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get back on track

What can you do to make sure your credit history is on the right track? Follow these simple recommendations:

• See what’s in your credit report – Check your credit report annually for errors. Not only will it help you correct any errors you may find, but it will help in monitoring for identity theft. Click here for a free credit report.
• Make your credit payments on time – Sounds simple, but paying your bills on time is one of the most important aspects of your credit history. Set up automatic payments if necessary.
• Pay off your credit cards – This is one of the best ways to improve your credit history. Do not just shift your credit balances from card to card. Pay down your debt and keep it down. Keep your credit account open to maintain a positive history.
• Maintain low credit balances – Once you pay off your credit cards, don’t use them to buy anything you can’t afford to pay off at the end of the month. Do not exceed more than fifty percent of your available credit per card.
• Be “credit wise” – If you have an open credit account, use it responsibly and don’t use it to excess. Remember, credit scoring rewards borrowers who can manage credit, not people without any credit experience.