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Credit Mistakes And Credit Repair
Common credit mistakes and ways
to repair them include:
- Raising Credit Card Limits. Be aware! Credit
card companies say they are rewarding your credit history by raising
you credit limit. This leaves you open to use your credit more
and increase you debt. To refuse this increase of line of credit
simply write or call the credit card company and refuse the increase.
- Not Knowing Your Interest Rates and Fees. Take
the time to find out your interest rates and annual fees. (Fact,
did you know that about 85% of you minimum monthly payment is
interest). If you have high interest rates call the credit company
to see if you qualify for a lower interest rate promotion. If
not shop around for a lower rate. You would not want to buy a
$100 pair of jeans if you can shop around for the same jeans at
another store for $30.
- Not Valuing Your Credit. Good credit is a valuable
leverage tool when you make large purchases such as a home, car,
or home furniture. Bad credit may slow down or stop you from buying
such necessities. Try to budget you short and long term debt so
you may increase your Fico scores.
- Stretching Out Installment Loans To Get Lower Payments.
This payment schedule lowers your installment payments but increases
the amount of interest you pay over time. Thus, increasing the
amount of overall payments over longer period of time. Try to
pay installment loans in as short period of time. Be sure to budget
your self accordingly.
- Upgrade Your Credit Card To Gold Or Platinum.
Most companies charge an annual fee for these higher status cards.
Typically, $50 - $100 per year. Try turning these cards down and
keep the use of you credit card for basic needs.
- Do Not Co-Sign. When you co-sign you are not
only responsible for your self, you are responsible for the other
person you co-signed for. It also increase your income debt ratio
which may count against you if you apply for a car or home loan.
- Contact Your Lenders If You Change Your Address And/Or
Status. When you get married or divorced make sure you
change your legal status. If you move update you information with
the creditors and the major
credit bureaus.
- Minimum Purchase Rule. Some stores require
a minimum purchase per transaction. This leaves the temptation
to spend more money when you do not have to. Avoid putting yourself
in this situation and avoid the credit card companies that also
enforce these rules.
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