Credit repair is the first step toward some of life’s biggest moments, including mortgage approval, buying a car, or even a new job. The higher the credit, the greater the benefits!
Here are 8 steps to help you get your ‘ducks in a row’ and ensure that you can reap the rewards of better credit.
- Do your research. Knowledge is power, especially when it comes to your financial situation. Talk to a financial professional about your credit issues and any qualifying limitations.
- Start saving, especially if you are buying a home. Beyond having a strong down payment, there are also other out-of-pocket costs to consider like: Homeowner’s insurance, closing costs and taxes. Start saving now.
- Know your FICO score. This three-digit number is what creditors use to determine your interest rates and how likely you are to repay your car or home loan. A higher FICO score means faster loan approval with better interest rates.
- Check your credit. You’ll also need a copy of your full credit report from all three credit bureaus – Equifax, TransUnion, and Experian. While you review, take note of: how much you owe in total, areas of improvement and any inaccuracies.
- Dispute inaccuracies. Creditors can make mistakes. If something on your report is wrong, contact the credit bureau and explain the discrepancy. They’ll research it and make the needed adjustments to your report. This may take a while so the sooner you initiate a dispute, the better.
- Lower your DTI. Your ‘debt-to-income’ ratio is the difference between your overall debt compared to your income. The lower your DTI, the better your chances of getting a good rate.
- No new debt. Avoid opening new lines of credit during big life purchases as it will increase your DTI. Postpone these purchases until your transaction is complete or pay in cash.
- Pay on time, every time. If you’ve gotten in the bad habit of paying bills late, cut it out. Late payments result in extra fees and they negatively affect your FICO score.
Don’t be discouraged if your financial situation is disappointing. The beauty of credit is that it can be repaired – sometimes in a matter of just a few months. With a good budget and better habits, you will be on track in no time!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
As a Movement Bank blog contributor, Danielle Flynn gets to mix her healthy obsession for creative, high-quality writing with a background in financial services. She’s a native Charlottean and UNC Charlotte grad who splits her writing time with wedding and event planning. When she’s not working, Danielle volunteers in a weekly Bible education ministry and enjoys traveling the world with her husband and spending time with family and friends.
