How to Get Your Credit Back on Track
“How do I get my credit back on track?”
According to data from the second quarter of 2019 from Experian, the average FICO® Score* in the U.S. is 703, which is considered “good” by most lenders.
If your credit was damaged in the past because of divorce, missed payments, or bankruptcy, but you’ve taken steps to improve it, you can continue to get your credit back on track and make it stronger than ever.
How to Get Your Credit Back on Track
Here are the top ways to improve your credit and keep it on the right track.
Always Review Your Income and Expenses
Review your income and expenses to see how much money you receive and spend each month. You may consider getting a side gig to increase your income. Also, if you can further reduce your expenses, do it. This may hurt in the beginning, but the money you save will be worth it.
Check Your Credit Score Often
Periodically review your credit score to see how it’s improved. In fact, a credit union or bank may offer you an option to check your number each month. Take advantage of this because it’s a great way to see how your score has improved.
Keep Paying Your Bills on Time
Continue paying your bills on time because it will help keep your credit on track. If you can make more than the minimum payment on your credit cards, do it. The quicker you pay them off, the better, especially in the event of an emergency. This way you’ll have the credit to pay for a hot water tank, washer, dryer, or car repair.
Fix Errors on Your Credit Reports
It’s a good idea to review your credit reports to ensure that there are no errors. If you find errors, take action immediately and clear them up. Keep in mind this may take time, so be patient. And also be vigilant with your credit cards. Sign up for scam and fraud alerts so that you can handle these issues in a timely manner.
Build an Emergency Fund
If you don’t have six months to one year’s salary of savings, it’s time to open an emergency savings fund right now. Start by saving $100 a week or more, if you can. You never know what lies down the road, so you’ll want to have a sizeable emergency savings account.
FFCCU Can Help You Keep Your Credit on Track
We have some great programs that can help you keep your credit on the right path.
Dare2Compare
Even though you’ve improved your credit score, received a raise, or created a budget, you may find that interest rates are higher than what you deserve. Our Dare2Compare challenge connects you with one of our friendly teammates who can show you how you can save money via an account review. This could be costing you more money than you expected. It only takes 5 minutes to fill out the account review form, and we’ll get in touch for a face-to-face meeting.
Skip-A-Pay
Skip-A-Pay gives qualified* FFCCU members the opportunity to skip their November or December loan payment. Imagine skipping one loan payment. What would you do? Put the money toward a new home or education? Or save it?
Shared Secure Loan
How much is in your savings? If you need a loan for $1,000 and have the money or even more in your savings account, apply for a Shared Secured loan. You can borrow up to the dollar amount in your savings while you continue to earn competitive dividends.
Keep Rebuilding Your Credit
Improving your credit may have been challenging at first, but keep going. Take it one day at a time and little by little you’ll see your credit score increase. You may even save enough money to put 20% or more down on a new home. Plus, if you continue to reduce your expenses, you can pay more on your mortgage.
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Posted In: Tips For Managing Finances
