April 29, 2025/6 Comments/by Mary Hunt
Just one more word on Credit Management. Mary Hunt is one of my favorites and she gives good advice
Think your credit score doesn’t matter? Oh, friend… it matters more than you might imagine. That three-digit number—somewhere between 300 and 850—can quietly shape your everyday life, from whether you get approved for that cute downtown apartment to what interest rate you’ll pay on your next car loan. It might even play a role in whether you land that dream job. Surprised? You’re not alone. That’s why it’s so important to understand how to improve your credit score—and take steps that truly make a difference.
Here’s the scoop: Your credit score is based on information in your credit report and compared against data from millions of others. It’s calculated using a mostly secret formula (cue the eye roll), but the idea is simple—it’s supposed to predict how likely you are to repay your debts.
And while it may sound like one of those dry, boring financial details, it’s anything but. These days, your score can determine whether you pay a deposit for utilities, how much you shell out in interest, and whether you’re seen as a “safe bet” by lenders and service providers. Even if you’re not planning a major purchase right now, your credit score is still quietly working behind the scenes.
Bottom line: The better your score, the more options (and savings!) you’ll have. People with top-tier scores don’t just get the best deals—they get the best opportunities. The good news? You don’t need to pay anyone to fix it for you. With a little know-how and consistency, you can take control—and I’ll show you how.
Where to Check Your Credit Score for Free
Let’s cut through the clutter: You do not need to pay a dime to check your credit score or your credit reports. And no, you don’t need to give your credit card info “just for verification.” (That’s a red flag, friend.) Here’s what you do need to know:
You can check your credit reports from Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion—all three major credit bureaus—for free, once a week at AnnualCreditReport.com. This site is the only official, government-authorized source for your reports. It’s safe, secure, and doesn’t try to upsell you. You can also request them by phone (1-877-322-8228) or by mail using a simple request form.
Now, your credit report is not the same as your credit score. Think of the report as your financial “transcript,” and the score as the “GPA.” While AnnualCreditReport.com gives you the reports, it won’t always include your score.
One last thing: Beware of imposters. Lots of sites use names that sound almost like the real thing, hoping you’ll mistype and land on their page instead. Always double-check you’re at AnnualCreditReport.com—and never, ever share your Social Security number by email or pop-up ad.
Smart Habits That Improve Your Credit Scores
Yes, credit scores—plural. Whether you know it or not, you’ve got them. In fact, estimates say there are at least 57 different credit scores tied to your name. Thankfully, most of them don’t matter.
What does matter? The FICO Score. That’s the gold standard used by most lenders when deciding whether to approve your application. But even FICO isn’t one-size-fits-all. Major credit reporting agencies (CRAs) like Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion each offer their own FICO-branded versions—so you might see something like “Experian FICO Score” or “FICO Score 8” pop up.
Want to keep tabs on your most important score? You can check it for a small fee at MyFICO.com.
Here’s the good news: No matter your score right now, small smart habits can make a big difference over time.
1. Pay Your Bills on Time—Every Time
Late payments can drag down your score faster than you can say “due date.” Whether it’s a credit card, car loan, or utility bill, payment history carries the most weight when it comes to credit scoring. If you’ve slipped up in the past, don’t panic. Get current and stay current. Lenders like to see forward momentum, even if your past has a few dings.
Bonus tip: Set up automatic payments or calendar reminders to avoid accidental misses.
2. Keep Credit Card Balances Low
This one’s simple math. If you’re using more than 30% of your available credit, lenders may see that as a red flag—even if you’re making payments. This rule applies to each card individually and to your overall total. That means a single maxed-out card could bring down your score, even if your other cards are barely touched. Think of your credit limit as breathing room—using less of it shows you’re managing credit responsibly.
3. Pay Down Debt—Don’t Just Shuffle It
Transferring debt from one card to another or taking out a home equity loan to “pay off” credit cards might feel like progress, but it’s really just moving pieces around the board. The most effective move? Start chipping away at those balances. Getting your revolving debt down to zero not only lifts your score—it can lift a huge weight off your shoulders too.
4. Don’t Close Unused Credit Cards (Yet)
It’s tempting to simplify your wallet by closing old cards, especially if you’re not using them. But hold that thought. If you’re carrying balances elsewhere, closing a card reduces your overall available credit—which makes your credit usage ratio look worse. That can hurt your score.
If you do want to close an account, make sure it won’t shrink your available credit too much—and wait until your balances are paid down.
5. Skip the New Accounts
Opening new credit can ding your score in two ways: a hard inquiry and a drop in your average account age. Unless you’re building credit from scratch or responding to an emergency, resist the urge to open that shiny new card just for the welcome bonus.
6. Let Time Work in Your Favor
One of the most overlooked factors in credit scoring? Account age. That old credit card you opened in college? It’s gold now. The longer your credit history, the more positively it’s viewed by lenders. Keep your oldest accounts open and in good standing.
7. Stay Consistent—It Pays Off
Improving your credit isn’t a sprint. It’s a steady walk down the right path. The more consistent you are—paying on time, keeping balances low, avoiding unnecessary credit—the more your score will reward you. Time really is the secret sauce here.
The best way to boost your credit score is to treat your credit like a long-term relationship. Respect it, nurture it, and it’ll work in your favor.
Help is Available—Here’s Who to Trust
If you’re feeling overwhelmed and just can’t seem to make ends meet, take heart—help is out there. The first step? Don’t ignore the problem. Reach out to your creditors or get in touch with a reputable credit counseling service. While it won’t magically boost your score overnight, getting support now can help you take control, reduce stress, and improve your credit over time.
A Word of Caution
The world of “credit repair” is full of smooth-talking scammers who promise quick fixes and big results. Don’t fall for it. If someone guarantees they can wipe your credit clean or settle your debts for pennies, run the other way.
Here’s Who I Trust
NFCC.org (National Foundation for Credit Counseling) is the only credit counseling organization I recommend. They’re the nation’s first and largest nonprofit financial counseling agency, with a long track record of helping people just like you. And no—asking for help from them will not hurt your credit score.
You can get free or low-cost advice on:
- Credit and debt management
- Bankruptcy
- Housing and mortgages
- Student loans
- Reverse mortgages
Call (800) 338-2227 or visit NFCC.org to connect with a certified counselor near you. Thousands of my readers have found relief and a fresh start through NFCC—and I truly believe they can help you, too.
