Hey there, I'm Jenna Lofton, and I'm thrilled you've stopped by to read my in-depth Credit Secrets book review. If you're struggling with poor credit or simply want to boost your score, you're in the right place. Today, we're diving deep into the credit repair book that's been making waves - Credit Secrets by Scott and Allison Hilton.
First things first, who are Scott & Allison Hilton?
Before we dive into the book itself, let's talk about the authors. Scott and Allison Hilton aren't your typical financial gurus. This Las Vegas couple has walked the rocky path of poor credit themselves, transforming their personal struggles into a mission to help others.
Their journey from financial hardship to becoming credit repair experts lends a genuine touch to their advice, making Credit Secrets more than just another self-help book.
The Credit Secrets Members Area: A Comprehensive Breakdown
One aspect of Credit Secrets that really impressed me is their extensive members area. It's structured in four strategic phases, each designed to guide you through your credit improvement journey. Let me break this down for you:
Phase 1: Your Credit Secrets Fast Track
This initial phase is all about getting you started on the right foot. It includes:
- Getting Started: Access to updated credit reports and scores
- Community Access: Membership to the Smart Money Club private community, where members share their success stories and strategies
- Jumpstart Training: A program that shows you how a single strategic letter could potentially boost your scores by 30-70 points
Phase 2: Improve Your Scores
The second phase provides the core tools you'll need:
- Digital Guide: The complete Credit Secrets digital guide (eBook version)
- Training Access: A detailed walkthrough training that expands on the book's concepts
- Software Tools: Access to the Automator online software, which helps streamline the credit improvement process
Phase 3: Build Your Wealth
This phase goes beyond basic credit repair to help you build lasting financial success:
- Credit Builder: The Secret Credit Builder Training (previously known as the Secret Money Method)
- Business Focus: A Business Credit Secrets program focused on securing business funding
- Income Generation: Resources for creating additional income streams from home
Phase 4: The Next Level
The final phase addresses specific financial goals:
- Home Buying: Resources for navigating home purchases even with less-than-perfect credit
- Vehicle Purchase: Car Buying Secrets with inside knowledge about vehicle purchases and financing
- Mobile Learning: Credit Secrets Audiobook for learning on the go
What Makes the Members Area Special?
Structure and Progression: What I particularly appreciate about this structure is how it progresses from foundational credit repair to broader financial success. While I can't make specific promises about results, the comprehensive nature of these resources suggests they've thought through the various challenges people face in their credit improvement journey.
The Automator Tool: The Automator software is particularly interesting, as it's designed to help streamline the process of implementing the book's strategies. While your results may vary, having digital tools to support the manual processes can be incredibly helpful.
Multiple Learning Formats: The inclusion of both the digital guide and audiobook versions shows they understand different learning styles. Whether you're a reader or prefer to listen while commuting, you can absorb the material in a way that works best for you.
Business Focus: The Business Credit Secrets program is another standout feature, especially for entrepreneurs or those thinking about starting a business. Understanding how to build and leverage business credit can be just as important as personal credit management.
The Bottom Line
Holistic Approach: What's particularly valuable is their holistic approach. They don't just stop at credit repair - they extend into home buying, car purchasing, and even potential income generation. This suggests they understand that true financial freedom requires more than just a good credit score.
Important Note: Remember though - while these resources are extensive, your success will ultimately depend on how you implement them. The tools are there, but they require your commitment and action to be effective.
So, What Is The Credit Secrets Book All About?
I got it, so I can show you!
At its core, Credit Secrets is a comprehensive guide that empowers readers to take control of their credit destiny. The book breaks down complex credit concepts into digestible chunks, offering a step-by-step approach to credit repair that's both effective and accessible.
Key Features of the Credit Secrets Book:
- In-depth credit analysis techniques
- Proven strategies to remove inaccurate items from your credit report
- Legal loopholes for addressing challenging credit issues
- Ready-to-use letter templates for various credit repair scenarios
My Personal Experience (Yes, this is my Credit Score Now!!!)
I was once in your shoes. About 13 years back or so, I was trying to buy a car, but my credit score was around 550, preventing me from getting a loan at a reasonable rate.
After trying to finance at the dealership with three different loan companies wanting between 8% and 15% for a $7,000 2007 Honda Civic, I had to do something.
Anyway, I started studying, reading various credit repair books, and even paid for some 1 on 1 time with an accountant.
Keep in mind, as this was before the credit secrets book waws written, I had to learn this stuff on my own!
Anyway, after applying the same techniques shared in the book to my own credit situation, I saw an increase of 160 points, from 550 to 710, in my credit score within a couple of months.
As of today, in September 2024, it's sitting at 824 and has been above 800 now for 6+ years.
Like many of you, I faced numerous obstacles while trying to improve my credit. However, by using the same techniques taught in Credit Secrets, I finally achieved my goal. I can confidently say that this book can change your life just as it would have changed mine if I had access to it back then.
This improvement allowed me to secure a loan at a much lower interest rate than I was initially offered, AND I was able to lease my BMW 3 series just a few months later at a 1.9% interest rate for LESS per month than the 2007 Civic would have cost
This was my car below, "Breezy Bella", though I traded her in recently for a newer model!
My OId BMW 3 Series, "Breezy Bella"
My 2024 BMW 3 Series
So, was it easy? Well...
As a regular person with no prior knowledge about credit repair prior to my self-education on it, I found the process of using Credit Secrets to be straightforward and efficient as if I had it back when I was working on my own credit repair.
The step-by-step instructions in the book are similar to the methods I used years ago and would have allowed me to easily navigate through the process and put the methods into action. The book has the potential to make a significant difference in the lives of its readers, helping them achieve financial goals previously thought unattainable.
To sum things up ‘short and simple’, the Credit Secrets book puts you in control of your credit report and score, flipping the script and forcing collectors and creditors to realize it is in their best interests just to make you go away – by deleting the negative/erroneous item.
Credit Secrets teaches all of the methods I used back in 2013 and then some. These are the same methods I paid a lot of money and spent a lot of time to learn. You could have them right now for less than the price of a tank of gas.
How Quickly Can You Expect to See Improved Credit Scores?
Results with the credit secrets method can be seen in as little as 1 day for some people, but the tougher stuff takes anywhere from 7-90 days. The average is around 30 days for big score jumps for most members!
In a recent survey of Credit Secrets users, 72% reported seeing an improvement in their credit score within the first 30 days. Moreover, the average credit score increase after using the strategies in the book was 103 points. These results demonstrate the effectiveness of the techniques, which are similar to the ones I used to boost my own credit score.
The Secret 11 Words
Now, you might have heard whispers about the "Credit Secrets 11 Words." While I can't disclose the exact phrase (I promised I wouldn't!), I can tell you that it's related to the wording in letters you'll be sending to creditors and credit bureaus.
And yes, it really does work! But remember successful credit repair involves more than just an 11-word letter - it's about understanding the entire process and applying multiple strategies.
What Sets It Apart from Others
When comparing Credit Secrets to other credit repair books and resources, it's clear that this book stands out for several reasons:
- First, the authors (Scott and Allison Hilton) have personal experience with credit repair, which lends credibility to their advice.
- Second, the book is easy to follow and provides actionable steps that users can immediately implement.
- Lastly, the comprehensive nature of the content covers a wide range of credit repair topics, ensuring that readers have all the information they need to make informed decisions about their credit situation.
Overall, Credit Secrets is a reliable and valuable resource for anyone looking to take control of their credit and improve their financial future.
Credit Secrets is a comprehensive guide to fixing your credit, and it includes many different chapters covering various topics. Let's take a closer look at what you can expect from each chapter.
Not only does Credit Secrets offer more value for money than other credit repair books, but it also comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you don't see an improvement in your credit score within 90 days of using the techniques outlined in the book, you can get a full refund. This level of commitment to customer satisfaction is unparalleled in the credit repair industry and would have been a game-changer for me during my credit repair journey.
Anyways, enough rambling – let’s take a look inside Credit Secrets..
>>> Official Website: www.CreditSecret.org
That being said, let's take a look at the book itself and what's inside!
Chapter 1: Getting Started
Chapter 1 of credit secrets is all about the basics. You'll learn how to get and analyze your credit scores and credit reports. You'll also learn some important facts about FICO scores, each credit bureau, and how to get started immediately with removing inquiries from your credit report.
This chapter includes three Inquiry Removal Letter Templates that you can simply copy, paste, fill in your own info, and mail out.
Chapter 2: Removing Negative Items
One of my favorite chapters in credit secrets, this one is just FULL of letter templates ready to use for just about any situation! Again, just copy, paste, fill in your own info, and mail them out. This chapter includes many letter templates, including those for removing late payments, collections, charge-offs, bankruptcies, foreclosures, and more.
Chapter 3: Advanced Tactics
This chapter covers some more advanced tactics for improving your credit. You'll learn tricks involving public records, filing complaints, and gain access to additional letter types online. There's also a KILLER, 100% legal, loophole to remove liens, judgments, and bankruptcies!
Chapter 4: Legal Approaches
This chapter is not for everybody, nor is it something everybody will feel comfortable with. But in 'extreme' cases, it's easy to get a win with a company through a quick lawsuit (on their dollar). This covers examples of what you could file suit for, against whom, and even gives tips for during the court case. Again, most people will not need to do this – but it's a great resource for those who may.
Chapter 5: ChexSystems Removals
This chapter title is self-explanatory I think.
Chapter 6: Student Loans, Repossessions, and HIPAA (Medical Bills & Collections)
In this chapter, you’ll learn how to remove student loans, repossessions, and some advanced HIPAA Advanced Credit Techniques to remove medical bills from your credit report.
Chapter 7: Advanced Techniques
This chapter is for those who want to take their credit repair game to the next level. The more advanced credit hacks techniques outlined in this chapter are proven to improve your credit score quickly. You’ll learn about getting good credit lines quickly, utilizing credit loans, business credit, and more!
One of the most powerful techniques in this chapter is the use of authorized user tradelines. Tradelines are simply credit accounts that appear on your credit report. When someone with good credit adds you as an authorized user to one of their credit accounts, the account will appear on your report as well. If the account is in good standing and has a long credit history, it can have a significant positive impact on your credit score.
Chapter 8: Frequently Asked Questions
This chapter answers the most common questions about credit repair and the Credit Secrets system. It covers everything from the basics of credit reports and scores to more advanced topics such as dealing with collections and judgments.
If you have a question about credit repair, the answer is likely found in this chapter. The authors have done an excellent job of anticipating the most common questions and providing detailed, informative answers.
Chapter 9: Statute of Limitations Chart
This chapter of credit secrets provides a chart of the statute of limitations for various types of debts in all 50 states. The statute of limitations is the time period during which a creditor can legally sue you for an unpaid debt. Once the statute of limitations has expired, the creditor can no longer sue you.
Knowing the statute of limitations for different types of debts in your state is crucial for protecting yourself from unscrupulous debt collectors. Credit Secrets provides you with this valuable resource so you can stay informed and protect your rights.
The Credit Secrets Facebook Group (Optional)
What sets Credit Secrets apart is its holistic approach to credit repair. Beyond the Credit Secrets book, readers gain access to a vibrant Facebook group with over 28,000 members. This community serves as a support system, allowing users to share experiences, ask questions, and celebrate victories together.
The Credit Secrets Facebook group, as of today, has 28,703 members.
Here are just SOME of the many REAL success stories posted within this group! These are just SOME of the success stories real people just like you share daily!
What Sets It Apart from Others
When comparing Credit Secrets to other credit repair books and resources, several factors make it stand out:
- Personal Experience: Scott and Allison's firsthand struggle with poor credit lends authenticity to their advice.
- User-Friendly Approach: The Credit Secrets book breaks down complex concepts into easy-to-follow steps.
- Comprehensive Coverage: From basic credit concepts to advanced legal strategies, Credit Secrets covers it all.
- Ready-to-Use Templates: The book provides numerous letter templates, saving you time and effort.
- Community Support: The Facebook group offers ongoing guidance and motivation.
The Credit Repair Industry: A Broader Perspective
While Credit Secrets offers a DIY approach to credit repair, it's worth understanding the broader credit repair industry. According to recent statistics, the U.S. credit repair industry reached a value of $6.6 billion in 2023, with nearly 44,000 businesses operating in this sector.
Interestingly, the majority of credit repair clients are between the ages of 25 and 44, with about 40% falling in the 35-44 age range. This aligns with the demographic most likely to be establishing careers, starting families, and making major financial decisions like buying homes or cars.
The Importance of Credit Report Accuracy
One of the key principles behind Credit Secrets is the prevalence of errors in credit reports. This isn't just anecdotal - the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) receives more complaints about credit reporting than any other financial product or service.
These errors can have serious consequences. For example, a single late payment reported as 90 days overdue can drop a credit score by up to 133 points, potentially moving a consumer from a "Very Good" to a "Fair" credit rating. This drop could result in significantly higher interest rates on loans and credit cards, costing thousands of dollars over time.
Is Credit Secrets Worth It?
With a 100% satisfaction guarantee and a refund offer if you don't see improvements within 90 days, Credit Secrets demonstrates confidence in its methods. The book's affordability, combined with its potential to save thousands in interest rates and open doors to better financial opportunities, makes it a worthwhile investment for anyone serious about improving their credit.
The Ethics of Credit Repair
It's important to note that while Credit Secrets offers powerful strategies for improving your credit, it emphasizes ethical and legal approaches. The book doesn't advocate for removing accurate negative information, but rather focuses on identifying and disputing errors, understanding your rights as a consumer, and building positive credit habits.
This ethical approach is crucial in an industry that has sometimes been plagued by scams and questionable practices. In 2022, the CFPB received around 2,600 complaints about credit repair companies. By empowering consumers to take control of their own credit repair process, Credit Secrets helps avoid potential pitfalls associated with some credit repair services.
Beyond CS: Building Long-Term Financial Health
While Credit Secrets primarily focuses on repairing damaged credit, it also provides valuable insights into maintaining good credit over the long term. This includes advice on:
Budgeting and Financial Planning: Understanding how to manage your finances to avoid future credit issues.
Responsible Credit Use: Learning how to use credit cards and loans wisely to build a positive credit history.
Ongoing Credit Monitoring: Techniques for regularly checking your credit report and addressing issues promptly.
Financial Education: Resources for continuing to improve your financial literacy beyond credit repair.
My Final Verdict
As someone who's been through the credit repair journey myself, I can confidently say that Credit Secrets is a game-changer. It offers a comprehensive, step-by-step approach to credit repair that's both effective and accessible. The strategies outlined in the book are similar to those I used to boost my own credit score from 550 to 824.
The ready-to-use letter templates are particularly valuable, providing you with the tools to negotiate effectively with creditors and credit bureaus. And let's not forget the supportive community you gain access to - a resource that can be invaluable on your credit repair journey.
Conclusion: Your Path to Financial Freedom
In a world where your credit score can dictate your financial options, Credit Secrets emerges as a beacon of hope and empowerment. It's not just about fixing past mistakes - it's about building a stronger financial future. Whether you're looking to buy a home, start a business, or simply gain peace of mind, mastering your credit is a crucial step.
Remember, your credit score is more than just a number - it's a key that can unlock countless opportunities. So why wait? Take control of your financial narrative today with Credit Secrets and start writing the next chapter of your success story.
With Credit Secrets, you're not just reading a book - you're joining a movement of financial empowerment. And trust me, the view from an 800+ credit score is pretty sweet. Here's to your financial success!
