How Important Is a Good Credit Score?
Good credit scores can do much more for you than what you might think, while a bad one can slow you down. Checking your credit report every year is important. If something on your report isn't right, you need to get it fixed right away. Beyond just checking your credit report, you also want to check your credit score. Even though scores range from 300 up to 850, you should aim for at least 700. Consider the following ways your credit score is going to help you.
Credit
High credit scores allow you to obtain loans, credit cards and other credit lines. With a higher score, you are also going to get better interest rates, which helps you to save money and keep the payments affordable. Make timely payments and don't make an abundance of changes all at once to keep your credit score up there.
Housing
If you want to purchase a home, you need good credit to do so. Your credit score also plays a role in renting a place as well. Most complexes are going to check your credit when you fill out an app. Poor credit could get you denied for housing. Pay bills on time and keep your balance on credit cards low.
Employment
If you have a credit file that is blemished, you might end up being denied employment in a number of different sectors. Credit unions, banks, government agencies, insurance agencies and the military place a lot of weight on your credit file. If you have a history of not making your payments on time, collections and charge-offs, you might be denied employment or entrance into the military. When accounts fall behind, call the creditor to make a payment arrangement with them.
Insurance
The monthly premium you pay for your car and home insurance depends on your credit score. Insurance companies will use your score as a means of determining whether you are a good risk or not. You might end up being denied coverage or stuck paying a higher premium than what others will in the same category as you. Take care of any accounts that you have open. Don't open new accounts unless you need to. Opening too many, too quickly will cause your score to go down.
To find out more about your credit score and report, you can speak to a trusted financial advisor who can help you figure it all out.
Credit
High credit scores allow you to obtain loans, credit cards and other credit lines. With a higher score, you are also going to get better interest rates, which helps you to save money and keep the payments affordable. Make timely payments and don't make an abundance of changes all at once to keep your credit score up there.
Housing
If you want to purchase a home, you need good credit to do so. Your credit score also plays a role in renting a place as well. Most complexes are going to check your credit when you fill out an app. Poor credit could get you denied for housing. Pay bills on time and keep your balance on credit cards low.
Employment
If you have a credit file that is blemished, you might end up being denied employment in a number of different sectors. Credit unions, banks, government agencies, insurance agencies and the military place a lot of weight on your credit file. If you have a history of not making your payments on time, collections and charge-offs, you might be denied employment or entrance into the military. When accounts fall behind, call the creditor to make a payment arrangement with them.
Insurance
The monthly premium you pay for your car and home insurance depends on your credit score. Insurance companies will use your score as a means of determining whether you are a good risk or not. You might end up being denied coverage or stuck paying a higher premium than what others will in the same category as you. Take care of any accounts that you have open. Don't open new accounts unless you need to. Opening too many, too quickly will cause your score to go down.
To find out more about your credit score and report, you can speak to a trusted financial advisor who can help you figure it all out.