It might seem totally impossible to fix your credit, but it is possible. Here we will provide you with just the advice you’re looking for to put you on that road to an improved financial situation. The simple tips you will find here will save you from a great deal of stress.
Credit Card
If you need a credit card to aid in fixing your credit but you cannot obtain one due to the state of your credit, applying for a secured credit card is an option. In order to get the card, you will have to fund the account as sort of an insurance that shows the bank your debts are going to be paid. If you open a credit card account, keep charges fairly low, and pay it on time, this will go towards improving your credit score.
If you have credit cards where the balance is more than half of your credit limit, pay these down right away. When balances are over 50%, your credit rating goes down significantly, so try to either spread out your debt or, ideally, pay off your credit cards.
Credit Score
A great credit score should allow you to get a mortgage on the house of your dreams. You will get a better credit score by paying your mortgage payment on time. When you own your own home it shows that you have assets and financial stability. If you have to take out a loan, this will help you.
For a credit score boost, an installment account will help. When opening an installment account, you need to make a monthly payment, so get something you can afford. If you are able to keep up with one of the accounts, you should see your credit score improving quickly.
Some sound advice to follow, is to be sure to take the time to contact your credit card company and work with them. Maintaining contact shows your good faith and can help you minimize further debt. You can even ask for help, such as pushing back the due date of your monthly payments or reducing the interest rate.
Give your credit card company a call and ask them to lower the limit on your credit card. By doing this it will stabilize you in your financial boundaries instead of letting you extend beyond what you really should.
Make sure to check all three of your credit reports, and pay extra attention to the negative reports when you are working on repairing bad credit. Even if the item itself is correct, any small mistake in the item, such as an inaccurate date or amount, may let you have the whole thing taken off your credit report.
Credit Unions
Sign up with a credit union if you need to get a new credit line and are having a hard time. Credit unions typically offer a wider variety of credit options at better interest rates than a traditional bank. Credit unions are usually non-profit, which means better deals for you.
Start living within your means. This is nothing short of a lifestyle overhaul. Many people have acquired debts they can’t pay off, which has affected the amount others will pay to have credit. Look at your budget, and decide what is realistic for you to spend from month to month.
To rebuild bad credit, it can be a good idea to get rid of your extra credit cards. You should only have one. Then, try to arrange payments or transfer your balances to the one account you left open. By doing this, you can work towards completely paying off one credit card with a large debt, rather than working piecemeal with many smaller debts.
Hopefully you have found this information to be informative. Although credit improvement feels like ‘one step forward, two steps back’, it is worth it. Be prepared to exercise patience. The rewards are worthwhile in the long run.