Credit Score Ratings: How Can It Truly Affect Me
Not all people understand one of those things that has a gigantic influence on their life, their credit score ratings. They often understand about it after it is too late and pay dearly for it.
You see you start forming your credit rating as soon as you become a regular shopper which for several people is during High School and for most is at least by the time they enter college. The dilemma is that they don't appreciate what this mysterious thing is all about and make decisions that they feel sorry about monetarily. It really is a shame that more of this financial mumbo jumbo isn't taught to people in high school. The problem is that it is not just a problem of young people and so their teachers may not have the foggiest either.
So what are credit score ratings? In detail, it is a number that is used by potentially crucial people in everyone's life. It is used by banks, by credit card companies, by mortgage lenders, by landlords, and by virtually everyone else who can stand to profit from associating themselves with fiscally reliable people. So it is a number that attempts to evaluate how well you use your money. Unfortunately there are things that you can do that don't essentially reflect on your level of responsibility financially but that will damage your score.
For instance applying for too many credit opportunities (i.e. to take advantage of the 10% discount that you get on a purchase for doing so, or to get a free t shirt in college - totally not worth it!). An added thing that will kill a credit score is being late on something. You can just do it one time and take a big hit in your score and a lot of people simply don't understand the kind of effect it will have on their credit rating.
Another issue is disputed charges. Many times a person will be wrongly charged for something or have other disputes about a fee and end up not paying. Often the amount of money in question is not worth the harm that it will do to your credit score and the consequential extra costs that this incurs.
So what are the advantages of having an excellent credit rating ? Well people are more ready to loan you money and on better terms (i.e. lower interest rates, cash back deals, interest free periods, etc.) You are also looked upon more favorably by landlords and other vital service providers. You get better deals on insurance, better interest rates on home mortgages, car loans, and on.
Take my advice and be very aware of your credit rating and work to improve it. Pay your bills on time all the time! Get your score regularly and make sure that it contains no errors.
Borrow only when you need to do and in amounts that fit your needs. Keep track of your spending and spend within your ability. Don't use credit cards unless you are going to pay off the balance each month or you are able to at least make the minimum payments.
By paying your bills on time, not applying for every credit card offered, and keeping track of your credit score ratings, you will have benefits that someone with little or no credit rating may possibly never realize.