Before You Start
Essential Preparation for Your Credit Journey
Taking control of your credit requires more than just good intentions. Success comes from proper preparation, realistic expectations, and the right mindset. Let's make sure you're fully equipped before diving in.
What You'll Need
Getting started requires having the right documents and information at your fingertips. Don't worry – most of this stuff is probably sitting in your filing cabinet or email inbox already.
- Recent credit reports from all three bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion)
- Current bank statements from the past 3 months
- List of all existing debts with current balances
- Employment verification or recent pay stubs
- Government-issued photo ID
- Social Insurance Number documentation
Pro tip: If you haven't checked your credit report lately, do that first. You might be surprised by what you find – both good and bad.
Setting Realistic Expectations
Here's the truth nobody wants to hear: credit repair isn't magic, and it definitely isn't quick. But that doesn't mean it's impossible.
- Credit score improvements typically take 3-6 months to show
- Major changes can take 12-24 months for full impact
- Some negative items will stay on your report for 7 years
- Bankruptcy can impact your score for up to 10 years
- Consistency matters more than perfection
The good news? Small improvements can make a big difference in your financial opportunities. Even a 50-point increase can open doors to better interest rates and loan terms.
Expert Tips for Success
Our financial advisors have helped hundreds of Canadians improve their credit. Here's what they want you to know before you begin:
Michael Chen
Senior Credit Advisor
"Start with one small change and stick to it for 30 days. Building momentum is more important than trying to fix everything at once."
Sarah Martinez
Financial Planning Specialist
"Track your progress monthly, not daily. Credit scores fluctuate, but the trend over time is what really matters for your financial health."
David Thompson
Debt Recovery Consultant
"Don't ignore old debts hoping they'll disappear. Address them strategically – sometimes a payment plan is better than nothing."