March is National Credit Education Month which means there is no better time to educate yourself and others on the importance of understanding the ins and outs of your credit score. Did you know that one in five Americans find errors on their credit reports and that more than 90% of home and auto insurers use credit ratings to decide who to cover and what premiums to charge? It’s for these reasons you should actively monitor your credit score as well as educate yourself on how to effectively manage it.
HISTORY OF NATIONAL CREDIT EDUCATION MONTH
There’s a lot to learn about credit during National Credit Information Month1. While it’s a complex topic, there are some key concepts you should understand and there is no shortage of resources you can turn to for hep this month. Your bank, your employer, financial planners, and the internet can help you learn how to manage, build, and improve your credit score.
As you explore the resources and events available to you this month, keep a few things in mind. Credit is an indication of your financial trustworthiness. Having “good credit” means your history of payments, employment and salary make you a viable candidate for a loan, and creditors – those who lend money or services – will be more willing to work with you. While poor credit can follow you for quite a while (as much as seven years), it is fixable. The key is to know the right steps to take to get your credit on track.
Not every source is credible. Some credit card companies will represent themselves as a great deal but upon closer inspection, the fees, interest rates, and other terms are not in your best interest. So, dedicate the necessary time to educate yourself on credit and your credit situation. It will benefit you in the long run!
5 TIPS TO IMPROVE YOUTR CREDIT SCORE
- Pay Bills on Time.
Past performance is a predictor of future performance so pay all bills off timely – rent, utilities, loans, and credit card
- Keep Debt to a Minimum
Understand your credit utilization ratio which is the amount of debt you carry (total amount of credit balances) compared to your combined credit limits; lenders like to see a credit utilization ratio of less than 30%.
- Maintain Your Good Credit
The longer you maintain a good credit rating, the better. Accounts that have been in good standing for a long time add to your credit score.
- Open New Credit Accounts Only as Needed
Applying for credits results in a “hard inquiry” on your credit report which has a negative on our overall credit rating that can last up to two years.
- Check Your Credit Reports
If you find inaccurate information on any credit report, you can dispute the information to have it corrected.
Good credit is essential for getting manageable interest rates on cars, credit cards, mortgages, and many other financial investments. Knowing how to improve your credit score will prove to be imperative as a bad score can inhibit you from making many major financial decisions.
Pam Prine may be reached at (623) 299-9710 or pam@keystonegroupaz.com www.keystonegroupaz.com
This material was prepared by MarketingPro, Inc., and does not necessarily represent the views of the presenting party, nor their affiliates. This information has been derived from sources believed to be accurate. Please note - investing involves risk, and past performance is no guarantee of future results. The publisher is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting, or other professional services. If assistance is needed, the reader is advised to engage the services of a competent professional. This information should not be construed as investment, tax or legal advice and may not be relied on for the purpose of avoiding any Federal tax penalty. This is neither a solicitation nor recommendation to purchase or sell any investment or insurance product or service and should not be relied upon as such. All indices are unmanaged and are not illustrative of any particular investment.
Securities offered through J.W. Cole Financial, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory services through J.W. Cole Advisors, Inc. ("JWCA"). Keystone Capital Management Group, LLC and JWC/JWCA are unaffiliated entities.
Citations.
1 – National Today