If you’re every had the desire to make a big purchase, once of the first things you would need to consider checking is your credit score, especially if you have a history of poor credit. It’ is important that you take steps to improve it. Improving the score might take some time but with discipline, you can start to see improvements in as little as 6 months to a year.
4 Simple Steps to Improve your Overall Credit
The first thing and probably most importantly is that you?ll have to prove that you?ve changed your habits, show that you consistently pay your creditors on time and that you can effectively pay down your debt. Here?s a quick plan on how improve your credit:
Know what?s on your credit report and resolve any negative issues or discrepancies.
Even if you believe you have a good credit score, it is still smart to check. Contact the credit reporting agencies and make sure they have the same record listing as you do. Make sure there are no inaccuracies, misspellings, incorrect names and addresses, or other errors.
Pay your bills on time.
Get control of your spending. Learn to budget and save whenever possible. Contact your creditors to discuss any bills you may be late in paying and catch up. Plan to always pay your bills when they are due, and allow enough time when mailing payments so they arrive before the due date.
Stop using credit cards.
Pay down your credit card balances. As your debt gets lower credit card companies become more negotiable when it comes to interest rates. When you pay off credit card debt it becomes easier to budget for other bills and necessities.
Watch your spending.
Make paying your bills and buying only essential items your main priority. Think carefully about the importance of all new purchases and weigh this against the greater importance of reestablishing your good credit.
Learning to control your spending, paying bills on time, and paying off credit card debt takes a long-term commitment and lots of self-control. It won?t always be easy, but the effort will pay off when you see your credit score improving and able to make purchasing like a new car or home. For more great improving tips, take a look at this infographic on 10 Ways to Improve Your Credit Score that will help you get closer to your buying goals.
In the market for a new or pre-owned vehicle?
If you’re in the Chandler, AZ?area, visit the Earnhardt Auto Center , our partners for this feature. You know the success of a smooth drive always lies with the reliability of the vehicle you own.
