An important part of repairing your credit is how you manage your credit and finances today.
It’s not enough to clean up mistakes of the past. What you do now and going forward is of top importance.
I was speaking with a credit repair business owner recently, and he told me that about half of their clients accrue a new late payment — while they are in the credit repair program! That makes no sense!
If you are paying someone to clean your house, would you bring new mud into the house at the same time?! That’s what it’s like when you fail to make a payment on time while you’re trying to work a credit repair program.
Here are 5 things you must do AT THE SAME TIME you are working on repairing your credit profile:
- Pay your bill the same day you receive it. That way, you don’t risk going late. But also, it helps to keep your balance lower on an ongoing basis, which can improve your score. (Based on your balance-to-limit ratio, credit points will vary.)
- If you aren’t good at bill paying or dislike the task, set up automatic payment. That way, you will never be late.
- Monitor your auto-pay account so that a so-called late payment doesn’t pop up due to something like an annual membership fee or the payment date falling on a Sunday when your bank is closed.
- Don’t purchase more than what you can afford to pay in full when the bill comes in. This applies to all your “wants.” Don’t use credit to buy fun tech toys and pretty things you cannot honestly afford. This does not apply to an emergency, such as your water heater going out or your car breaking down.
- Prioritize your loans and credit cards OVER medical bills. Medical bills don’t go on your credit report until they are six months past due, giving you a lot of time to work out a payment plan if needed. Never let your loans or credit cards slide because of a medical bill.
Building good financial habits is worth the effort. Educating yourself about how credit works is worth the time.
Part of self-respect is having respectable credit.
Thank you for reading. Your comments and questions are always welcome.
Thanks for the five matters that everyone should abide by. They are not rocket science
but can be a financial life saver.
I agree. They’re not advanced tips, and yet some people have not been brought up with any financial education or guidance, so they are new ideas.
Thank you for commenting.
You are such an help each time I read what you published.
Thank you for this, Johanna. You have encouraged me today.
Your book is an inspiration to take more control over my life! thank you!
Cody, I am so happy to hear this, because it’s exactly why I wrote the book. Thank you for posting!
YOU are definitely in control of your future and where you want it to take you.
Great advice!! The auto pay feature is always a plus for everyone!
Hi Carolyn
Thank you for this amazing book/read. It was an easy read and it gave me all the confidence to get my credit back in order.
Sincerely, Dario R.
I really enjoyed the information that is in your book. There is a lot that I would have never knew if I hadn’t purchased it. You have given me confidence to go against the creditors and to rebuild my credit.
Very thankful!
Can i get a link to retrieve the credit investigation form
Yes, you certainly can! Here is the link (which is also on the Home page of my website). The credit investigation form is included in the letter package.
https://askcarolynwarren.com/credit-repair-letters/
Thank you for your book and the letters. It has taught me so much.
Thank you for this note, Renae. It is very encouraging for me when I receive feedback like this. I am so happy you’re learning a lot.
Hi Carolyn
I just finished reading “Repair Your Credit Like The Pros” and I have to say the information is incredibly insightful. As a fellow loan officer I now have a much better grasp on which applicants I can truly help qualify for one of the largest purchases they will ever make. I am extremely grateful for the industry experience and wish your continued success.
Adrian Villalobos
mylmp.com
Thank you, Adrian. It’s always great to hear from another mortgage professional. Your compliment means a lot to me!
Can I get a copy of the letters in the book? You write “use the contact form at the bootm of the page”. I have the code in the book….
Yes, here is the link to get the letters: https://askcarolynwarren.com/credit-repair-letters/
Hello Carolyn. I hope you are doing well. Can I get a copy of the letters?
Hello Bryan, Yes, you certainly can! Simply go to this page to get the automatic download for the letters.
https://askcarolynwarren.com/credit-repair-letters/