Fix Your Credit With A Few Easy Tips
Credit problems can stop people from getting loans, renting an apartment, or getting a job. If you don’t pay your bills on time, your credit score will suffer. If you need to improve your credit, here are a few tips to help you start.
Getting a traditional home loan can be difficult, if not impossible, with imperfect credit. There is, however, alternative types of funding available that are offered by the banks. FHA and USDA are two such agencies who offer finance to those with lower credit scores, sometimes with low down payment and closing cost clauses. FHA loans offer lower down payments and help with closing costs.
Develop a plan that works if you are in need of credit improvement. Make a commitment to making better financial decisions. You should only purchase the necessities, and skip the impulse buying. Before you open your wallet ask the questions “do I need this?” and “can I afford this?” If the answer is no to either, put it back on the shelf.
If you are unable to get a new card because of your bad credit, try to apply for secured cards. You are more likely to be approved for this type of card because, once funded, the banks feels secure that you will pay them back. If you use it correctly, a new card can help you fix your credit.
Credit Score
It’s easy to lower your interest rate by ensuring your credit score is high. It will lower your monthly payments, so your debt will be taken care of at a much quicker rate. Getting a good offer and competitive credit rates is the key to credit that can easily be paid off and give you a good credit score.
Make sure you check out any credit counseling agency you consider using. There are some legit counselors, and there are some that have ulterior motives. Some credit services are nothing more than fly-by-night scams. You should always find out if a credit counselor is the real thing.
Stay cautious and aware of scams online that can lead you to even bigger problems. Scams abound on the internet that show you how to change your credit file. Do things like this can get you into big trouble with the law. The legal costs can cripple you, and there is a very good chance you will be sent to jail.
Contact the credit card company and ask to get your card limit lowered. It will keep you from overextending yourself financially, it sends a great signal to the credit card companies that you are a responsible borrower, and you will have an easier time getting credit in the future.
Anything on your credit report that you feel is inaccurate should be disputed. Include proof along with a letter disputing the claim to the agency that recorded the errors. Send your dispute package with a return receipt request so that you have proof that it was received by the agency.
If you are living beyond your financial ability, stop now. You need to change your way of thinking in this regard. In the last decade, it has been way to easy for people to get credit. Many people have used this credit to buy items that they really could not afford at the time, and are now paying the price. Instead of spending more than you can afford, take a long hard look at your income and expenses, and decide what you can really afford to spend.
If you are able to negotiate a repayment plan with your creditor, be sure to get it in writing. If there is a change of heart, this paper will protect you. If you manage to pay off your debt, make sure you receive proper documentation as proof to send to credit reporting agencies.
Do everything you can to avoid filing bankruptcy. It is noted on someone’s credit report for 10 years. It may seem like the right things to do, but your future will be affected. If you do file for bankruptcy, it will be extremely difficult to get approved for a loan or a credit card for many years, if ever.
Credit Score
Any adult who needs to take out a personal or business loan, or has children that need loans to go to college, is affected by their credit score. Your low credit score can be improved through the tips listed here, even if you’re in debt.