You have most likely done damage to your credit, whether you got a card from friends, went on too many shopping trips or were hit by economic pressures. Luckily, there are some things you can do to make things better. Here are just a few of the ways you can do that.
If you have to improve your credit, make a solid plan and follow it. Make a commitment to making better financial decisions. Don’t buy anything unless you absolutely need it. Ask yourself if a certain purchase is both necessary and affordable. Buy the item if your answer to this question is “yes”.
Maintaining a respectable credit score will enable you to obtain lower interest rates. Lower interest rates make paying bills easier, and prevents you from incurring debt. Getting a good offer and competitive credit rates is the key to credit that can easily be paid off and give you a good credit score.
Installment Account
If you can afford to pay another monthly bill, an installment account paid on time will increase your credit rating. All installment accounts must stay above the set monthly minimum, so only open one if you can afford it. You will improve your credit score by properly managing an installment account.
If your creditors try to jack up your interest rates, do not pay them. Some companies that charge high interest rates are running the risk of having those rates challenged by consumers. Remember that you agreed to pay that interest when you signed the contract. If you want to sue creditors, you need to state your claim that the interest rates are too high.
You need to work with the companies from whom you have credit cards. Avoid collection to improve your credit score. This can be accomplished by negotiating with them for a change in due date or monthly charges.
If you are trying to repair your credit, check all of your negative reports very carefully. You could find mistakes in dates and other factors which can cause the whole item to be removed from the report.
Take the necessary steps to fix any mistakes that you see on your credit reports by filing an official dispute. You should contact the credit bureaus both online and by certified letter; be sure to include proof of your claims. Sending your letter by certified mail provides you with proof that the letter was received.
Do not live beyond your means. You need to change your way of thinking in this regard. For a while, the easy availability of credit encouraged people to buy more than they could afford. We now must pay for that. Take a realistic look at your financial situation and determine how much you can actually spend.
In order to start repairing your credit, you should close all but one of your credit card accounts. Make necessary arrangements to set up payments, or transfer the balance to your remaining account. You will be able to pay one bill instead of a plethora of small ones.
Credit Card
Carefully check all charges on your monthly credit card statement for errors. If you spot any late fees, immediately contact your credit card company. This can save you from having late payments reported to the credit reporting agencies.
Get a written copy of any payment plan you negotiate with a creditor. Having documentation is important for your records but also protects you in case a creditor changes their mind. Once it is paid off, you should get that in writing to send to the credit reporting agencies.
Go through all the statements you receive. Check to be sure that you actually purchased the things that are listed on your statement, so that you are only paying for things you bought. It is solely your responsibility to be sure that everything is correct.
Restoring your credit rating looks at first like an uphill battle, but with sound effort and the right advice, that battle can be won. Put the information you just learned into practice and start repairing your credit today.