What is your filing system?

[Xavernus]

I can't believe I am the only one that's disorganized and already hip-deep in paper from my credit journey. I follow instructions very well but I am terrible at starting from scratch. So, for those of us that are eager to know, how about describing how you file your paper trails and other related documentation. Do you make a separate file for each dispute? Or do you organize by CRA and then CA, etc? How about notes on which is a response to what, how do you keep track? A basic step by step would be great. Share your knowledge please!

[JoeDirtPharmD]

• Everything in the file-cabinet...

 

• Each CRA has their own file-hanger

 

• Each CA/OC/Whatever get's their own folder

 

• All CMRRR's/receipts/green cards are stapled and placed in respective folders

 

• I have a calendar printed out and marked with important dates to send/receive things

 

• EVERYTHING gets scanned as a JPEG image and/or PDF file. EVERYTHING!

 

• Got my stapler, my "COPY" stamp, my FCRA/FDCPA rules, hole-punch, highlighter and shredder all set out on the desk next to me.

 

• Made custom WORD templates for CMRRR cards/receipts, bought a cheap-o laser printer...

 

• If anything is settled or closed, I put a red piece of tape over the top of the file, mark it as RESOLVED, and place it in a box in the closet. If I need to refer to something in teh file, it's already scanned...

 

...I'm sure I've left something out, but the process goes by REAL quick and easy if you have a system established.

[JoeDirtPharmD]

Perhaps most importantly, I have a picture of some houses I would like to build/buy, pictures of a 2005 Corvette, and pictures of my kids next to the computer to continuously remind myself why 'm in front of the computer so often...

[TeeSharice]

I do most of what Joe does EXCEPT once it's resolved, I copy it to CD-R

 

keeps clutter down

[mountainmommy]

I printed everything when I first started. Then I discovered cutepdf (you can do a search here for download info)

 

Now I just save all reports to PDF. I keep track of dispute stuff in an excel spreadsheet. And I save all my dispute letters in a dispute folder on my computer.

 

All my credit stuff is in a computer folder called "credit repair" and then I have a folder for each CRA and PG and I also have a computer folder for sample letters and stuff like that.

 

But sure saves on ink and paper not printing every report! It's easy to pull them up in acrobat and tile them to compare line by line for changes. I only print what I need to send as proof or something.

[Rawhide]

I have individual file folders for all the paper (sent or has signature on it) for credit reports, screen prints and such, I use adobe acrobat and keep them backed up on a zip disk. I also keep track on timelines and such on the calendar in outlook..........I am a very organized person.

[Xavernus]

Made custom WORD templates for CMRRR cards/receipts

Great stuff! Joe, can you explain what you mean here? Do you mean you print your CMRRR card info onto the card from word? Are there special cards for that or do you just print to the standard issue?

 

I've been trying to set up a scanned system as well, but I know I have to keep originals just in case. I am one of those perfectionists that over-engineers until I give up :?.

[jeepgirl20]

I have a big box. I need to go through it one of these days... for right now I just dig and dig until I find what I need. :-)

[JoeDirtPharmD]

I scan most everything in 300 dpi Lineart-mode...

 

somethings I use 600 dpi grayscale mode, tho.

 

Um, I made some custom templates for WORD that work for my Laser printer, so if I have a Certified Mailing Receipt that I want to print on before I stick it to teh envelope, I type in the info in teh fields, then print. You can write it out, but I like the professional look of laser-print. Same goes for the Green-cards, where all the information goes, you can write it; I simply preferred to type/print it

[mason]

I file my stuff similar to how JoeDirt does except instead of buying a filing cabinet (They all looked cheap unless ya spend 100 bucks) I bought a filing box. It works really well and is small enough to keep sitting next to the computer for easy reference. It was really cheap, probably under 15 bucks. Then I have seperate folder for each ca, cra, cra's credit report, misc., and current disputes. It has really worked well for me. but I'm not much of a computer organizing person either, not very good at it.

 

JoeDirt's calender is a pretty good idea. I need to do that! I never know when my invest. are supposed to be up!

[Guest adoptolder]

I bought a hard plastic file case that holds hanging folders for my disputes - one case for me, and one for my husband. I have colored file folders, red is for EX, blue is EQ and yellow is TU. Each item on my credit reports has a green hanging folder, and in it goes the 3 colored file folders. Every item of correspondance that I send or receive goes in the respective folder.

 

I have a list set up in my word processing program as my "Plan of Attack". I just put all of my negative TLs on there, and then bullet points under each section listing what I sent, when I sent it, and what I think I should do next. When I get a green card back, I mark it on the list and put the card in the file box where it belongs.

 

I don't make a lot of extra copies of the letters I send out, just one to mail and one to go in the file folder. I have a scanner, so I can make copies if needed.

[breck]

I

 

Um, I made some custom templates for WORD that work for my Laser printer, so if I have a Certified Mailing Receipt that I want to print on before I stick it to teh envelope, I type in the info in teh fields, then print. You can write it out, but I like the professional look of laser-print. Same goes for the Green-cards, where all the information goes, you can write it; I simply preferred to type/print it

 

Joe,

Great idea with the template.Would you mind sharing your template with the rest of us ?

[Why Chat]

Since all of what I do is for others, and since I prefer to have their disputes, letters etc. look "home made" rather than professional,I keep each person's files scanned and give them back their own paper copies.

 

I do have templates for dispute letters etc.,but they are NOT professional looking, and I use various stationary for printing them out, in fact some ARE printed out by hand on yellow lined paper.

 

I keep the replies with their scanned files and give them back their originals.

 

I have a calender date system that alerts me to each file when there is something due to be sent or received.

 

In order to prevent any accidental spillover to any of my own personal files or my work files, I have that whole section password protected.(as I have my personal and business files password protected with seperate passwords)

 

I would URGE anyone who has their own credit data stored in their computers to make sure to segregate it and password protect it.that way, no matter WHAT happens to your virus protection or firewalls, or even if you are using a remote tech for problems, your data is secure.

[hegemony]

I have a floor with 23 piles that our cats sleep amongst.

[curiousgirl9698]

I have a legal size folder for each CRA. As the reports are printed or mailed I two hole punch and file the newest on top. When I dispute anything I print a copy and put that on top of the corresponding report. As for my CA paperwork, I have a legal folder with eight sections, holds sixteen different CA Accounts if needed. Each CA had its own section in the folder. I two hole punch and file all correspondence in date order. When an account is closed, it is put in the last section of the file folder and tagged with the CA's name. (All closed accounts are filed together.) On my computer, I have a folder with my name and one for my husband. Each CA has its own folder and all of my correspondence goes into each file.

 

My approach is very basic and simple, but it has really worked for me! :wink:

[dixiedrifter]

For me, keeping a file with each separate thing in it is too much. Since I'm not doing much disputing anymore, and considering the fact that I am getting lazy, I just keep a folder for each month and put all my bills in it chronological order. Then after a year or so I retire it to the storage container for archival purposes.

 

I do however keep a few special folders however for tax records and what not.

[JoeDirtPharmD]

I suppose a couple emails gets me motivated to do something around the office...

 

http://members.cox.net/joedirtpharmd/docum...rdtemplates.htm

 

It's nothing special - they work for me just fine. Just a couple of WORD-format templates for Green Cards and CMRs I made so they have a more professional appearance. I got some feedback that the link doesn't work too well in Netscape, but works fine in Explorer.

 

Anyways - lemme know if anyone has any Q's.

[Azure09]

Thanks, Joe! These templates are much better than the multitude of labels I've been using for these cards!

[breck]

Hey thanks JD....Thats awesome.Every little thing helps to make this process a little less tedious.

[Xavernus]

Thanks Joe! These work perfectly .

[Xavernus]

Before this thread drifts down the road, I vote it for the beginners section! These ideas might help other get organized early - some great ideas.

[NextLevel]

It is a dilemma ... but since everything revolves around the magical and mystical TRADELINE ...

 

Here's my filing method. I have a nice wood desk with large file drawers, so this is on my left side. I have a complete office setup, so it's quite easy for me to be very organized. Discipline has caused me to learn some hard lessons (or lack of discipline, :8) ... thus, I have all things organized to the max.

 

I also do PDF's of the credit reports as I pull them. Print to pdf, etc. I label those and print a copy for my records as well as burn a copy and store a copy.

 

I have a spreadsheet tracking all of my moves. I have calendar alerts in Exchange (I run my own network at home), and I have it paging my cell phone for various reminders, etc.

 

I have a box setup for my wife to put all mail into. I have stamps, and I mark received dates, etc on all correspondence, which is then scanned, burned, copied and filed.

 

I have a large 3 ring, white binder with FCRA, FDCPA and FBCA references. I have caselaw printouts, and alot more in the binder.

 

Here' the folder structure:

 

Transunion [box bottom folder]

 

dh-tradeline_name [std. green hanging]

 

main [vanilla 1/3 cut]

 

status [paper]

strategy [paper]

history of actions [paper]

 

cra history [vanilla 1/3 cut]

 

report pulls (numbered, dated) [paper]

 

original creditor correspondence [vanilla 1/3 cut]

 

bills [paper]

contracts, etc [paper]

 

disputes to cra [vanilla 1/3 cut]

 

letter [paper]

crrr, greencards [paper]

responses to disputes [paper]

 

verification/dispute to oc [vanilla 1/3 cut]

 

letter [paper]

crrr, greencards [paper]

responses to disputes [paper]

 

validations to ca#1 [vanilla 1/3 cut]

 

letter [paper]

crrr, greencards [paper]

responses to disputes [paper]

 

validations to ca#2 [vanilla 1/3 cut]

 

letter [paper]

crrr, greencards [paper]

responses to disputes [paper]

 

litigation [vanilla 1/3 cut]

 

misc [vanilla 1/3 cut]

 

dw_tradline_name [std. green hanging]

 

and so on and so on...

 

I'm developing software that I will hopefully open up to the public. It will literally do everything for you except print, scan and click. I hope to have it done this year. It's taken a long time to think about how to develop it.

 

Oh well. C'est la vie.

 

Nex

[enigma]

I have calendar alerts in Exchange (I run my own network at home), and I have it paging my cell phone for various reminders, etc.

 

Nex

 

Can this be done in Outlook too?

[NextLevel]

Unless you run your own messaging server, it's a little bit difficult.

 

Do you run exchange, etc, at home? Another way to do it, maybe, if the online free systems support it, is to have Yahoo calender send emails to you on important events, etc. I think you can set this up. Instead of sending the email alerts to your inbox, have them sent to your cell phone.

 

Most people who have newer cell phones have some sort of SMS messaging mailbox equivalent. Like my Tmobile, number = 773-555-1212, my sms messaging would be 7735551212@tmomail.net.

 

You would have to check and find out. Good luck.

[Xavernus]

I've gotten some great ideas from all of this and will be setting up my own system this weekend. Thanks to everyone who shared.

 

Just a couple of WORD-format templates for Green Cards...

Joe, what's the 0000-000000XX field above the GC Sender block in your template? It seems to print under the "United States Postal Service" and above the box itself. Thanks again.