Debit Advice: Tips for Raising Your Credit Score

Keeping your credit score high is essential to getting a loan for a car, home, and could even play a part in getting a job. Some employers check your credit record and score to determine if you will be a good fit for their company. Millions of people find themselves drowning in credit card debt, but fortunately there are ways to make sure this doesn’t happen to you. There are several key points to making sure your credit score is good. Perhaps the most obvious thing is to pay all of your bills on time, every time. Setting up an auto-draft plan through your bank can help make sure you do not miss a date. Register all accounts online, so you can easily access and pay them. Your debt to income ratio is crucial, and the level of debt should always be lower than your actual income. Having too many credit cards or open lines of credit can also be an issue. High balances are also a red flag to creditors. Pay attention to your current card interest rates, how much you’re paying down on the debt each month, and if you are beginning to make a dent in your debt. You can have a higher score just by making a few simple yet effective changes.

Pay Your Bills on Time

• What is credit scoring? – Find out how paying your bills on time can help your credit score.
• Improving Your Credit Record – Some easy tips to help you improve your credit score, including paying those bills in a timely manner.
• Why Credit Scores Matter – This article stresses the importance of paying bills on time and keeping a good credit score.
• Financial Advice – Some good solid financial advice on credit, taxes, and bill payment.
• Paying on Time Saves Money – Find out how paying your bills on time can save you money.
• Bills to Pay in a Bind – We all run into financial problems now and again; find out which bills to prioritize and pay.
• Financial Literacy – A few facts about credit score and the way people fare, particularly geared towards college students.
• Scheduling Bills – Another helpful resource that can show you how to prioritize your bills so that they’re paid on time.
• Managing Money – Creating a budget and paying bills on time is the first step to having good credit.

 

Check Your Credit Report

• Free Annual Credit Reports – Find out how you can get a free annual credit report so you can check for errors.
• Credit Reports & Background Checks –Discover how your credit can affect your chances of getting a job.
• Checking Credit Reports – Basic information about credit reports and what to look for on yours.
• Identity Theft – Find out more about this common crime and how checking your credit can help you prevent it.
• Basics of Credit Reports – What is on your credit report, what to look for, and what you should know.
• Establishing a Credit History – Advice on how you can establish a credit history.
• How Often to Check – Read this website to find out how often you should check your credit report.
• Checking Your Report – Simple instructions and resources on how you can check your credit report.
• Obtaining Your Credit Report – A great resource helping you determine how to get your credit report.
• Reading a Credit Report – A breakdown of how to read your credit report.

Keep Your Debt to Income Ratio Low

• Buying a New Home – When buying a new home, lenders look at debt to income ratios. Here are 100 questions and answers.
• Consumer Tips – Find out how to determine your own debt to income ratio.
• Debt to Income Ratio – Learn about debt to income ratio and how it effects your credit score.
• Calculating – Find out how to calculate your own debt to income ratio.
• If Your Ratio is High – This quick answer can guide you towards what to if your debt to income ratio is too high.
• Debt Management & Repayment – Some advice on debt management for college students.
• Calculator – Use this handy calculator to help you figure out your debt to income ratio.

Don’t Keep Too Many Credit Cards 

• Advice – Some simple advice on what to do if you have too many credit cards.
• Building Credit – In order to have a good credit score, you must build it on your own. Find out how.
• The History of Credit Cards – Learn more about the history of credit card usage in the United States.
• Effects of Credit Cards – Find out how credit cards can have an effect on your finances in a big way.
• How Your Score is Determined – Understanding how your credit score is determined can help you make wiser decisions.
• 5 Tips to Improve your Score – Check out these five easy tips designed to help you improve your credit score.
• CARD Act – Find out more about the CARD Act, a recent law passed to help consumers deal with their credit card.