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How to Build Good Credit

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Submitted By mtyler984
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I. 740 is the new 720! While the median FICO score in America is still 720, many lenders have now set the bar 20 points higher (money.msn.com, 2010). A. Fair Isaac, the credit rating agency behind the FICO score says that 13% of Americans have credit scores of 800 or better (money.msn.com, 2010). Ask yourself is your credit score near that lofty mark? B. If not, today I’m going to talk about some steps such as credit reports, how to stabilize your credit profile, the reason why lenders say “no”, and also improvement in your credit scores.
(Transition: Now I’m going to talk about credit reports.) II. The top 3 credit bureau are Equifax, Trans-Union, and Experian (bankrate.com, 2008). A. You will need a credit reports from each of them, because creditor doesn’t have to report to all three credit bureaus. (bankrate.com, 2008). B. Look for errors on your credit reports such as information about you is out of date or just plain wrong (bankrate.com, 2008 C. Accounts histories can be inaccurate, and sometimes people make typing mistakes (bankrate.com, 2008). D. If there are some errors you see on your credit report you can use the dispute form to report mistakes or write a letter detailing them (bankrate.com, 2008).
(Transition: Now I’m going to talk about how to stabilize your credit profile.) III. Yet over time, credit generally gives more weight to the consistency of credit payment then to disruptive events. So consistency is key. A. Plan to solve any immediate crises in your finical life. As for debts, pays off the smallest first, then the next smallest and so forth as you finances allow in the coming months and years (bankrate.com, 2008). B. Negotiate with any collection agencies and demand a statement in writing showing that you have paid in full (bankrate.com, 2008). C. Stay on the radar of credit card companies.

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