Posts Tagged ‘Credit History’

5 Credit Tips for College Students

Saturday, December 19th, 2009
Some credit tips for college students

 

How we handle our credit determines to a large extent how secure we feel in our lives. College students are no exception to this rule. A large part of our financial lives depends on how good our credit ratings are. However, if students follow the credit tips mentioned below, they are less likely to face any serious problems.

 

1.      Follow a budget

 

Living on a budget is perhaps one of the most important credit tips for college students. . When a month begins, note down all your monthly expenses in the order of what you will need to pay first. Once you have fixed your priorities, pay the items from your income accordingly. Make sure that you do not spend any money on anything outside these categories till you have paid all your expenses first. Budgeting in this way serves another purpose. It increases your understanding of your own financial condition and dissuades you from spending money on unnecessary items. In this way, it reduces the possibility of a credit problem in the future.

 

2.      Begin a credit history

 

In order to begin your credit history, open your savings and checking accounts. In the next step, try using a student credit card – but only to make those purchases that you’d make anyway and then make full payments on time every month with the funds from your checking account. Daily transactions will gradually play a key role in your credit worthiness.

 

3.      One credit card only

 

Using only one credit card is also one of the most important credit tips for students. In fact, more than one credit is not required at all if you use it to make only planned purchases and pay it off every month. Although the limits start off quite low, they go up as you buy things and pay your bills on time. It has been observed over the years that a college student using more than one credit card is more likely to face credit troubles.

 

4.      Be responsible

 

It is also imperative that you act responsibly and pay your credit card bills on time. Remember that any failure to pay your bills on time will damage your credit for several years. So pay earlier if possible, but never late. Try to remain within the limits of your credit card as well.

 

5.      Check credit reports regularly

 

Remember that unscrupulous elements of this world won’t spare you just because you are a student. So make it a point to check your credit report regularly for any irregularities. You are entitled to check your credit report for free every year.

 

So these credit tips should be followed by every student if credit problems are to be avoided in the future.



Break These 5 Financial Habits To Become Debt Free

Tuesday, July 21st, 2009
None of us are perfect when it comes down to bad habits, but some are worse than others; not understanding your debt or finances is one of them. Kicking these bad habits into touch means that you can look towards becoming debt free:

1: Too many credit cards – Did you know that there are more credit cards than people in the UK? According to APACs, at the end of 2007 there were 73m credit and charge cards compared with around 60 million people.

Having too many credit cards means that you have the potential to get into too much debt. Although introductory offers many tempt you in, it is important that you take control of your credit card debt. Start by paying off the highest APR cards means that you can look forward to becoming debt free in a much quicker time.

2: Spending more than you earn – Spending more than you earn by living beyond your means is a financial habit which you need to nip in the bud right now. This is the quickest way to get into debt, especially if you regularly have to relay on your credit card the week before pay day.

3: Missing credit card payments – Always make sure that you meet your credit card, store card or catalogue payments as they fall due. Missing these payments not only means that you will have to pay late fees but any missed payments will also show on your credit file, which could make it more difficult to get accepted for credit in the future.

4: Losing touch of your finances – Being unaware of how much cash you have in the bank to how much debt you have outstanding means that you have lost touch with your finances, which will make it harder to become debt free. Checking your credit report is a good way to see your own credit history.

5: Not seeking debt help when you need it – Sadly debt problems will not sort themselves out, and if you are missing credit card, store card or even mortgage payments then you need to seek help as soon as possible.

Debt Free may be able to offer you one of our debt solutions which could help you to control your debts by reducing the amount that you need to pay to your unsecured creditors. Getting help about your debts mean that, if you qualify, you could look forward to becoming debt free in 60 months with an IVA.