Bad credit is one of the most irritating potential detours you can encounter on your journey through life. Bad credit makes it difficult to take advantage of any financial opportunities that arise. But a few easy steps can help you repair your credit and guard it in the future.
Any credit cards that have balances over 50% of your limit should be paid off until they are less than 50% of your limit. If you let your balances get too high, your credit rating will drop significantly. You can either spread your debt out by transferring some of the balance to low interest cards, or better yet, pay off as much as you can.
Try an installment account to get a better credit score and make some money. You have to keep a monthly minimum on an installment account, so make sure you open an account that you can afford. By successfully handling the installment account, you will help to improve your credit rating.
As part of your credit score repair process, it is a good idea to terminate all of your credit cards except one. You can transfer all of your balances to one credit card, ensuring you choose the one with the lowest interest rate. Doing so will allow you to pay off one individual debt rather than a multitude of lesser balances.
You should get all terms and conditions in writing if you choose to deal with a creditor. This is for your protection. It allows you to have valid documentation of the terms in the event that a creditor reneges on its offer or changes owners. Finally, when it is paid in full, get documentation thereof to submit to credit agencies.
If at all possible, avoid filing bankruptcy. It is noted on someone’s credit report for 10 years. Although it seems like the wise thing to do at the time, it will bring you negative consequences in the long run. It may be impossible for you to get a loan or credit card in the future if you file for bankruptcy.
To even begin improving your credit you will need to lower the balance owed on them as soon as possible. Pay down your cards that have the highest interest and largest balances first. This builds the positive credit history that creditors like to see.
Go through all the statements you receive. Really analyze the purchases on your card to make sure you are not receiving any errant charges for items you never purchased. It is solely your responsibility to be sure that everything is correct.
Credit Score Repair
There are many credit restoration agencies advertised; you must check with places like the Better Business Bureau to make sure that you deal with a reputable one. The credit score repair industry does have its fair share of agencies that do not live up to their promises. Indeed, some people have fallen prey to credit score repair scams. By reading user reviews online, you will be able to separate the good from the bad.
Statements like these will only be ignored, so it’s not worth the trouble. It is possible that this can be detrimental by drawing closer scrutiny to your report.
A terrible credit situation would be having many different debts you can’t afford to pay back. Try to divide all your available money between your creditors, so you can pay everyone at least something. Even if you can only meet the minimum payment, you will avoid having the bill sent to collections.
Work with collectors to create a realistic repayment plan. These things will still appear on a credit report, but they will be marked paid, which is better for your credit.
It is illegal for debt collectors or companies to threaten you. If this happens, be sure to document it. You do not have to deal with it; there are many laws that will protect you.
Credit Counseling
If you are having problems working out a budget, or adhering to it, contact a credit counseling service and seek help as soon as possible. These types of organizations can often help you make a deal with your creditors for a repayment plan. In addition, they can assist you in gradually improving your finances. Credit counseling can be a key piece in helping you understand how to budget your salary and pay your bills.
Contact your creditors directly to work out alternate payment plans if you are having difficulty making your monthly payments. Often, a creditor will work with you to devise a repayment plan that is not reported to credit bureaus if you are proactive about contacting them. As an additional benefit, this can lessen the financial strain on you so that you may focus on the accounts that do not have repayment plans available.
Pay down your debt. Creditors take into account the total debt in comparison to your monthly income. You will be looked at as a bad credit risk if your debt is too much for your income to handle. You don’t have to pay it all at once, but set up a system that will allow you to chip away at it.
One of easiest ways to keep your credit score high is to simply pay your monthly bills on time. Setting up payment reminders is a great way to help you make your payments on time. There are various ways you can arrange your reminders. You may be able to get text or email reminders from your creditor. You could also simply set up your own reminder on a digital calender.
These tips will make a big difference in your fight against bad credit. Good credit is important, so it’s important that you learn a great deal about credit repair.