Day 9: Dispute Day (Done the Right Way)

By Day 9, you’ve done the “research work” (pull reports, identify errors, prioritize what matters). Now we move into the action step most 30-day credit programs build around:

Submitting clean, trackable disputes with evidence.

A lot of “30-day credit repair programs” focus on some version of: audit → dispute → wait → follow up. You’ll see that pattern in DIY guides, step-by-step challenges, and even professional timelines.
But the difference between random disputing and effective disputing is documentation, clarity, and tracking—exactly what we’re locking in today. The CFPB and FTC both emphasize disputing specific items, including supporting documents, and keeping records of what you send.

What Day 9 is really about

Day 9 = Build + Send your first dispute package (or your next round), the smart way.

Credit bureaus generally have to investigate disputes within 30 days (45 in some circumstances), then notify you of results shortly after.
So what you do today sets the clock, and it sets the quality of the investigation.

Day 9 Checklist (Do This Today)

1) Choose your “Round 1” items (keep it tight)

Most programs push people to dispute everything at once—don’t.

Pick 3–6 high-impact items per bureau max:

• Not mine / mixed file items
• Duplicate accounts
• Wrong balance/status/late payments
• Collections with incorrect details
• Unauthorized inquiries (when applicable)

Why? Less noise = better investigations and easier tracking.

2) Write disputes that are clear and boring (boring wins)

Your dispute should:

• Identify the exact item (creditor name + partial acct #)
• State what’s wrong (one sentence)
• State what you want (delete/correct)
• Attach proof (when you have it)

The FTC’s sample dispute letter format is a solid baseline: clearly identify each disputed item, explain why, request correction/removal, and keep copies.
The CFPB also provides dispute letter guidance and sample templates you can model.

Pro tip: Don’t dispute accurate negatives “just because.” The FTC warns about scams and tactics that involve disputing information you know is accurate.

3) Build your dispute “evidence stack”

Include copies (not originals) of:

• Driver’s license or government ID
• Proof of address (utility bill, bank statement, etc.)
• Any supporting documents (paid-in-full letter, identity docs, police report if ID theft, etc.)

This mirrors CFPB/FTC best practices around submitting disputes with documentation and keeping records.

4) Mail it like you mean it (tracking matters)

If you’re mailing:

• Use Certified Mail + Return Receipt so you can prove delivery.
• Keep a complete copy of everything sent.
• Log the date sent + delivered.

The CFPB specifically notes sending disputes to furnishers in writing and tracking your correspondence (certified mail is commonly recommended).

5) Create your “Dispute Tracker” (this is how you win Round 2)

Make a simple tracker with:

• Bureau / Furnisher
• Item disputed
• Date mailed
• Date delivered
• Response deadline (Delivered date + 30 days)
• Results

Bureaus generally must notify you after the investigation is completed (and CFPB materials outline the timing expectations).

What to Expect Next (Days 10–14)

Most 30-day plans shift into:

• Waiting for confirmations
• Watching for deletions/updates
• Preparing follow-ups if the bureau “verifies” but you disagree

If you disagree with results, CFPB materials note you can send additional correspondence and continue the dispute process appropriately.

Also: real talk—credit repair isn’t always “done” in 30 days, but the first 30 days is where momentum starts if you follow a clean process. Many timelines describe the early phase as audit + disputes + first responses.

Day 9 Quick Script (Use This Structure)

• “I am disputing the following item(s) on my credit report because they are inaccurate/incomplete:”
• Item 1: Creditor, partial account #, what’s wrong, what you want
• Item 2: same format
• “Please investigate and delete or correct as appropriate. Attached are documents supporting my dispute.”

(If you want, paste your disputed items and I’ll format your Day 9 dispute letters so they’re clean, consistent, and mail-ready.)