2. Credit problems can stop people from getting loans,
renting an apartment, or getting a job. If you don't pay
your bills on time, your credit score will suffer. If you are
looking for ways to improve your credit score, the advice
in this article can help you.
3. If your credit history has put you in the position where
you are not able to obtain a regular credit card, you
should try to get a secured credit card to begin
rebuilding your credit. In order to get the card, you will
have to fund the account as sort of an insurance that
shows the bank your debts are going to be paid. If you
use a credit card responsibly, you will go a long way in
repairing your credit.
4. If you have to improve your credit, make a solid plan and
follow it. You have to be committed to making real
changes to your spending habits. Just buy what you
need, and forget unnecessary purchases. Before you
open your wallet ask the questions "do I need this?" and
"can I afford this?" If the answer is no to either, put it
back on the shelf.
5. Any company or credit counselor that claims they can
erase all negative reports from your credit history should
be viewed with some skepticism. Unfortunately,
negative marks will stay on your record for seven years.
Be aware, however, that incorrect information can
indeed be erased from your record.
6. If a company promises that they can remove all negative
marks from a credit report, they are lying. Bad marks on
your report will not go away for seven years. Items that
you can get taken off your record are those that have
been reported incorrectly or unfairly.
7. Do not do things which could cause you to go to jail.
Sites may act like you can create new credit lines and tell
you how to do it. This tactic is not legal, and you face
serious repercussions if you are caught. The criminal
charges that you face will be very expensive, and you
may also have to serve prison time if found guilty.
8. If you are living beyond your financial ability, stop now.
If you've been living outside your means, then get ready
for a reality check. Easy access to credit makes it simple
for many people to buy expensive items that they do not
have the money for, and a lot of individuals are dealing
with the consequences of those purchases. Take a
realistic look at your financial situation and determine
how much you can actually spend.
9. Before going into debt settlement, find out how it will
affect your credit score. Some methods of credit
settlement can be a blow to your credit score, so it's
important to check into your options and find one that
won't hurt you in the long term. The credit companies
are looking at their own bottom line and are not
concerned with your credit score.
10. Making your payments on time shows lenders that you
are serious about maintaining good credit. Each late
payment that you make shows on your personal credit
report and can hurt you when the time comes to take
out a loan.
11. Hopefully this information was useful. Perhaps it seems
impossible, but you can rebuild your credit again with
this article's help. Just keep moving forward and be
patient. The potential rewards make it worth your time
to stick with a credit restoration effort.