Many of us could stand to do some cleaning up with our credit. However, all too often we think there is not that much we can do. Actually, we have quite a bit of power when it comes to improving our credit scores. Here are ten simple tips on how you can make a positive impact on your credit score. Chances are that at least one tip on how to repair bad credit will be right for your situation, and will hopefully motivate you to try some other ideas as well.

Idea # 10 - Get A Better Paying Job. One of the main reasons that a credit score goes down is because you simply owe too much money when compared to your annual income. One of the best ways to start correcting that situation is to find a job that will allow you to realize more income during the upcoming year. Assuming that your level of indebtedness does not increase, your credit rating will improve, even if you don't make any changes in your spending habits.

Idea # 9 - Make More Than The Minimum Payment. As your credit balances go up, it becomes harder to make more than minimum payments on your credit card accounts. At the same time, your credit rating will go down a few points, even if you are consistently making those minimum payments. In order to bolster your credit rating, always pay more than the minimum amount, even if it is only a few dollars.

Idea # 8 - Curb Your Credit Card Spending. Along with paying more than the minimum amount each month, cut back on how much you use the cards. Chances are this will mean having to cut back on entertainment and eating out, but those are things that most of us could stand to do anyway. Start out by setting a maximum amount that you will allow yourself to charge each week. Calculate this amount by taking the most recent calendar month, adding up all the credit card charges you made, and divide that amount by two. That will be your monthly allotment for credit card purchases. Divide by four and you will have your maximum amount of charging for the week. Do not carry over an unused amount from one week to the next, or you will defeat the whole point of the exercise.

Idea # 6 - Separate Needs From Wants. Many people use credit cards to pay for essentials like groceries or gasoline. That is fine, as long as those expenses are paid in full each month. For the rest of your charges, learn to ask yourself if you really need what you are about to purchase on credit. If you do not need it, but still want it a great deal, ask yourself if you will still want it as much next week or next month. If you cannot honestly say yes, put it back on the shelf and move on.

Idea # 5 - Get A Copy Of Your Credit Report. So many people don't get around to doing this. There is a good chance that something on your credit report is not right and is negatively impacting your credit score. If you don't get the report, you won't know about it until you are turned down for something you really need.

Idea # 4 - Get A Copy Of Your Credit Report From All Three Main Bureaus. Even people who do get one credit report each year often don't get a copy of their credit report and score from each of the three main agencies. It is very possible that there are line items on one report that are not on the others. Looking at one credit report is not enough; get a copy from each bureau and go over it in detail.

Idea # 3 - Correct False Information. If there is anything on any of the three credit reports that are not correct, report it immediately and take the necessary steps to have the information updated. One bad note can knock you out of getting the best mortgage rate, or getting a car loan with the best terms.

Idea # 2 - Pay Off Credit Card Balances At Every Opportunity. Keeping low balances will help to make you more attractive when you need to make a major purchase on credit. If your income is obviously tied up in making a series of payments to ten different credit cards, your chances for getting what you need are much better.

Idea # 1 - Respect Your Credit. The simple fact is that credit is a privilege, not a right. Creditors are not obligated to extend credit to you, and it can be revoked if you choose to abuse it. Failing to treat your creditors with respect and meeting your obligations will only lead to a bad credit score. Limit the amount of credit you use, pay off all accounts in a timely manner, and always remember to be grateful for the credit you have been granted.