by Mark Michigan
The financial crisis has hurt more than just the home and auto industries. For many people, the difficult economic times has caused a strain on their credit. Their score that once ranged in the 700s is now lagging in the 600s thanks to todays tough times. And, unfortunately credit is a valuable asset; and, therefore, if your credit is suffering, you need to take the steps to repair it.
The first place to start when it comes to fixing your credit is your actual credit report. Fortunately, the law allows us access to this report free of charge, and you can obtain a report from various companies including, Equifax, Exeprian, and Trans Union. Once you receive your credit report, review it to make sure that it is completely accurate. Then, be aware of the flags that are affecting your score and keep those in mind as you take the necessary steps to fix your credit.
Obviously most people working to repair their credit are in debt and trying to meet obligations to creditors. For some reason, creditors are often personified as cutthroat and difficult to work with given that they often to harass you to make payments. However, most creditors will work with you if you ask them to. They would rather receive something instead of nothing, as long as your demonstrate your good faith.
Also, if you do negotiate an agreement with your creditors, make sure to get the agreement in writing. The last thing that you want to happen is for someone to verbally agree to lower payments when it is not ok and it will affect your credit. A written agreement will give you a defense if lower payments end up affecting your credit.
Your next step on the road to credit recovery involves scissors and your credit cards ” yes, that is right, cut them all up! Credit cards only provide you with more temptation to spend money you do not have, which will put your further into debt. When you cut up your cards, you remove the temptation to spend what you dont have and you will not add more liabilities to your list.
And, although you are going to cut your cards, you might consider keeping the accounts open, because closing them all at once can be difficult on your credit. However, on the contrary, when you close accounts over time (a good target is 2 accounts every six months) your credit is actually helped. Also, when you are doing this, try to eliminate the accounts you have had the longest last.
When you have debt, you obviously also have bills and payments to make. Everyone who pays late always has an excuse, however credit card payments are not something to take lightly. Payments of credit cards should be made on time and in full ” they should be your first priority. Otherwise, your credit will be affected.
When you have multiple credit cards, your debt can be more than you bargained for and the urge to pay the minimum payment is always there. However, when you pay the minimum amount owed, it will take you a long time to pay off your balance and you will end up paying a lot of interest. In the long run, it is always better to pay more than the minimum payment ” even if it is just a little bit more.
Eliminating debt is always the most difficult part of repairing your credit, however it is not the only part. For a better financial future and better credit, try getting a secured credit card. You invest your own money in the credit card, so you will be less likely to charge excessively.
Another very important step to take when it comes to repairing your credit is budgeting. Those who take the time to create a budget understand how much income is coming in and what expenditures they need to expect, thus allowing them to be more financially prepared for the future. Also, keep in mind your budget needs to take into consideration the amount necessary to decrease your debts. In doing so, you will be able to meet your obligations in the future, which will ultimately help your credit.
It has never been easy for anyone to repair their credit, and it has definitely required sacrifice and patience. In the long run, it is necessary and worth it. Be diligent. It is more difficult in our current economy, but it is definitely possible.