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11.08.2011 / Improving Your Credit Score.

Your credit score. It is a three digit number that can make even the most financially responsible person nervous. For those with less than sparkling scores, it can tie your stomach in knots. No matter what your number is, you can increase it or maintain it by following these simple steps.

"Report inaccurate information immediately to the credit reporting bureau and request that they correct any mistakes."
  • Review Your Credit Report – You may think you know everything that should be on your credit report but it may include incorrect information. Things such as unauthorized accounts and cards, incorrect balances and inaccurate information relating to your address could negatively affect your score.  To obtain your credit report, go to www.annualcreditreport.com, the only authorized online source for a free report.  Report inaccurate information immediately to the credit reporting bureau and request that they correct any mistakes
  • Pay Your Bills on Time –Paying your bills on or before the due date is one of the most important things you can do to improve your credit scores.  If you have trouble remember to pay your bills, set up automatic payments through your bank so you have one less thing to worry about each month.
  • Pay Down Credit Balances – Compare your total debt with your total credit limits.  If your debt balance is close to your credit limit it could have a negative impact on your credit score.  Pay down some of those balances.  Not only will it help your score, it will reduce the amount of interest you pay each month.
  • Avoid Applying for Unnecessary Credit – It is always tempting to open that new credit account in order to receive instant cash off or a material reward.  Resist this temptation whenever possible.  Applying for too many accounts in a short amount of time can have a negative effect on your credit score.  Plus, if you don’t pay your entire balance on the first statement, interest charges could quickly eat up the instant benefit you received when opening the account

Have you recently improved your credit score?  Tell us what worked for you.  Post a comment on facebook.com/fnbomaha www.facebook.com/fnbomaha.

Posted at 10:50 AM | Permalink
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