Acknowledge the Problem and Start the Journey
Not everyone makes enough money to afford the things we want or even need. That’s how so many of us get caught in the bad credit trap. Our eyes are bigger than our wallets and before we know it, we’re sucked into a hole and we dig down, instead of crawling out. Admitting you need to get out of the hole is the first step, and here’s some vital information on how you can complete the journey.
Know Your Rights: Void Credit Repair Agency Contracts
An important tip to consider when working to repair your credit is the fact that any credit repair agency contract can be voided within three days of signing. This is important to know in case it is found out that the company is not legit or if you find other means of paying off your debt.
Cooperate with Credit Agencies for Better Deals
Always remember to work well with credit agencies. In some cases, these agencies are just seeking some sort of collection, whether the full price or a highly discounted amount. If you are working well with these agencies, you could receive great discounts that could have been left out of the negotiation otherwise.
Be Cautious When Co-Signing Loans
If you are trying to repair or improve your credit score, do not co-sign on a loan for another person unless you have the ability to pay off that loan. Statistics show that borrowers who require a co-signer default more often than they pay off their loan. If you co-sign and then can’t pay when the other signer defaults, it goes on your credit score as if you defaulted.
Address the Root Causes of Your Credit Problems
Repair not only your credit but the root of your problems. Some people have their credit ruined by factors out of their control, like an ex who was spending money during a marriage that the person didn’t know about. If your problem was just reckless spending on your part, then consider joining Shopaholics Anonymous and getting help.
Use Credit Cards Responsibly
A great tip for improving your credit rating is to use your credit card for your everyday purchases, such as food and gasoline. However, you must ensure that you do not spend too much so that you are able to pay off this balance every month. By doing this, you will show the credit card companies that you are a reliable borrower, which will in turn increase your credit rating.
Request a Credit Limit Increase
If you have been repairing your credit for a while and have been paying responsibly, ask your credit card company to raise your credit limit. Debt utilization, the ratio of your debt to your credit limit, is one factor that determines your credit score. If you get a limit increase, then that ratio will be lower, making you appear to be a lower credit risk.
Know Your Credit Score
The first step in repairing your credit is knowing your credit score. When you are denied a credit line or loan because of your credit score, you have a right to call the company that provided your score and get a free report from them. Once you know your score, you can come up with a strategy to improve it.
Avoid Accumulating Additional Debt
Do not add on additional debt if you are working on repairing your credit. Opening a new account when you have missed payments and late accounts on file sends up a red flag to possible lenders. Fix the credit problems you have before opening up any new credit cards.
Take Action and Change Your Situation
Having the will to change your situation is important. Having the information to help free you from bad credit is priceless. Now that you know a thing or two about how to repair your credit score, you need to take action here and make sure that this bad credit becomes a thing of the past.
