If your credit is not as good as you want it to be, take action now! It's easier than you think to improve your credit. With the right mix of good payments and debt management, you will see positive changes in your credit report in as little as six months. Diana Dezso, credit expert at ACCION, offers the following “recipe” for improving your credit history. Like any good meal, it takes a little time and a lot of patience, but the payoff will be worth the effort!



• Pay bills on time. If you're only going to do one thing to improve your credit, pay your bills on time! You can begin to improve your credit history immediately by making at least the minimum payments on time. Within a few months it will be obvious that you are managing your credit responsibly and your credit report will be stronger.

• Use credit sparingly. The golden rule is to spend no more than a third of your income on all debt, including mortgages, credit cards and consumer loans. Try to use credit cards only for purchases that have long-term value, such as furniture, medical care, or emergency repairs. Depending on credit cards for everyday frills like dining out and entertainment is recipe for credit disaster.

• Correct mistakes. Your credit is a reflection of the information in your credit report. If your credit report contains negative information, it will negatively impact your credit regardless of whether or not the information is accurate. Review your reports from all three credit bureaus for accuracy once a year as well as several months before applying for a loan.

• Pay off old debts. Make arrangements to pay off all existing debt. Establish a written payment plan and when account is paid off; be sure to get a letter from the creditor that updates your credit bureau record.

• Pay more than the minimum required. When you pay only the minimum due each month, you end up paying a lot of money in interest charges.

• Do not max out credit cards – use only 30-50% of available revolving credit.

Now sit back, relax, and enjoy the benefits that a positive credit history offers.