Has bad credit made your life miserable? A lot of people’s credit scores are going down in this economy. The following tips can help make that score better.
If your credit history has put you in the position where you are not able to obtain a regular credit card, you should try to get a secured credit card to begin rebuilding your credit. This card will be more than likely be granted to you, however you must fund the account ahead of your purchases as a sort of “insurance” to the bank that your debts will be paid. Limited spending and regular payments can turn a new credit account into a valuable credit restoration tool.
Your interest rate will be lower if you have a good credit score. This can help lower your monthly payments, and help you pay them off quicker. Receiving competitive credit rates and good offers are important in having credit that you can pay off easily, and that will get you a great credit score.
One thing to watch out for when trying to fix your credit is scammers who say that they can get any negative information deleted from your credit, regardless of its accuracy. Unfortunately, negative marks will stay on your record for seven years. It is possible to have erroneous information removed from your report, however.
Work with the companies to whom you owe money to get your debt back under control. This prevents you from sinking further into debt or further damaging your credit score. This can be accomplished by negotiating with them for a change in due date or monthly charges.
Credit Counselor
If you are looking into a credit counselor, be sure to find out information about them before you choose to use them. While many counselors are reputable and exist to offer real help, some do have ulterior motives. There are a lot of people out there that are trying to take advantage of those who are down on their luck. Smart consumers make sure that a credit counselor is legit before starting to exchange any money or sensitive information.
Be very wary of programs that do not sound legal; chances are they aren’t. As we speak, people are trying to take advantage of illegal practices to have people create credit files that can get them into trouble. This is illegal and you will eventually be caught. The end result of getting caught during the crime could be expensive legal fees and a possibility of time behind bars.
Though it is an unsettling prospect, consider asking your credit card provider to reduce the amount of credit extended to you. 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.
Stop living beyond your means. This might require a re-thinking of your lifestyle. In years past, many people relied on credit cards to make major purchases, but now those risky financial choices are catching up with them. Be realistic about the lifestyle your income affords you.
As part of your credit repair process, it is a good idea to terminate all of your credit cards except one. Making one monthly payment will be easier than paying off different bills. Paying off one main credit card will be easier than paying off several cheaper ones.
If at all possible, avoid filing bankruptcy. Bankruptcies appear on credit reports for ten years. It may seem like the right things to do, but your future will be affected. It may be hard to get a credit card or a loan if you declare bankruptcy.
If a poor credit rating has left you feeling discouraged, turn your situation around by applying the guidelines you have just read. They can stop your credit from falling any further, and get you back on the road to recovery.