We've been hearing from lots of readers curious about credit repair services. You can read the truth about these services here but the bottom line is this–the best ways to clean up your credit are all things you can do on your own and for FREE.

First, the obvious: prevent any new red marks from showing up on your credit report! Click here to learn how to clean up your credit rating.

Next, be credit card smart. Following some simple tips can improve your credit and save you money in the process. For example, get in the habit of making payments early (don't depend on on-time mail delivery). Learn our 5 rules for how to choose the right credit card.

On top of that–

• Check your credit report annually at all three credit reporting bureaus, because the last thing you need is a negative mistake making matters worse. The national consumer reporting companies (Equifax, Experian and TransUnion) are required to provide you with a free copy once a year, and you can request yours at annualcreditreport.com).
• Go ahead and ask creditors to remove blemishes from your credit report. For example, if you were late on payments to your Visa credit card a few years ago but have paid promptly ever since, give Visa a call and ask them to remove that negative from their reporting.
• You can add a letter of explanation to your credit report to explain, for example, your side of a dispute or reasons why you were late with payments (job loss, illness, etc.). Just be sure to write in a brief, factual style. You can also request the consumer reporting company place the word "disputed" listed next to any item on the report with which you disagree.

These steps are not the "fast fix" promised by credit repair services, but they offer one big advantage: they actually make a difference (and they WON'T land you in jail!).

Rebuilding your good credit takes time and a little effort, but it pays to do it the right way. A few years down the road, and you'll be glad you did.

To learn more about your credit score and staying credit smart, check out these articles:

• Clean Up Your Credit Rating
• Seven Credit Card Company Secrets
• Everything You Should Know About Your Credit Rating