Clean Up Your Credit Score
Posted on July 26, 2011
Filed Under Credit Tips | Leave a Comment
Clean Up Your Credit Score
If you are looking to improve a not-so-stellar credit score, there are quite a few ways to make meaningful changes that you can see in as little as 30 to 60 days. Some of the most well known ways to improve credit ratings include paying your bills on time and not using all of your available credit line. Experts suggest not running your credit lines up more than 35% of the maximum. In addition to these two techniques, there are also other areas to attack for resuscitation. However, some bigger dings on your score may take up to a year to remedy, so don’t wait any longer! Here are some other ways to take the tarnish off your credit score:
Pay off unattractive debts: No-money-down financing debts are a nightmare and do terrible things to your credit score. Pay these off immediately in cash if you can (always best) or with a home equity loan (HEL) that penalizes your credit score less than other options. Do take care when swapping debts though that you understand what you have riding on the line, in the case of a HEL, it’s your home.
Watch the clock when rate shopping: When your credit is pulled for a credit inquiry on a loan, financing plan, or other application it is considered a “hard inquiry.” Too many hard inquiries during the year can result in a reduction in your credit score – often 5 points. However, many credit scoring systems now look at multiple inquiries within a short period of time (usually 30 to 45 days) as a single hard-inquiry. So, if you are shopping around for a loan, try to get all your irons in the fire quickly to avoid penalty.
Truth or Typo: Credit reports are susceptible to human error, just like anything else. This means you need to go over your report with a fine tooth come and if something doesn’t seem right, check it out to make sure it’s accurate and not just a data entry problem. Consumer watchdogs say that up to 80% of reports contain errors and ΒΌ of those errors are considered substantial.
Credit Score
Keep Good Credit Golden: If your credit is already in good shape, congratulations! The most important thing you can do now is to keep up your good financial habits and don’t start falling behind on bill payment or rack up excessive charges. If you have credit cards that you don’t use often, try to make a small charge every six months to keep them active and keep your credit score up.
Note: Check out your credit reports from the three major reporting agencies, Exquifax, Experian and TransUnion.
About
Todd Denning
Lean Investor
Strategy, suggestions, and solid advice for today’s no-nonsense investor
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