Guerilla Credit-Building Secrets
with pretty much all creditors. After all, it can’t hurt to ask! And did you know that checking on the score actually hurts it? No, really — the more times your score is checked, the lower your score will be. This is especially true when others run credit checks on you. That means that a good way to have great credit is to avoid situations where your credit will be checked. For example, if you move homes but still are covered by the same utility companies, you should try to hang on to your old accounts instead of opening new ones, which requires a credit check. From water and gas to cable and internet, it’s worth it to hang on to your old accounts. Here’s another sneaky way to boost credit. Turn in your library books on time! That’s right, even the library is against you when it comes to credit scores. Late books mean
Does your credit score give you ulcers? If so, you’re not alone. According to Forbes.com, nearly one-third of Americans have credit scores lower than 601, which is the line between “okay” and “bad” credit. You’re also not without options, and we’re not talking about the same tired credit- building advice you always hear. These tips are on the down-low, but they’ll take your credit sky-high. Want a better score? Have you tried asking? No, it’s not a joke. Let’s say you missed a payment on your car, but you caught up the next month, and it’s all taken care of — except for the ding on your credit score. Ouch. But you can still get that ding repaired. All you have to do is ask, in a goodwill letter to the company or bank that loaned you the money for the car. It helps if you’re polite and haven’t missed past payments, but you can try this
fines, and those fines will lower your credit if they get taken to collections. You don’t want that, so take your books back before they’re overdue. Last but not least, as tempting as it is to close out old lines of credit — especially after struggling to pay them off — it’s better for your score if you leave them open. You don’t have to use them, but you’ll see a dip in your credit score if you totally shut them down. As good as it feels to be rid of old debts, you don’t want to do all that work and still have bad credit!
Take a
RECIPE
Break
SENSATIONAL Summer Salad
It’s officially the season of salads, and fruit salads are summer’s specialty! Enjoy this tasty dish as a side or main course. For some added protein, toss in a handful of slivered almonds or chopped pecans.
INGREDIENTS:
• 1 pound strawberries, thinly sliced • 3 medium peaches, thinly sliced • 1 cup blueberries 1. In a medium serving bowl, combine the strawberries, peaches, blueberries, and basil. 2. Drizzle lemon juice, maple syrup, and balsamic vinegar on top. DIRECTIONS:
• 1 heaping tablespoon fresh basil or mint, chopped • 2 tablespoons lemon juice • 1 tablespoon maple syrup • 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar 3. Gently toss to combine. 4. Serve immediately or chill for later.
Recipe inspired by CookieAndKate.com.
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