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How to Start Repairing Your Credit Today
Let’s face it: Nobody wants to have a bad credit score. But unfortunately, sometimes life throws you a curveball, missed payments can get out of control quickly, and you may find yourself struggling to dig out of a hole.
If you’re dealing with a low credit score, there are a few things you can do to help boost your numbers.
Missed payments are often the cause of a low credit score—but there’s no time like now to start fixing mistakes! Make a resolution to start paying your bills on time every time, and you’ll start building your credit in no time. Automatic payments, if you’re able to set them up, are also a great way to ensure that you pay all your bills on time.
If you receive a new credit card, cash advance, or online installment loan, avoid using the credit simply to acquire more debt. Stop the cycle by managing new loans responsibly so you don’t build an unmanageable level of debt.
Mistakes happen, and it’s possible that reporting errors are unfairly impacting your credit score. If you keep an eye on your credit report and manage it closely, you can dispute any incorrect information and improve your credit score. Remember that you’re entitled to one free copy of your credit report every 12 months from each of the three nationwide credit reporting companies (Equifax, TransUnion, and Experian).
The overall balance on your available credit is an important factor in your credit score. Keeping your accounts at or under 30% of your total credit limit is a good way to improve your credit score.
There’s no quick fix for getting your credit back into great shape. Some dings on your credit score will stay on your record for up to seven years until they automatically drop off. Once you get on the path to repairing your credit, you need to pay on time consistently and keep working at building your credit score. Barring additional blemishes, your credit score will improve in time.
Building your credit isn’t easy, and it can be confusing to understand how to do it or where to start. Thinkflow is full of helpful tools to help you get back on track and improve your financial standing. Or, for more helpful information, you can always visit our Resource Center.