Fix Your Finances: Building New Credit and Better Spending Habits
Repairing your credit means getting rid of the negative credit report information and catching up on your overdue bills. This could raise your credit score but might not be enough to make you credit worthy again. However, to raise your credit score high enough to entitle you to a loan, you have to rebuild your credit. Doing so would only prove that you have the capability to handle credit responsibility.
It might be tough to get started, but once you achieve that momentum you need, you will be sashaying toward a good credit score. You can always begin by developing better credit habits.
Using a credit card is one way you can work toward building your credit.
Tips for Using Your Credit Card Wisely
You’ve got to start with healthy spending habits if you’re going to get your financial situation in order.
- Don’t use your credit card to make your everyday purchases, such as food, gas and clothing. Use your debit card or pay cash.
- When you can afford to, pay more than the minimum required payment. If you make minimum payments each month, you’ll end up paying significantly more over time in interest.
- Don’t buy things you can’t afford. Living off “borrowed money” will keep you in debt forever.
- Buy things you need rather than things you want. Save up and pay cash for things you want.
- If you can’t make a payment in time, let the creditor know immediately–ideally before the due date. Most creditors offer assistance or will allow you to delay a payment if you just communicate with them.
- Don’t exceed your credit limit. Ideally, you should keep your debt level at 30 percent or less of your credit limit. Your credit score is impacted by the quantity of debt you have, but you also must have SOME debt. Keeping your balances low is the smart way to go here.
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