4 Habits To Help You Build Credit

Your credit score is an important part of your financial identity and is an assessment of your past and present credit responsibility. As you move into different phases of your life, you will encounter times when your credit score may determine the circumstances of financial agreements. Whether it’s a mortgage, car loan, rent or car insurance that ends up on your to-do list, you want to put yourself in the right financial state, so you have the freedom and opportunity to grow, without encountering high costs. Need to build your credit? Consider adopting these 4 credit habits today, so your credit is in shape when you need it to be

1. Pay your bills on time

2. Control your credit balance

3. Plan to diversify credit lines

Having different lines of credit indicates that you have experience handling and maintaining credit. Down the road, this will give you access to more resources and the opportunity to continue building credit. As you assess your goals, understand where you need to invest, which areas need improvement so you can position yourself in the right financial standing to fulfill your long-term goals. However, it is important to remain cautious. Do not over apply for credit. Opening too many accounts is a red flag for creditors and can become overwhelming to you when payments are due. Instead of getting new credit cards, focus on progressive growth in different lines of credit.

4. Stay up to date

Be consistent in paying, checking and sustaining your credit. Visit annualcreditreport.com to get a free credit report from the credit reporting bureau. Staying up to date also requires periodically checking for accuracy in your report, and fixing mistakes when found. One mistake could get in the way of your plans and cost you later on. Your credit score changes when your credit report changes, however, keep in mind it will not show up overnight. It can take 30 days to a couple of months to improve your credit score depending on your history. Over time, your score will reflect the time and energy you put into understanding and taking responsibility for your credit. Stay determined and remember consistency is key, you will get there