Why Protect Your Credit Score?
Get approved for Loans—Lenders know that if you have a credit score of less than 620 that you are a poor credit risk vs. someone with a score of 800 or up.
Lower you Cost—The lower you credit score the more interest you typically are charged. Improve your credit score and you will see more money in your pocket.
Insurance Companies equate high credit with responsibility and less chances of you filling a claim.
Get into a rental property quicker. People who rent properties look at your credit to determine if they are going to rent to you.
Many employers now check your credit to determine you self discipline and responsibility.
Home Ownership. If your credit is below 600 chances of owning your own home are next to zero.
Good Credit Scores equals higher self esteem!
How Do I Get Started?
Obtain a copy of your credit report, you are per law entitled to a free report from the credit agencies once a year. These typically do not include your score, you can add this by paying about $8.00 to each of the agencies.
Make sure all information is correct. If not write the agency and send copies of any documentation you have to dispute the incorrect information. Also request to place a statement in the report to show you disagree.
Develop a Budget. Account for expenses and Pay your Bills on time
If you have Credit Card Debt pay it off as soon as possible.
If you are having trouble paying your bills, contact your creditors' and try to work out a modified payment plan right away.
Keep active accounts, but put cards away... Out of sight - out of mind. Or only charge one item a month that you know you can payoff when the bill comes in to keep it active. Creditors count the age of your credit as part of your credit score.
Don’t open new credit card accounts (the exception to this rule is if you are trying to develop credit).
Don’t permit people pull your credit—each time someone pulls your credit it counts as at least 5 points off your FICO score. Go to www.optoutprescreen.com and stop unsolicited credit card and insurance offers that can affect your score.
