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Improving Credit Scores

Improving Credit Scores

We know that most people these days are trying to find ways to save money. With the cost of everything rising who wouldn't?  In the same breath people often wonder of ways to keep their credit score up so that they can borrow money when it is needed.  Here are some quick points to help you out!

6 Ways To Start or Continue to Improve Your Credit

  • Make timely payments - Make sure to pay all of your bills on time every month.
  • Maintain low credit card balances - Having credit cards will help establish credit, but it is important to have balances below 30-50% of your approved credit limit
  • Use caution when opening new accounts - Opening too many accounts at once can lower your credit score.
  • Keep old accounts open - Open accounts that have been used in the last six months with no balance can help your credit score. It's not always best to close accounts.
  • Keep credit inquiries to a minimum - Your credit score can be lowered if you have too many inquiries for different purchases all at once.
  • Check your credit report regularly - Make sure your credit report is accurate by checking with all three major credit reporting agencies.
  • Know your debt to income ratio.  This is key after learning how the debt to income affects your credit score!

To help you with your debt to income ratio, we have provided the following worksheet:

Debt to Income Worksheet

 

The Real FREE Credit Report

Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act (The FACT Act)

All U.S. consumers are now eligible to receive one free copy of their credit report per year. This is just one feature of the FACT Act, legislation designed to bring consumers greater protection in the areas of identity theft, privacy, and credit report accuracy.

You are entitled to receive one free credit report every 12 months from each of the three major credit reporting agencies: Experian, TransUnion and Equifax. You may choose to order them all at once or separately. Please note that while the credit reporting agencies are required to provide a free credit report, they are not required to provide your credit score. The credit score can be purchased at the time you apply for your credit report.

Request your free annual report at:

www.annualcreditreport.com

By phone at:
877-322-8228

By mail:
Annual Credit Report Request Service
PO Box 105281
Atlanta, GA  30348-5281

Please use only the contact info above to obtain your free report, otherwise you may be charged by the credit bureaus if you contact them directly.