Priority #1: Pay down the highest interest rate accounts first.
Doesn't matter what the amount is. I'm sure you would rather be paying down a debt than applying money to interest each month. Start with the accounts that have the highest interest rates and tackle them first. Then move on to the next one.
Keep in mind the 50% rule. Keep revolving account balances at no more than 50% of the total credit limit. In this economy that's easier said that done but doing so will produce a better credit score. Regardless, pay off the highest interest rates first. Then tackle the rest of your debt accordingly.
Priority #2: Don't add any more debt.
Probably the most important part of the plan to raise your credit scores. Old habits die hard, emergencies pop up that swallow money that otherwise would go towards reducing your debt. Credit cards that should be used sparingly can quickly add up. If you can't afford it, don't buy it.
Priority #3 Negotiate better terms with your credit cards
You'll never know unless you ask. Often times credit card companies will reduce your interest rates if you ask. I recently received some convenience checks in the mail from one of my credit cards companies offering a lifetime rate of 3.99%. I quickly called and asked if I could simply have my current balance lowered and they obliged. Wow. All I did was pick up the phone.
Priority #4 Pay extra on secured debts
Secured debts are things like your home, car, boat or other assets that secure your loan. Credit cards are not secured and therefore not tied to any particular asset. Secured debts are usually for large amounts and as a result take longer to pay for. The interest charges on a $100,000 mortgage over 30 years at 6.75% is 133,493.82. Making extra payments on a secured debt such as your mortgage has the potential to really work in your favor. You'll pay your loan off sooner and free up extra money for the finer things in life.
All of this is easier said than done. Watch and track all of your cash expenditures. Be mindful of how much you are spending on things like groceries and dining out. You'll be amazed to see just how much you can save.
To Improve My Credit Score
The attitude towards bankruptcy is changing gradually today. As more and more people go for bankruptcy filings, it is no more looked at as something negative. When the debtor is unable to pay back his or her loans they go for bankruptcy filing. This is basically telling the court that he or she does not have any resources to payback one's debts. Both individuals and companies are allowed to file bankruptcy in the federal court. Sometimes bankruptcy filing can also be initiated by the creditors so as to retrieve as much money as possible from their debtors who is unable to payback their loan.
Once bankruptcy is filed it goes on to your records and your credit score drops down drastically. In order to get your credit score back to normal there should be some kind of bankruptcy repair strategy that has to be applied. Without any initiative from your end for bankruptcy repair, your credit score will be completely ruined.
Once bankruptcy is filed, it creates a negative impression in ones credit records which stays for a minimum of seven years. You will not be able to get that easily another credit card or another loan until your credit reports talk of your bankruptcy. If you make consistent effort towards bankruptcy repair and improve your credit score you will certainly be able to attract credit card and banks.
Many soon after their bankruptcy trauma tend to keep quite about their credit score because they realize that their report will continue to bear the negative remark irrespective of the efforts. However, this would be a negative approach; if you wait for the entire 7 years to pass by before you take any positive step towards your bankruptcy repair then you will be totally condemned by the bankers. The right time to start working on your credit score is immediately after your bankruptcy filing.
If you think it is too difficult to handle it all by yourself, you can approach an experienced attorney who can assist you with your bankruptcy repair process. Or you can select one of the many credit score repair programs those are available today. When you start working on your credit score, secure a copy of your credit report which will give you a clear understanding of where to start and how to avoid the mistakes you did in the past.
There might even be some discrepancies in your credit report which would need to be attended immediately. This is also a type of bankruptcy repair which would make the process simple. Everything possible from your end should be done so as to see some results. The faster the process is started; the better would be the situation.
Though you may not be able to get an unsecured credit card, you will be able to get a secured credit card. Your credit score soon after bankruptcy filing would have dropped drastically which will bar you from getting a unsecured credit card until your bankruptcy repair strategies start working. Getting a secured credit card will give you a chance to start building a good report.
Every little effort you make towards bankruptcy repair will reflect in your credit report. As you build your credit score gradually, try to show your creditors that you can be trusted again. This can be done by repaying your bills promptly and regularly. Do not indulge in anything that would put you back to the bankruptcy mode.
After a while when the bankruptcy repair strategy starts working, you can apply for an unsecured credit card or car loan. This would help you in getting the feedback from the bank. Be prepared even if the application should get rejected. Understand the fact that your credit score is still weak. Try to strengthen the credit score with stringent bankruptcy repair strategies. Making sure that you have enough payback capacity, try applying again. Once the application is approved, you would know that you have built the trust again.
Both John Rasor & Cody Blackstone are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
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