Having a low credit score tags you as a high-risk borrower and can impact so many facets of your life. Just how can it affect you?
It is the determining factor in whether or not a lender will actually lend you money, and it raises the interest rate you have to pay if they do.
Not to mention the psychological effects of the stigma attached to having bad credit.
How Low Is Low?
Credit scores are the decision-making tools used by lenders – banks, credit card companies, mortgage companies, car dealerships – to help them predict how likely you are to repay your loan and make your payments on time.
The two most commonly used credit scores are FICO® Scores and scores by VantageScore. Both have the same range names, but the numbers within each vary slightly:
Both scoring models agree that 300-5XX is Very Poor — 300-579 for FICO, 300-549 for VantageScore. Applicants with a Very Poor rating by any measure will not likely be approved for credit.
Factors Affecting Credit Scores
In order to examine ways you can improve a low credit score, we need to look at how a credit score is calculated. Here’s what goes into determining one’s credit score:
- Payment history on loans and credit cards
- Total debt and amounts owed
- Percent of credit limit used
- Length of credit history
- New credit
- Recent credit behavior and inquiries
There are various reasons a credit score may go down including missed payments, late payments, closing credit card accounts, increasing credit card balances, reductions in credit limits, and opening new accounts.
6 Ways To Improve A Low Score
Repairing bad credit can be compared to a couch potato turned marathon runner. You don’t instantly go from one to the other. It takes time and effort.
There is no quick way to improve a credit score. But there are things you can do right away to start making an impact.
1) Set up payment reminders to pay on time
2) Reduce the amount of debt you owe by not charging more to your credit cards
3) If you have missed payments, get current and stay current
4) Keep balances low on credit cards
5) Don’t open new credit cards that you don’t need just to increase your available credit
5) Have credit cards – but manage them impeccably – this will rebuild your credit score
3 Steps To Take When Paying Off Debt
1) Create lists of your income and your expenses. Get it down on paper and make sure you have enough money coming in to cover your basic necessities such as food, shelter, clothing, and utilities. Calculate what’s left and create a budget.
2) Track every bit of your spending, and look for ways to increase your income like working overtime, or picking up a second job.
3) Come up with a payment plan that puts most of your available cash towards the highest interest cards first, while maintaining minimum payments on other, lower interest rate accounts.
What To Do If You Run Out Of Options
Don’t try to dig out of debt alone. There are credit counseling services that can suggest solutions like debt management programs, credit consolidation, or debt settlement.
If mounting debt seems unrecoverable, a debt relief agency with an experienced bankruptcy attorney should be considered as your next step.
How To Prevent Future Credit Score Drops And Debt After You Recover
Stop relying on credit cards when it comes to everyday purchases and unexpected expenses. Building an emergency fund solves that problem.
Consider at least $1000 or perhaps one month’s salary. This will cover most emergencies or unexpected expenses.
As you are further out of debt, work on saving up enough money to cover 6 months’ worth of expenses.
Get creative with finding new ways to save money like home-cooked meals vs. eating out, brown-bagging your lunches, and becoming a bargain hunter.
Discipline is the name of the game when taking control of your finances. It takes sacrifice and effort to get out of debt, and once you do that, you can start building wealth.
Get The Help of an Experienced Attorney
Household debt can be crushing. The Law Office of Joel R. Spivack focuses on helping clients get through challenging financial times. If you need guidance and support, reach out today.
We are happy to help you regain control of your financial situation. We offer a free, face-to-face consultation at our Cherry Hill, NJ office. Mr. Spivack will provide honest answers to your questions and let you know what he can do to make this process go as smoothly as possible.
Call 856-488-1200 or Contact Us Online Today
We are a debt relief agency. We help people file for bankruptcy relief under the Bankruptcy Code.
