5 Smart Ways to Boost your Credit Score

Published on: 12 May 2017 Last Updated on: 29 October 2024
Credit score

It’s a myth that you have a single credit score.

You probably know that your three-digit credit scores based on the information of your credit reports are a major factor in deciding whether you get a loan or not.

Your credit score can influence everything; from interest rates to your rentals, premiums, and even job eligibility too. Also, the interest rate you are going to pay for loans, mortgages, and credit cards is determined by this score.

When you have a good credit score; the lenders easily lend you the money that too at lower rates than others.

Your credit scores are not static and improving it can take time; from a year to two years- depending on the kinds of changes needed to be made. With the interest rates going high every day; it is essential to get started for improving your credit score if it is not high as it should be. Here are the five smart ways, which you can use to boost your credit score quickly and in an efficient manner.

Check Your Credit Reports

With so much running in your previous credit history; now, it’s a good time to get your credit report from the best credit bureaus, which will make sure that your report is correct and is reflecting your proper borrowing activities.

If you find an error in any of the reports, you have to go through all the necessary steps of removing it.  Start by calling the credit bureaus to report them the wrong information and by asking them to update it in your account.

Your credit score will considerably improve just be getting the negative information corrected.

Pay your Bills on Time

Well, your payment history reflects 35% of your score.

Not paying the bills on time is the biggest influence on your credit card score. Lenders report a late payment to the credit bureaus once the thirty days have passed from the bill’s due date. Also, one late payment stays on your credit report for seven years.

To avoid, keep an eye on all your credit card bills and set your important payments to auto-pay so that your mandatory bills are always paid. You need to pay you all the dues on time to improve your credit score in a matter of months.

Read also: Credit Card Fraud & The Holiday Season: Things To Consider For Next Year

Eliminate Credit Card Balances

Credit card balances come under the category of bad debt. Make a proper and step by step plan to waive off your credit card debt and overall utilization. One way is to make use of the 0% balance transfer offer. Another way is to use a personal loan to pay off your accumulated credit card debt. Loans and transfers work as a great option if you use the promotional period to pay the debt.

At last, you can gather all the credit cards and pay all the small balances off. Paying all your credit card will also reduce the amount of interest you are paying every month.

Don’t Apply for a New Credit

Whenever you apply for a new loan or credit, it generates a new entry on your credit report. Credit report entries are only the way how lenders come to know that you have been applying for the credits.

So, if you’ve applied for new credit; there is nothing you can do rather than waiting for them to disappear as these inquiries stay on your report for two years. It is recommended that you should not apply for new credits when trying to improve your credit score.

Even a small change can mean big improvements.

Keep your Old Accounts Open

Keeping your old accounts work will help you keep long credit history on your report. If you had debt on your old accounts and you have handled and paid it well makes good for your credit report.

It is very important to get the highest credit score possible as it has a huge effect on your financial life. Also, everyone’s score is unique, so there is no hard set of rules to improve your credit score. 

Content Rally wrapped around an online publication where you can publish your own intellectuals. It is a publishing platform designed to make great stories by content creators. This is your era, your place to be online. So come forward share your views, thoughts and ideas via Content Rally.

View all posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Related

Car Insurance

7 Reasons Why Teenagers Pay Extra For Car Insurance

Car insurance for teenagers is more expensive than experienced drivers. Teenagers, who are at a very young and vulnerable stage of life, often lack any formal driving experience. They learn the skills of driving in this age and polish it with practice. The motor vehicle associations understand the susceptibility of their age and therefore the cost of car insurance for teenagers is higher. In order to understand this concept in detail, we have laid down 7 reasons that “why teenagers pay extra for car insurance”: No Proven Track Record of Driving The insurance companies consider the driving history of the applicant before issuing insurance premiums. In the case of teenagers, there is no proven track record of driving. Since they are at the beginner’s stage of learning, there is no evidence to support their expertise on the road. The risk factor stays high in this case. In general, the people who have proven driving track record without any mention of traffic violations and accidents in their names can avail significant discounts on their car insurance policies. The insurance companies need some statistical proof to make a judgment about the driving skills of applicants- which is not possible in the case of teenagers. Therefore, they cannot assume whether the teenage driver is a safe or reckless driver. In order to cover their risk, they raise the cost of car insurance for teenagers to ensure some safety measures. However, at the age of 19, the insurance plan becomes affordable as you already have 1-2 years driving experience by this time. You can get car insurance here for 19 years olds. Lack of Experience It takes time in learning a skill and achieving expertise in it. Learning to drive certainly takes more time and effort as we face different situations every day on the road. The young drivers need to dedicate a lot of practice hours to polish their skills before they can take their own vehicle independently on the road. The amount of time spent behind the wheel is a considerable factor in enhancing the driving abilities of young drivers. In the case of teenagers, their lack of experience can put them to test while facing real-life driving situations. Their reaction time may be slower than an experienced driver which is much needed when you are in actual driving practice. It is often seen that the young drivers get into a panic very easily when they face unusual situations on the roads. There are research studies to support the fact that most of the accidents that involve youngsters are due to their delay in reaction to the situations that prevail. Emotional Distraction Young people often get stuck with emotional issues. Their vulnerable age often brings out the “rebellious” attitude which may result in anger, sadness, extreme happiness, excitement, overreaction, anxiety, etc. They have very less understanding of dealing with their own emotions which may cause serious troubles while driving. For example- despite many public advertisements, youngsters use their mobile phones while driving. The overconfidence can lead to the accident-prone situation very easily. Youngsters often pool their vehicles and go for diving expeditions. Mutual talking and discussions while driving can distract their attention from the road. It is also common for youngsters to appreciate unusual sights on the road and get diverted from their driving spree. Insurance companies take these facts into account and use substantial proofs to put forth their risk level before issuing car insurance to teenagers. Increased Tendency Towards Speed and Racing There is no denial of the fact that teenagers love formula races and speed games. When they sit behind the steering, they get tempted to race with the cars on their track. Sometimes they have their own bunch of friends racing while driving. The scientific studies have reported that teenagers are easily aggravated by smoking, drugs and alcoholic tendencies. Under the influence of these factors, they may be instigated to adopt risky behaviors while driving. The understanding of the risks and their implications can be attained only with age and experience. The insurance companies state that the lower rates of premiums for the experienced drivers are supported by the statistics that prove that they are less prone to accidents as compared to teenage drivers. The Risk of the Insurance Companies The teenage drivers are at a higher state of financial risks for the insurance companies. The higher the probability of being at risk of accidents raises the probability of higher expenditure of the insurance companies. Therefore, in an attempt to cover the risks associated with the young drivers, they raise the cost of the policy. The Statistical Proofs We have already discussed various factors that may cause teenagers to become riskier while driving. It should be mentioned that our studies are based on statistical findings from various reports. These reports emphasize the high probability of teenage drivers being involved in road accidents. The data has been collected by the years of research that bring the car insurance firms at a higher edge of risk. The Make and Model of the Vehicle We often get to hear that the teenagers are gifted their “favorite vehicle” on their birthday or any other occasions. Although this practice is popular in rich and affluent families, these days even the middle-class segment has roped into the trend. Thanks to the easy loaning facilities! However, parents often forget about the risk associated with allowing teenagers to drive new and expensive cars with high-speed parameters. The insurance companies charge more from their clients who want to purchase insurance of a premium car for their teenager ward. The reason is clearly stated- higher speed parameters of the vehicle are directly proportional to the high financial risk factor of insurance companies. Conclusion Teenagers pay extra for car insurance due to the high amount of risk associated with their age and the levels of maturity. There are facts to support the rash driving incidents leading to fatal accidents in many cases that involve teenagers. Therefore, the higher rates of insurance are just a precautionary measure by the insurance companies. They intend to ensure that the applicant, as well as the company, must be fully prepared to deal with the possible risky outcomes due to driving errors. Higher is the risk of the insurance company, higher is the cost of the premium. Read Also :  Tips For Reducing Car Insurance Costs Tips To Lower Your Insurance Costs

READ MOREDetails
Gold And Silver Bullion

Investing In Gold And Silver Bullion

Gold and silver bullion investments are an appealing way for investors to diversify their portfolios, while still carrying some risks. Bullion prices often fluctuate and potential risks should be carefully evaluated. Bullion is an investment-grade precious metal purchased and traded primarily for its intrinsic value, taking various forms such as bars, ingots, and coins. How to Purchase When purchasing bullion, your first step should be finding a trusted precious metals dealer. Your chosen dealer should be licensed to sell what you're after while having a great track record for customer service and offering competitive pricing. You can visit this site for more information about licensing. Once you've identified several dealers, compare prices to ensure that you find the best possible deals before taking into account additional expenses like shipping and insurance costs for an accurate picture of how much your purchase will cost in total. Bullion can take many different forms, so you need to decide the appropriate form for your investment goals. Coins and bars are popular options because they have low premiums over spot prices and can easily be stored. Bars also provide an effective way of investing in large quantities at once. No matter which form you opt for, your bullion should always remain in mint condition as investors will pay more for pieces without scratches or extensive tarnishing. Your metals may be vulnerable to natural hazards like fire and flood as well as theft if stored at home, so if this is your choice then make sure it is stored in an approved, fireproof safe. Bank safety deposit boxes offer another form of home storage; however, these depositories are only accessible during banking hours and may not offer protection from disaster or theft. Furthermore, their contents could be disclosed under Patriot Act rules. You can click the link: https://www.congress.gov/ for more information. One alternative to keeping your bullion safe at home is using a reliable bullion vault storage service where storage services are secured with non-bank depository banking and cost less than private safes. How to Store Bullion bars and coins provide a safe way of investing your wealth but must be stored carefully so as not to suffer damage or tarnish. Bullion dealers will often offer premium pricing on well-preserved bullion as it becomes more desirable among their buyers. Home storage of bullion is often the safest, most private way to safeguard gold, silver, and other precious metals - although this requires investing in a safe or vault and additional security measures such as cameras or alarms. Bank storage of bullion may also be an option, though this has privacy-related disadvantages. Safety deposit boxes at banks aren't insured against seizure by government agencies or creditors, plus staff must report what's inside your safe deposit box, potentially opening you up to identity theft risks. You could add riders onto your homeowner's policy that cover bullion but this also comes at a privacy cost. Utilizing professional bullion storage services is another alternative option. Many storage providers offer allocated storage, meaning your metal will remain physically separate from other customers' metals and does not appear on their balance sheet. When you request its return, you will receive exactly the same metal you deposited initially. Handle your bars or coins carefully when dealing with them - never mix pristine and tarnished metals together as this could damage their value and reduce their worth. Always clean your hands prior to touching either a coin or bar and use hand sanitizers if necessary; lay out a soft towel or cloth beneath them just in case you drop them, and refrain from speaking over or breathing over them as this could harm their integrity. Self-storage facilities may be ideal for those who prefer hands-off storage solutions, as they typically charge lower monthly fees than bank vaults while still being secure and closely monitored. How to Use Precious metals are popular investments because they're considered "hard assets." Unlike stocks, bonds, cryptocurrency tokens, or non-fungible tokens (NFTs), bullion is tangible and can be held directly. Not only does its value tend to hold steady over the long haul but it can even increase! Bullion can serve as a valuable hedge against inflation and other financial market risks and is usually stamped with its weight and percentage of precious metal content or purity to enable investors to accurately determine its current market value. Gold and silver bullion is traded globally on major markets. Investors can purchase physical precious metals directly through online dealers or exchange-traded funds (ETFs) that track the spot prices of gold and silver. Bullion can be difficult to pin down since its definition can vary depending on who's using the term and their understanding of it. Bullion refers to items valued for their precious metal content rather than any form of government backing or backing from external entities. Coins, rounds, and bars that meet the high purity standards needed for investment purposes may qualify. But the term can also refer to more common U.S. coins like pre-1965 90% silver eagles which often sell at relatively low premiums over their spot price. Collectors and investors seeking to distinguish among different forms of bullion can find it invaluable to distinguish among their options. The more refined and pure the piece of metal is, the higher its premium will be over its spot price; therefore investors tend to seek high-purity bullion from reliable dealers. How to Invest Bullion investments can be an intelligent strategy for individuals looking to diversify their portfolios. But before buying any precious metals, it is crucially important that you understand their valuations and your responsibilities before proceeding with purchases. Bullion, or a pure form of precious metals like gold and silver, is often sold through precious metal dealers both online and at physical shops, where you can have them delivered or stored for you at a fee. Investors frequently use bullion as a hedge against inflationary events that create economic uncertainty that drive prices higher for precious metals like bullion. Traditional investors typically purchase physical gold and silver coins and bars stamped with their weight and purity. You can visit InvestingInGold.com to learn more about the process of buying physical precious metals for your investment portfolio. It is essential to research any company you are considering working with in order to ensure they are reputable. Investing in gold and silver may seem intimidating to some investors; however, these individuals can still reap its benefits by purchasing ETFs that track its price movements; these funds can then be easily traded as opposed to physical ownership of bullion. Importantly, unlike stocks, bullion does not generate dividends and capital appreciation; however, some individuals may find its volatility attractive as it protects savings against larger losses during recessions and other economic difficulties. Many new precious metal investors may feel intimidated by specialized terminology like bullion. Before making any definitive decisions regarding bullion investments, it is vitally important to research spot prices, compare dealers, and research different products available before deciding how much bullion to purchase. You want enough bullion invested to see significant returns when prices increase but not so much that its value drops significantly when prices decrease. This is why many experts recommend investing ten percent of your retirement savings in alternative investments, such as precious metals. Read Also: What Will A Financial Retirement Plan Including Gold Look Like Investors Agree: Gold And Silver Is The Way To Go 5 Fun Facts About The American Eagle Gold Coin

READ MOREDetails
NFT Art

What Is NFT Art And How Does It Work

At its core, an NFT (Non-Fungible Token) is a digital asset that represents ownership or proof of authenticity of a unique item or piece of content, often an artwork, using blockchain technology. Unlike cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, NFTs are not interchangeable; each NFT has a distinct digital signature, making it unique and non-fungible.  NFT art refers to digital artworks bought, sold, and traded as NFTs. These can range from digital paintings, animations, music, videos, and more. The art is usually digital, but the NFTs can also represent ownership of physical artwork.  How Does NFT Art Work?  Creation and Minting: Artists create digital art and then "mint" these works as NFTs on various platforms or blockchains like Ethereum. Minting involves creating a new block, validating information, and recording the art as a transaction in the blockchain.  Ownership and Authenticity: Once minted, the NFT's metadata (including the artist's signature, the artwork's details, and ownership history) is securely stored in the blockchain. This ensures the authenticity and provenance of the artwork, making it easy to verify its originality and ownership.  Buying and Selling: NFT art can be purchased on numerous online marketplaces. Transactions are usually made using cryptocurrencies. When an NFT is bought, the ownership is transferred to the buyer, and this transaction is recorded on the blockchain, providing a permanent record of the sale.  Royalties: One of the revolutionary aspects of NFTs is the ability for artists to receive royalties automatically. Artists can program in a royalty system to receive a percentage of sales whenever their art is sold to a new owner.  Benefits of NFT Art  Provenance and Authenticity: NFTs provide a secure and transparent way to prove the authenticity and ownership of artwork.  Global Market Access: Artists can reach a global audience, and buyers can purchase from anywhere.  Royalties: Artists can benefit financially from secondary sales of their work.  Innovative Art Forms: NFTs have encouraged new digital art and creativity forms.  Criticisms and Challenges  Environmental Concerns: The energy consumption of blockchain technology and NFT transactions has raised environmental concerns.  Market Volatility: The NFT market can be volatile, with prices fluctuating dramatically.  Copyright and Plagiarism Issues: There have been instances of art being tokenized without the creator's permission.  Future of NFT Art  The world of NFT art is still in its infancy, and its potential is vast. As technology evolves and more artists and collectors embrace NFTs, we may see new forms of art, innovative uses, and solutions to current challenges. Despite the controversies and growing pains, NFT art is paving the way for a new digital creativity and ownership era.  NFT art represents a significant shift in how we perceive and handle digital ownership and art. By leveraging blockchain technology, NFTs provide a secure and transparent method to buy, sell, and collect digital art. While there are challenges to address, the NFT space's potential for growth and innovation is immense, making it an exciting frontier in the art world. As with any emerging technology, artists, collectors, and enthusiasts need to stay informed and engaged with the evolving landscape of NFT art.  Read Also: How The NFT Market Is Developing In 2021 Is there a Place for Bitcoin in the Fashion World? Creating Successful Mobile Games: What You Need to Know

READ MOREDetails