A poor credit score can put you in a bad position. You may find it hard to put the past behind you while you try to move forward with your credit improvement efforts. Fortunately, there are some things you can take action on right now to raise your credit score, so read on and get ready to regain control of your credit.
The first step in repairing your credit is figuring out a plan that works for you, and sticking with it. You must be dedicated to making some significant changes in the way you spend your money. Just buy what you need, and forget unnecessary purchases. Before making any purchase, determine if it is within your means and if it is indispensable. Don’t buy the item unless you answer “yes” to both of these questions.
Interest Rates
If you don’t want to pay too much at a time, you can avoid paying higher interest rates than you started with. Creditors who charge exorbitant interest may be just a law suit away from having to wipe the slate clean. However, when you signed up for the line of credit you also agreed to pay the interest. If you choose to bring a lawsuit against your creditors, use the high interest rates against them.
Start paying on bills to help your credit. You can’t just pay whatever you want whenever you want. You need to pay your entire balance when it’s due. You will immediately see changes in your credit score when you begin to pay off your debts, especially those that are active.
Credit counselors should always be researched thoroughly before being consulted for credit repair. While some counselors are legitimate, offering genuinely helpful services, others have ulterior motives. Other programs, while they sound good, are complete and total scams. Wise consumers always verify that credit counselors are legitimate before dealing with them.
Don’t get involved in anything that could get you arrested. Sites may act like you can create new credit lines and tell you how to do it. Creating a new credit file is very illegal and you can be easily caught. Not only can legal fees add up, but you could end up in jail.
When you are attempting to improve your credit score, carefully comb over your credit reports for negative information. There may very likely be errors or mistakes that can be removed.
If you notice credit reporting errors, always file a dispute. Write a dispute letter to any agencies with recorded errors, and include supporting documents. Make sure when you send the dispute package that you request proof by signature that it was received.
Bankruptcy should be a last resort. Filing bankruptcy negative effects your credit score for 10 years. Bankruptcy may sound great because your debt goes away but there are consequences. Bankruptcy destroys your ability to get any sort of loan for at least a few years, so don’t file unless you have to.
Make sure that you pay more than the minimum balance owed on all of your credit cards to improve your credit. It is a toss up as far as which cards are best to pay off first – some choose ones with the highest interest rate, others choose the card with the lowest balance. This builds the positive credit history that creditors like to see.
Read every credit cart statement you receive in full. Errors are not as rare as you might think. It’s up to you to ensure that the charges on your bill are correct and that you haven’t been double charged, overcharged or charged for something you didn’t buy. You must be accountable for each item on your statement.
Poor credit can make you feel that your financial situation will never improve. With the credit improvement tips you will find here, you can take charge of your financial life and feel hope once more.



