What You Can Do To Improve Your Credit Score

Online, April 28, 2011 (Newswire.com) - Nobody likes blemishes. No one wants to see them appear on the face - or on your credit report. But if they do appear, it's not the end of the world. There are things you can do to improve your credit score.

• Start by getting a copy of your credit report and reviewing it carefully. Pay close attention to those items that need work.

• If you find errors in your report, you have the right to dispute it, as well as have it removed. Negative information removal will improve your credit score.

• Avoid accumulating new debt by credit card purchases. Put your cards away until you have a handle on your debt, but be careful; some credit card issuers will cancel a card if it remains dormant for too long.

• Pay off any past-due balances. This will have a huge impact on your score.

• Don't apply for any new credit while you're working to repair what you've got.

• Before you close any credit card accounts, make sure it won't negatively affect your credit score.

• Contact your creditors and explain your situation. Many of them will work with you to reduce your monthly payments until you get back on your feet.

• Pay off your debt. Obviously, this is the No. 1 way to improve your credit score.

• You may want to seek professional help, like a consumer credit counselor, if you are overwhelmed with your current situation. By speaking with someone who can give you sound advice, you can put things back on track and get valuable guidance toward straightening out your credit and your overall financial picture.

Be prepared to hang in there. Remember: you didn't get into debt overnight and you won't get out of debt overnight. Pay your debts and manage your credit day by day, and you'll eventually find the freedom that good credit affords.