Credit History
You have influence on what your credit history looks like. Your
credit history, or profile, is a record of your credit accounts and
timeliness of your payments. The better your credit history, the
better your chances of receiving additional credit in the future,
and receiving this credit at the best possible interest rates.
To build a solid credit history, follow these steps:
1. establish a budget and stick to it!
2. be responsible--make your credit card and student loan payments
on time.
3. pay more than the minimum monthly amount.
4. no need to apply for more than one credit card.
5. be aware of your credit limit and spend only what you can afford
to pay back. Buy it only if you really need it.
6. notify creditors when you move or change your name.
7. have a backup plan--make sure credit purchases don't exceed your
savings.
8. if you find yourself having problems making payments, contact
each creditor to see if they can help. Then call the National
Foundation for Consumer Credit at 800-388-2227 to locate a free or
low-cost credit counseling agency near you. Take care of problems
when they happen.
9. be sure to investigate credit card offers thoroughly; don't fall
for scams that sound too good to be true. If you think you're a
victim of a scam, visit the Better Business Bureau (www.bbb.org),
the Federal Trade Commission (www.ftc.gov) or call the FTC hotline
at 800-372-8347.
|
