| You can save a lot of money by simply raising your | | | | recent inquiries and opened accounts and types of |
| credit score. And it isn't that difficult a task. | | | | credit. |
| It simply takes time. | | | | It may seem like you should rid yourself of all credit |
| My husband and I have both raised our scores by | | | | cards due to their "evil." However, this isn't always |
| over 150 points each in less than two years. Simply | | | | great for your credit score. When it comes to credit |
| through time and some wise decision making. The first | | | | cards, having a few can look good on your report. But |
| step is to check your credit report. You can obtain | | | | you should have little to no balance on these cards. If |
| your credit report for free each year from each of the | | | | you have a hard time about using your credit wisely, |
| three credit reporting agencies. We space it out so | | | | put the cards in a safe deposit box at the bank. Pay |
| that we are checking ours every four months or so. | | | | down your balances as quickly as possible. My |
| This keeps us up to date on what our credit report | | | | husband's score is actually held back a little by the fact |
| says. | | | | that he has no credit cards at all. If you have an |
| When you get your credit report, you will be offered a | | | | account with a zero balance, consider keeping it. It can |
| credit score for a nominal fee. Go ahead and spend | | | | add to your credit history, account balance and |
| this money for your score. It is a wise investment of | | | | payment history. |
| your dollars. Keep in mind that each score is calculated | | | | The number one factor to raising your credit score is |
| differently. They will vary from agency to agency. It | | | | paying your bills on time, every time. Have them |
| may also vary from lender to lender, depending on | | | | automatically withdrawn from your checking. Make |
| where they get their scores from. But they will all be in | | | | yourself pay them well in advance. Then all it takes is |
| the same ballpark. If you are raising one score, | | | | a little time to distance yourself from negative reports |
| chances are that they are all going up. | | | | on your credit. |
| Review your credit report carefully. Almost 90% of | | | | With time, paid off debts and on-time payments, you |
| consumers will have false information on their reports | | | | are guaranteed to raise your credit score. And you will |
| at some time. It happens. And it drags down your | | | | see savings as a result. You will get better interest |
| score. If you see something inaccurate on your report, | | | | rates, more favorable insurance premiums and the |
| you need to take steps to correct it immediately. | | | | satisfaction of knowing that when you need to borrow, |
| There are several factors that contribute to your | | | | you will be able to borrow. A perfect credit score will |
| credit score. The five major components are: payment | | | | go a long way for you. |
| history, account balances, age of established credit, | | | | |