Michael Petruccelli asks; What are some tips for giving your credit score a boost? (24)

Michael Petruccelli says;  To keep on top of your credit, once a year you are allowed to get a free copy of your credit report. Here is one site I found, there are others just search free credit report. They will not give you your score they will however give you what is on it.

3 Credit Scores (Free)
View your latest Credit Scores Today in 60 seconds for $0!
FreeScore360.com

Michael Petruccelli asks; What are some tips for giving your credit score a boost? (23)

Michael Petruccelli says;  18. Start early and wait

No matter what any credit repair service tells you, it takes time to turn a blemished credit history around. While some commercial lenders use rapid re-scoring programs, you typically won’t start to see improvements for at least a month, often several. If you’re planning on making a big purchase, start working on your credit six months to a year in advance.

Michael Petruccelli asks; What are some tips for giving your credit score a boost? (22)

Michael Petruccelli says;  Don’t co-sign

When you co-sign a loan, you agree to take on the debt if the borrower stops paying. Don’t risk financial damage for someone-else's gain. Check out Reasons You Shouldn’t Co-Sign That Loan (in my next blog) – and just say no.

Michael Petruccelli asks; What are some tips for giving your credit score a boost? (21)

Michael Petruccelli says;  Find out when your balance is reported

Credit card companies have a “balance date,” or the date they report your balance to the credit bureaus. Not surprisingly, that date is rarely the same day as the date your payment is due. Thus you can pay your balance off in full every month, but your credit report could still reflect a balance. Contact your creditors, ask them when the balance date is, and pay your bill before it.

Michael Petruccelli asks; What are some tips for giving your credit score a boost? (20)

Michael Petruccelli says;  Make sure every company reports

When I was trying to boost my credit score, I contacted every company I paid monthly – including my cell phone provider, cable company, and electric company – and asked them to report my payments to the credit bureaus. Most did, and I saw a small boost in my scores within 60 days. Utility and service providers usually only report nonpayment, but they’ll sometimes report the good stuff  too – if you ask for it.

Michael Petruccelli asks; What are some tips for giving your credit score a boost? (19)

Michael Petruccelli says;  Rehab your student loans

Defaulted student loans hurt your credit score. If you haven’t been paying your student loan on time, contact the lender. Federal student loans are eligible for payment plans. For example, the Income-Based Repayment Plan lets you pay off your loan in monthly installments based on your income level.