? Duplicate account? We spot it.

Dispute the Nonsense

We write to all three credit bureaus (Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion) faster than your aunt forwards WhatsApp prayers. We make them prove the debt—or remove it.

Monitor and Improve

You’ll get updates, coaching, and strategy. No more guessing games. You’ll know what’s working, what’s not, and how to grow that score.

Long-Term Credit Strategy

We won’t just fix it and ghost you. We teach you how to manage money like the boss you were born to be.

Break It Down: What Affects Your Credit Score?

Understanding what makes a good credit score is key to repairing your credit. The following factors are used to calculate your credit score:3

Payment History (35% of a FICO score): Making consistent, on-time payments is the most important way to build and maintain good credit. Late payments and delinquent accounts can have a severe negative impact on your credit score.

Amounts Owed (30% of a FICO score): This category looks at the amount of revolving debt you owe (like your credit card balances) compared to your total available credit. This is known as your credit utilization ratio. The lower your credit utilization, the better it is for your credit; aiming for 30% or less is best. Try to avoid maxing out your credit cards, and if you do, consider paying them off before the end of the statement period to reduce your reported utilization.

Length of Credit History (15% of a FICO score): In general, the longer your credit history, the better it is for your score. This category looks at the average age of all of your credit accounts, the ages of your oldest and newest accounts, how long certain credit accounts have been established, and how long it's been since you used certain accounts. Keeping accounts open and not applying for a lot of new, unnecessary credit can help you earn points here.

New Credit (10% of a FICO score): Opening a lot of accounts in a short period of time can hurt you in this category because it can indicate a greater risk for lenders.

Credit Mix (10% of a FICO score): The more variety you have on your credit reports, the better it is for your score. This can include installment loans, credit cards, retail accounts, mortgages, and finance company accounts, although you don't need all of those to have good credit.

“I Thought I Could Fix My Credit Alone…” — A Short Tragedy

Just like trying to give yourself a haircut before a wedding... fixing credit without help can end badly.

Yes, you can do it yourself—but navigating disputes, talking to creditors, and understanding bureau language is like reading Latin backward... underwater.

With Oakwood Financial Partners, we speak fluent credit. So you can stop Googling “what is a 609 letter?” and focus on living your best life.

Fun Fact: Credit Mistakes Are Sneakier Than Your Ex

Here’s a true story:

One client had a $43 library fine from 2009 that somehow made it to collections and tanked her credit.

You read that right. A library fine.

Imagine losing your mortgage over “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.”

Don’t let the ghosts of debts past ruin your future.

Where Do We Help?

From the neon lights of Las Vegas, to the BBQ pits of Texas, and the skyscrapers of New York—we serve all 50 states.

If you’re in: California, Florida, New York, Arizona, Georgia, Wisconsin

…We’ve got you.

📞 Book Your FREE Consultation

No pressure. No judgment. Just solid help from real people who get it.

👉 www.oakwoodfinancials.com

📧 [email protected]

What Makes Us Different?

🇺🇸 Fully U.S.-based and compliant with the Credit Repair Organizations Act (CROA)

Transparent pricing, no illegal promises, no shady fees

Real humans, not bots, helping you out

Secure portal to track your progress

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What Does Credit Repair Include?

Credit repair is the act of restoring or correcting a poor credit score. Credit repair typically refers to disputing inaccurate credit report information, either yourself or by hiring a credit repair company. Another form of credit repair is to address financial issues that are bringing your score down, such as a tendency to max out credit cards or make late payments.

Is Credit Repair Illegal?

No, credit repair is a legal way to improve a damaged credit history and raise your credit score. You can hire a professional firm to help you repair your credit, but you can also attempt DIY credit repair.

How Long Does It Take to Repair Credit?

If you're trying to remove inaccurate information from your credit reports, the dispute process may take several months or more. Information that is negative but accurate, such as missed payments, charge-offs, or collection accounts, can remain on your credit reports for 7 to 10 years.

The Bottom Line

Credit repair is the act of restoring or correcting a poor credit score, either by disputing incorrect items (yourself or with the help of a company) or by correcting certain financial behaviors.

Final Word from Someone Who’s Been There

“I used to avoid calls from unknown numbers because I knew it was a bill collector. Now, I answer like I’m expecting an Amazon delivery. That’s what Oakwood did for me.”

— Sam Warren,

probably sipping wine with a 700+ score now.