How do you guys keep your paper trails organized?

[ConvexLes]

I'm am organizationally challenged anyway, but since I started this credit repair project... I am swimming in papers, and can't even find my desk.

Do any of you have a good 'system' for keeping all this stuff organized that you wouldn't mind sharing?

[borgman72000]

I have a two, two drawer locking file cabinet with many folders. One for me, one for wifey cakes. Top drawer is info on negative TLs, bottom drawer info on positive TLs including statements, canceled checks, print screens of on-line conformations of bill pay, etc... Each folder is a TL on each of my CRs. i.e. AFNI EX, AFNI EQ, AFNI TU, MCM EX, MCM EQ, MCM TU etc... All disputes I’ve made with the CRAs regarding these TLs go into these folders also.

I also have an Excel spreadsheet on my desktop with identical tabs that I keep track of CMRRRs sent, received, dates responses (if any) received, from whom, etc… So I know exactly what each folder contains without having to actually sift through it. I keep digital copies of all correspondence, scanned front and back, and digital copies of all recorded phone conversations along with transcripts on an external HD and at a secure on-line location (carbonite.com), just in case something should happen to the house like a theft, burglary, fire, HD failure, etc… Yes, I really am that paranoid.

I also use a calendar program to remind when time frames have expired. i.e. I will go in and plug 30 days from the date a CMRRR was signed for so that morning it will pop up and let me know that a response should have been received and from whom etc… All correspondence received gets stamped with the “Received + date” stamp, all copies of correspondence sent gets stamped with the “Copy” stamp and filed. So on and so forth.

Everyone has there own tried and true method that they use, some preferring 3 ring binders, trays, accordion folders etc… It will take some time, but you’ll figure out what works for you.

[lovebug5]

Mine's pretty simple, actually...

I've got three colored folders - green for TU, blue for EX and red for EQ. One side of the folder holds updated CR's that I receive while the other side includes any correspondence that I've sent to them with CMRRR cards stapled on.

Then I've got a file folder for each TL that I've worked on. Within it? All of the documents sent and received with the CMRRR cards attached.

Both my CRA folders and my file folders are neatly housed in an expanding file accordion which sits underneath my desk next to my paper shredder. I keep track of my FICO's and my timeline using an Excel spreadsheet which I update at least once per week.

Oh...And I have a copy of the FCRA and the FDCPA printed out, with the important pages flagged for reference.

[razr]

I just use a couple of those accordion folder things. One for me, one for the wife.

I send all my certified letters on-line, so those letters are just on my hard drive (and back-up drive)

-r

[LeslieR]

Mine's pretty simple, actually...

I've got three colored folders - green for TU, blue for EX and red for EQ. One side of the folder holds updated CR's that I receive while the other side includes any correspondence that I've sent to them with CMRRR cards stapled on.

Then I've got a file folder for each TL that I've worked on. Within it? All of the documents sent and received with the CMRRR cards attached.

Both my CRA folders and my file folders are neatly housed in an expanding file accordion which sits underneath my desk next to my paper shredder. I keep track of my FICO's and my timeline using an Excel spreadsheet which I update at least once per week.

Oh...And I have a copy of the FCRA and the FDCPA printed out, with the important pages flagged for reference.

I'll bet you have a thing for Post-It flags, don't you?

My system is very similar to Lovebug's. I use regular manila file folders, though - not pocket folders. One for each CRA, one for each collection/TL. Then I have one labeled "SUCCESS" - where I put letters promising/confirming deletions. And, since I handled medical collections in a slightly different way, I have a folder just for medical-related stuff.

[lovebug5]

I'll bet you have a thing for Post-It flags, don't you?

I actually have a flag dispenser to my left as I type. Those things are magical. And by the way, I use regular manila folders for my non-CRA material. Ahem.

SUCCESS.

[LeslieR]

I actually have a flag dispenser to my left as I type.

Mine's to my right.

[ConvexLes]

Oh my gosh, you guys are making me want to go to Walmart. LOL! I have never even heard of a flag dispenser! Thanks for the advice though...

So, if a TL is being reported by all three CRA's, then do you need to have three folders for that TL?

I guess there is no possible way to avoid storing duplicates, is there...

How are you getting your updated CR's?

[borgman72000]

Flag dispensers are awesome. Mine is directly in front of me.

What ever way works best for you on keeping track of TLs is totally up to you. I'm serious OCD and by dividing the way I do it allows me to also keep track of CRA disputes on the same TL.

I have a monitor service that allows me to update my trimerge reports daily. Not the best for disputes, but allows me to keep track of TLs and make sure they are being reported correctly and properly documented with disputed etc... Every written dispute you do with a CRA should provide you with a new report once the dispute has been completed. If you're denied credit, once you get the "Your Credit Sucks" letter from them, you can send a copy of it to the CRA noted on it and request a copy of your report withing 30-60 days, and you can back door your credit report. Search "back door" to get the process for that.

[lovebug5]

I don't see any need to have three separate folders for one TL. Just keep all of your documents for that particular TL in that folder. You know what I'm saying? If I dispute the same TL with all three CRA's, my dispute paperwork goes in that corresponding CRA's folder - not the CA's folder. If I DV that particular CA, the DV paperwork goes in the CA's folder. Sounds confusing, I know...But everyone has a method to their madness.

[ConvexLes]

Borgman, what monitoring service are you talking about?

[lovebug5]

Probably True Credit.

[borgman72000]

I don't see any need to have three separate folders for one TL. Just keep all of your documents for that particular TL in that folder. You know what I'm saying? If I dispute the same TL with all three CRA's, my dispute paperwork goes in that corresponding CRA's folder - not the CA's folder. If I DV that particular CA, the DV paperwork goes in the CA's folder. Sounds confusing, I know...But everyone has a method to their madness.

Or simply a madness to their method.

[borgman72000]

Probably True Credit.

Of course.

[lovebug5]

I think the users of this forum alone have tripled TC's business.

[borgman72000]

Can't imagine why...

[Focus2069]

I have a special filing system. Its called: "cluster f*#k"

Im getting better....I now scan every letter I recieve, envelope and all (if you look, most letters are dated 7-10 days prior to them actually being mailed) so I get the post office date notated as well.

I use the accordian folder thingys sorted by company. I also have a filing cabinet (actually I have 9, lol) that i use to file my credit reports (you get alot when you start disputing) and to file my "wins"

[ConvexLes]

LOL! Focus... too funny.

[borgman72000]

I have a special filing system. Its called: "cluster f*#k"

Mine started that way too. Then my OCD kicked in.

[skot0123]

I guess we all have our particular ways and boy are there quite a few.

I'll add mine to the list and show my &$# retentiveness. I have three binders, one labeled accounts and one for each CRA. The accounts binder has tab dividers seperating each account. I then put all correspondence and note sheets in the respective account tab. The older stuff is further in the back and the most recent is up top. Then I can just add whatever I just sent them to the top and can easily see what I have done last.

My CRA binders are a little different. They have tabbed dividers that separate "reports", "communications", and "disputes."

I also use a spreadsheet that keeps track of my progress. I use one sheet for myself, one for my wife, and one to track current scores and debt balances. The spreadsheet has quite a few columns but the most important are the CRA, the agency name, the balance, DOFD, disputed (yes/no), DV(yes/no), and results. I edit the note for disputes or DV's to keep a trail tehre too.

I checked into a program that seems to work great for tracking communications and such. It's free on the whychat forum called creditcure. It does a good job of organizing as well as generating letters but I found it too late and I was not about to RE-Enter everything I had already entered twice into my systems so that I could start using it. It may be a good resource for someone just starting teh repair journey though.

[tmac01]

I have a Big Binder with dividers for seperating CRA CR's and letters I have sent and letters I have received from CA's, and I even copy all my CMRR's so I can file them....I LOVE that Binder Its just getting too BIG !!!!

[harleygirl]

I have a special filing system. Its called: "cluster f*#k"

"

lmao This is what my system is.

[CMBV22]

I also use the floder system. I bought a 5.00 plastic container for hanging folders and keep it on my desk. I have a folder for each comany and i also keep a notebook where I write down the dates/times I do anything with my credit repair. I find this is very helpful when I HAVE to call companys and I am able to have all of my information at my fingertips.