Credit Tips

To best understand how to apply these credit tips below, we recommend that you should have a basic understanding of what credit is, how it works, why you need it. If you would like a quick review on this topic, please visit the link Understanding Credit first.

The goal here is to help your credit remain in good standing. So here are four tips for maintaining good credit:

1. PAY YOUR BILLS ON TIME
Establish a process to make your payments well before the due date, so you can help avoid late fees and other possible charges. Also, make sure you have the money in your account – you can write a check or schedule an online payment, but if you don't have the cash, you won't be on time. Making payments on time is not only simple, it's one of the best things you can do for your credit score.

2. BE PROACTIVE
There's a wealth of information out there on the Web and in the media that addresses issues that you may have with your credit and how to maintain good credit – use them! And be sure to periodically review your credit report for errors. If you issue a complaint, the bureau and your creditor must investigate it and correct or remove any information that isn't accurate.

Getting a Copy of Your Credit Report:
It’s a good idea to check your credit report, which you can do every twelve months for free. To request a copy of your report, call 1-877-322-8228 or visit one of the links below.

Experian
P.O. Box 2104
Allen, TX 75013
Phone: (888) 397-3742
www.experian.com

Equifax Credit Information Services
P. O. Box 740241
Atlanta, GA 30374-0241
Phone: (800) 685-1111
www.equifax.com

TransUnion Corporation
P. O. Box 1000
Chester, PA 19022
Phone: (800) 916-8800
www.transunion.com 

3. USE CREDIT WISELY
Creating a budget will show you where your money is going – and this is powerful knowledge. Armed with this info, you'll find it's much easier to track outstanding debt and work toward paying it off.

4. INFORM YOUR CREDITORS OF AN ADDRESS CHANGE
Notify your creditors immediately when you move, so you can receive and pay bills on time.

5. WOULD YOU LIKE MORE INFORMATION ABOUT KEEPING GOOD CREDIT? 
Check out this professional source:
American Financial Services Association Education Foundation - A not-for-profit financial institution that helps consumers become financially literate.- Understanding Vehicle Financing - A handy tutorial on financing a vehicle put together by the not-for-profit agency AFSAEF.