Your credit repair companion -- The elements of repairing credit -- Credit reports and credit scores: the nuts and bolts -- The first step to a better credit score: cleaning up your credit report -- Assess your financial situation -- Reducing current expenses and debts -- Finding money to pay your debts -- Negotiating with creditors and debt collectors -- Getting help to negotiate and manage debts -- Building positive credit history -- Choosing and using credit cards -- Avoiding and dealing with identity theft.