3 Simple Fixes To Get Your Credit Score on The Right Track

You don't have to have years of debt or poor financial habits to have a low credit score. While you can't fix everything overnight there are a few simple habit changes that can get you on an upwards trajectory and help you stay there.

Since a credit score is determined by a variety of financial factors there is no one size fits all solution - your problem could be wildly different than your neighbors which is why one-on-one consultation is such a useful tool. But if you want to get yourself on the right track now here are a few habit changes that can start you on the right track.

Make More On-Time Payments

If you have issues making on-time payments you are not alone. But this is an easy fix if you are familiar with your spending habits.

If you cannot make a big payment every month that's okay, as long as you pay the minimum amount your credit will not be affected. Think about your monthly habits and what is preventing you from making minimum payments: when you have the most money on-hand may be your best time for a payment.

If you are on paperless billing maybe that envelope in the mail every month will help you remember as will setting monthly calendar alerts on your phone to give you a kick.

You can also set up automatic billing for many accounts so you don't have to worry about remembering dates for every bill you owe. You can have that come out of your main account or a separate one that is used just for automatic withdrawals as to not disrupt your normal financial tracking.

Stop Using Credit Cards For Everything

One way to really get yourself on the wrong track is by using your credit cards for everything. Small everyday purchases like gas, groceries and entertainment should not be on your card. Using your credit card like this will build up your balance quickly and also get you in the habit of using the card more and more frequently.

Since the amount of available credit is a huge factor in determining your score this kind of behavior can really drop your score over time.

To combat this leave you card at home more or challenge yourself to go a week or a month without putting anything on your credit card. Parting with cash or money in your checking account is tough but neither will incur interest and will cost you a lot less in the long run.

Keep an Eye on Your Credit Score

When it comes to your finances ignorance is not bliss. You need to be aware of what is on your credit report and how your score is determined. Being more aware will help you see where you need the most help and will help you understand your normal activity so you can quickly determine any errors or fraudulent accounts or charges.

A good way to do this is by requesting your free credit report on the Experian partner site or utilize a free and secure app like Credit Karma or Credit Sesame.

We're here to help you rebuild and understand your credit. Give us a call to get started or learn more about what we can do for you 1-800-431-0449.