| Achieving a high credit score can seem like such a | | | | by these agents wanting to get your money. The |
| daunting task sometimes. Most people feel this way | | | | worst part is while you owe this money your credit is |
| because there are so many things that affect your | | | | taking a nice long vacation. Most people don't know |
| credit. With so many things affecting it, it can be difficult | | | | that you can actually "settle" with collection agencies. |
| to know what to focus on to really get your score out | | | | Basically by telling them what you WILL pay instead of |
| of the dumps and into the tier 1 level. There are | | | | what you WON'T pay will get them to lower the |
| definitely a few things you can do to get started. This | | | | amount you owe. Think about it in their eyes, at least |
| is a short list and there are many more, but the focus | | | | your paying some rather than none! You have to be |
| today is on the top 3. | | | | up front with them and tell them you will pay a certain |
| Tip #1 - Creating More Available Credit | | | | amount and not a penny more. The moment the debt |
| If you have a $3,000 credit card and it's maxed out, | | | | is settled that will automatically make your score jump. |
| your credit is going to suffer. Many people don't realize | | | | It's always going to look better showing you paid off |
| that the lower credit balance you have available, | | | | what you owed, even if it was written off! |
| (meaning the more money you have to use) the lower | | | | Tip #3 - Use Your Credit Report |
| your score is going to be. The best option would of | | | | Did you know you can get a free copy of your credit |
| course be to pay the balance off each month but | | | | report online? It's true! You can actually use your report |
| being practical it's something you can start to improve | | | | to find very common mistakes that can be dragging |
| your score with the more you pay down your balance. | | | | down your score. Did you know that one in four |
| Creditors like to see that you have available credit that | | | | reports have errors in them? Get a free copy and go |
| isn't all used up. | | | | through it noting the mistakes. You can have them |
| Tip #2 - Settle With Collections | | | | disputed and taken off within 30 days. This will |
| If you have ever had anything "written off", you know | | | | drastically increase your credit score, and it's proven! |
| how frustrating it can be to get hassled and harassed | | | | |