Pay your bills on time All of them, every time, period. Keep your credit utilization rate low “Weigh account balances relative to credit limit to ensure usage is at or below @ 10%,” stated John Ulzheimer, credit expert, formerly of FICO and Equifax. If higher than 10%, it is an indication of possible added risk....
Remember “The Golden Rule to Credit”…the higher the better when it comes to a credit score. Consumers have four primary advantages with a higher credit score: Reduces the pain of interest rate hikes, Borrowers qualify for a lower interest rates, Saves money on your monthly loan payments , A higher score will also more likely...
What is Credit and a Credit Score? Credit is the ability to borrow money or access goods or services with the understanding consumers will repay the borrowing with interest later. It is based on weighted factors and shown as a number typically between 300 and 850, called a credit score, A credit score tells lenders a...
Pay yourself first! Decide on a specified percent of your take-home pay for savings and set those funds aside before paying any other expenses. Collect coins in a jar. Bank your refunds. Rather than spending an income tax refund, use it to pay down a high-interest credit card debt. Continue paying a loan. Once you...
Making a budget is the most important step in controlling your money. A budget allows you to track your Income (the money that you have) and your Expenses (the money you spend). By writing down your monthly income and expenses, you can see how much money you expect to have for the month and plan...
The first step is to understand how credit works and begin making a plan. Lock away your credit cards. Now, do not close your accounts just yet. You may have difficulty getting new cards if your credit rating is poor. So the first step is to stop using them and stick to your immediate goal...
Maintain Your Reputation The loan officer keys your application information into the computer, but you are thinking of the new ride you are going to buy. Those thoughts are interrupted when the loan officer drops the bomb. You do not qualify for a loan; you credit report has too many negative events. Poof – the...
Stick to a Budget The word budget scares off many adults as well as teens, but a budget is the best way to ensure discipline with your finances. Start by estimating monthly expenditures for major categories such as school expenses, transportation, food, clothing and entertainment. Keep tabs on spending with an Excel spreadsheet or keep...
Used responsibly, credit cards can be helpful in an emergency and for establishing a sound credit history. Paying debts on time, including credit card bills, contributes to building good credit. If a card holder does not honor their payment agreement, your credit rating can be damaged and you may not be able to get credit again...
A tax refund marks a great chance to set yourself in a better position for the future. If you’re getting a windfall from the IRS, here are a dozen great ways to make sure your money continues to work for you. 1. Have a little fun! It’s ok to have some fun with your refund....
