You’re probably going to say these are so obvious. But are they really? Most of the time we know exactly what we need to or think and we just lack the discipline. Discipline by far is the most underrated human trait there is. So I challenge you to take even one of these ideas and input it in your life. I guarantee it will improve your credit.
- Obviously, pay your bills.
- Use cash if you can, not credit.
- Check your limits (they may have gotten smaller)
- Stop paying only the minimum.
- Threaten to transfer balance somewhere else.
- Dispute old negatives on your credit report.
- If you have decent credit consider opening another card
- Check your credit report.
- Start a Budget
- Create an emergency fund.
- If your behind on payments get current
- Paying of collection accounts will not remove them.
- Having trouble? Contact a “legit” credit counsellor.
- Pay off debt instead of moving it around.
- Don’t open a bunch of new credit cards in one day.
- There is no credit fairy.
- Don’t be afraid to look at your credit report.
- Find your highest interest credit card or most pressing and pay that first.
- Learn how to read a credit report.
- Bad credit happens but, it’s not terminal.
- If it makes sense file bankruptcy.
- Make your credit a priority in your life.
- Understand that getting out of debt maybe one of the hardest things you have ever done.
- Find out the difference between “Good Debt” & Bad Debt”.
- Start living within your means.
- Know the difference between wants and needs.
- Figure out where you’re spending a majority of your money.
- Know what a Debt Snowball is.
- Consider opening your checking account with a credit union.
- Unless necessary, do not buy food with credit.
- Reward yourself if you just paid off your credit card.
- Create a holiday budget now!
- Read the privacy statements on for your credit cards.
- Avoiding using cash advances.
- No, credit card interest is not tax deductible.
- Understand that no one cares more about your future than you do.
- Understand the difference between a charge card and a credit card.
- Don’t close all of your accounts today. Do it gradually!
- Just because a creditor raises your limit. Doesn’t mean you have to use it.
- Use business credit correctly to improve cash flow.
- Just because an account is past the statue of limitations. You can still expect phone calls.
- Just because you “settled” with a creditor doesn’t mean you don’t owe the IRS.
- Join Debtors Anonymous.
- Do not close unused accounts.
- Get your credit score at Experian.
- Start saving for your next vacation.
- Develop intense realism about your situation.
- Know the difference between being Frugal and being cheap.
- Keep all your credit cards around 20% to 30% usage.
- Bad credit? Try to apply for Secured Credit Cards
- Find someone who may co-sign for a credit card.
- Find a way to make extra £200 a month.
- Avoid frequent changes in residence.
- Remind yourself it didn’t take you a day to get in debt and certainly is going to take time to get out.
- Do not use Payday Loans! (There has to be a better way)
- Don’t finance a vehicle for more than 5 years
- Stop carrying more than one credit card.
- Don’t cash out your pension to pay credit cards.
- A Chase “Freedom” card has nothing to do with freedom.
- Be knowledgeable of identity theft.
- Ask a parent or close friend if you can become an authorised user on their card.
- Take a look at some of the people you friends with.
- Know the difference between soft and hard inquires.
- It’s not smart to apply for multiple credit cards in one day.
- Learn to settle debts on your own. Trust me it will be worth it!
- Use cash advances only as a last resort.
- Especially, with all the new law changes read your contracts.
- Don’t compare scores with others.
- Know the Signs of Compulsive Debting.
- Learn to dispute discrepancies in your credit report.
- Find a way to save £1 a day.
- Understand credit companies want you to pay the minimum payment.
- Figure out where you’re spending a majority of your money.