LifeCost

More in Legal & Catastrophe

What this calculator does

Credit repair companies often charge monthly fees for things you can do free. This calculator compares their cost to DIY certified mail.

The math

Scam cost = monthly fee × months. DIY cost = certified mail fee × number of disputes. Savings = scam cost − DIY cost.

Worked example

A $100/month service for 6 months costs $600. Three certified disputes at $4 each costs $12, saving $588.

Why this matters

Legal and medical bills are stressful and opaque. This calculator gives you a starting number and a concrete next question to ask.

Methodology and transparency

This page publishes the exact formula used to compute the result, so you can verify it in a spreadsheet or check the assumptions against your own situation. The worked example uses the tool default inputs; change any number and the result updates live in your browser. No data is sent or stored.

Common questions

Can credit repair remove accurate negative items?

No. Accurate negative information generally stays until it ages off.

How do I dispute for free?

Use AnnualCreditReport.com and dispute directly with each bureau online or by mail.

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