5 Steps to stronger Credit

Choosing to properly manage your credit can end up saving you hundreds or even thousands of dollars on life’s bigger purchases. Managing your credit is not as difficult as some might believe. However, it does take time and some general knowledge about how the credit scoring system functions. Although each person should manage their individual credit profile in its own way, there are five basic guidelines that we can all follow to work towards building a stronger credit report.

1. Being punctual – Each month you need to pay your bills on time. Collections, bankruptcies and late payments can have an enormous negative impact on your credit score.

2. Check your credit report – You should check your credit reports on a regular basis and take the steps to have any inaccuracies removed from the report. You don’t want any information damaging your credit when it’s not even accurate. If you find an inaccuracy on your credit report you can ask us for more information about our customized 6-month program.

3. Take control of your debts – You will want to keep your account balances for credit cards below 35% of your available credit limits. That means if you have a credit card with a limit of $1,000 you should keep the balance owed for that card below $350.

4. Be patient – One of the biggest factors in building great credit is time. Showing a long history of good credit management from paying bills on time and using your credit responsibly is the key in obtaining an excellent credit score. Keeping your oldest account on your credit report open is also a great way to show a long history of good credit.

5. Avoid mass inquiries – Making a large number of hard inquiries within a very short time period might be seen as a sign that you’re opening numerous credit lines due to some type of financial difficulties or that they are taking on more debt than they can handle responsibly. You should apply for new credit accounts in moderation.

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Questions about credit? Talk with an advisor: 1-800-994-3070
Questions about credit? Talk with an advisor:
1-800-994-3070