Four Steps To Good Credit

As a consumer you've learned the importance of establishing
a good credit rating with your lenders. Whether you are
shopping for a new home or auto, or searching for the best
deals on insurance, your credit worthiness will be judged
by your credit rating or credit score.

A bad credit history or bad credit habits will place "black
marks" on your credit profile. These include things such as
late payments, having an account assigned to a collection
agency, and of course bankruptcy.

Establishing good credit habits and therefore a good credit
rating will improve your credit worthiness. This will be
reflected in potential lenders offering you substantially
lower interest rates and better deals on credit offers.

Here are 4 tips to help you create a shining credit profile:

1) Pay Your Bills On Time

Lenders only have your past payment history on which to
decide the type of credit risk you present to them. How you
pay off your debts now indicates to them how you will pay
off future debts.

2) Don't Carry Too Many or Too Few Credit Cards

How much is too much ? How little is too little ? Many
credit experts and financial planners suggest two to four
credit cards is just the right mix.

3) Pay At Least The Minimum Due

Always pay at least the minimum due payment, but never
less. And remember, just paying the minimum payment means
it will take you years and years to pay off that credit
card.

Example: Paying off a $2,000 credit payment at 18% APR with
a minimum monthly payment of 2% ($40 dollars or less) will
take you 30 years to pay off the amount plus interest.

4) Review Your Credit Report Regularly

Monitor your credit report from all three major credit
bureaus - Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax - on a regular
basis. Check your credit profile at least annually. Review
it carefully and make sure that any past mistakes or
disputes have been corrected.

Also, if you notice an account listed that you know that
you have not personally opened, contact that creditor and
the credit bureaus immediately. This could be a sign that
you've had your identity stolen. Request to have a fraud
alert placed on your profile and account to protect
yourself and your credit. Identity theft is the fastest
growing consumer crime in America, with an estimated 1
million people victimized each year.

Establish good credit habits early in life and reap the
benefits that your good credit rating will provide you for
the rest of your financial future.

----------------------------------------------------
The "CREDIT SECRETS BIBLE" has been in print since 1994 and
is published by Consumer Publishing Group. For more
information on establishing and keeping good credit using
"CREDIT SECRETS BIBLE" please visit:
http://www.credit-secrets-bible.net