Get your credit in shape

Your New Year’s Resolution: Get Your Credit in Shape

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Ivanka Trump recently tweeted that her New Year’s Resolution is to sleep more. While we realize it’s highly probable you are not Ivanka Trump, perhaps you too are losing sleep — over a low credit score. We all want to be financially fit; however, it’s a lot more fun to shop, travel and dine out than think about credit ratings. Slimming down credit card debt and beefing up your score takes time (not to mention guts). To simplify the process, we’ve come up with a game plan to get your credit in shape for 2018.

  1. Get Your Credit In Shape By Checking Your Credit Report

What you don’t know actually can hurt you. If you’re seeing questions marks when you think about your credit score, make it a priority to find out by requesting a free report from the three credit bureaus — Experian, Equifax and TransUnion — by signing up at www.ftc.gov or www.annualcreditreport.com. BetterCredit recommends that you check your credit score at least once a year.

  1. Understand Your Report and Dispute Any Errors

Read through each item on your report for accuracy. If this is your first time requesting a credit report, understand that the bureaus keep your information separate from one another and verify that all three bureaus report current and accurate information. If you have an extensive credit history, ensuring that your credit report is free of errors may take time. 

  1. Automate Your Bills 

We’re all busy. We have families, jobs, school, appointments, errands and — our least favorite — bills. One of the easiest ways to get your credit in shape is to set up automatic payments with your bank. Whether you automate all or some payments is up to you. For those bills that you do not automate, consider creating a calendar reminder to ensure payments are made on time.

  1. Trim Spending Habits to Pay Credit Card Debt

Are there areas where you can reduce your monthly expenses? One of the most effective and fast routes to improving your credit score is by reducing your credit card balances. Trim your spending habits by reviewing your bank and credit card statements from the last few months and crossing out all non-essential expenses. Also check that your current subscriptions and memberships (gym, magazines, podcasts, meal delivery services, etc.) are still relevant. Use the extra funds to start paying off your debt. Tip: Start with the card with the lowest balance. 

  1. Contact BetterCredit and Speak with an Expert

Need help taking action or at any point along the way? BetterCredit will work with you and your creditors until we can make major improvements to your credit score. From making phone calls and sending letters to multiple companies on your behalf, we save our clients both time and money while increasing their quality of life.

Make a plan to get your credit in shape in 2018. Call BetterCredit today at 800-800-4142 for your free consultation.