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Wednesday, February 11, 2009

5 Best Ways to Maintain Good Credit

By Linda Seamore

One's credit score is of huge importance to a lot of people right now. You are probably one of the people now who is concerned about the state of their credit. If you are, know that you are not alone. There are plenty of others out there who are concerned with you. They too want to know what they can do to improve or maintain good credit ratings. The following 5 tips should give you a clue and help you on the way.

1. Purchase LifeLock Identity Theft Protection Does identity theft protection really help? Many people feel that it does, and you'll find that LifeLock is a relatively inexpensive service that provides you with a sense of security. After all, identity theft is one of the most devastating crimes that can happen to you, even if it doesn't happen very often. Many people feel that even the small likelihood that they'll lose their identity to someone unscrupulous is too big a risk. If you agree, you need to take steps to make sure your identity is safe. LifeLock identity theft protection services are one way to do that.

2. Check your credit regularly with your free report Residents in most states are entitled to review there credit annually through the reports given by each of the three credit bureaus. This means that you can write the bureaus, call them, or go online to retrieve your free credit report. Remember you get one from each of the three bureaus every year. Make the most of this by checking to make sure everything is accurate. If there is any wrong information, you can dispute it. You won't get your credit score with these reports, but you will know what good and/or bad things may be listed on your credit.

3. Call credit companies if you are going to be late on a payment, and get deadline extensions One thing that many people forget is an option is contacting the credit company. If you know you're going to be late on a credit card or utility payment, notify the company. That way, you'll be able to get an extension on your deadlines and you won't get the same kind of impact on your credit. Communication goes a long way toward keeping your credit in top shape.

4. Limit the use of credit to major purchases Lots of people all over the country are experiencing problems because they cannot afford the debt that they have accumulated. This is largely due to making small purchases, like clothes, food, and outings, on credit cards. Credit should truly only be used to purchase big items like cars and homes. Otherwise, you are digging yourself into a hole that will be difficult to get out of whenever an emergency comes along. Try to pay cash for smaller items, and leave credit for the big stuff.

5. Make on-time payments When you do have to use your credit cards never make only the minimum payment, unless you absolutely can't afford to pay more. Also, never skip a payment without talking to your creditors first and making sure that it's okay and won't be reported. All of these will together help to improve your score and get you out of debt.

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