Tag: credit score

Personal Finance Advice For Those That Need It

Though financial matters are always a concern, they are usually an unpleasant one. Sometimes it looks like your money is being sucked into a vacuum to pay all of your extra expenses. Regardless of how this happens it is possible to learn how to be more financially stable so that you’re able to save money instead of spend it.

Do not invest any money on something that assures you of more money overnight. Many people get suckered by Internet scams. The majority of your money should be spent making more money, not on learning how to make more money.

Success starts with managing money well. You must invest your capital and protect your profits. When you put some of your profits into capital, this builds a foundation to grow upon. However, when you utilize those profits wisely, you can watch your money grow as return on investment. Decide on a plan ahead of time regarding your profits and capital.

Market trends are important in forex trading. Always be informed, this way you know when is the best time to buy low and when to sell high. Don’t sell in a swinging market of any kind. You must have a goal, and stick to it during these wild trends.

Writing down the amount you spend each day can be helpful in understanding where you spend your money. If you just write this information in a place you do not look at frequently, it may not have a great effect on your behavior. Rather than a notebook, try using a whiteboard that is set up in a room of the house that you spend a lot of time in. This serves a more visible reminder and will help you to stay on track.

Always have a small envelope on your person. It will come in handy for storing business cards, receipts, and other small documents. It’s important to keep these things for future reference. It’s useful to have your receipts if you ever see double charges for a purchase on your credit card statement.

Avoid debt whenever you can. Although there may be times that debt is unavoidable, try your hardest not to rack up high balances on credit cards. The less money you borrow, the less you will have to pay in interest charges and other fees.

Paying in full instead of getting into debt is the better option if you can manage it. Some debt will be unavoidable, like student loans and mortgages, but credit card debt should be avoided like the plague. Learning to live within your means insures a life free of high interest rates and massive debt.

Credit Score

Are you married? Let your spouse apply for loans if he or she has a better credit score than you. Try to improve your own credit by never carrying a balance on at least one of your cards. Once you both have a good credit score, you can both apply for loans and share your debt more evenly.

Now that you have read this article, your unexpected bills and expenses should not be hindering your savings. It may take time in order to improve your finances, but don’t let it get you down. Just like losing weight, success doesn’t come overnight. Keep trying, and eventually you will get the results that you want.

Stop charging the credit cards you cannot afford. Cut expenses in your budget and start using cash so that you don’t wind up with a maxed out credit card. Don’t use your card until your monthly balance has been paid off.

Your Credit Is Important Use These Tips To Repair It

Bad credit can hurt your life in many ways. Bad credit makes it harder to get any type of loan including for a car or house. Neglecting to pay bills on time can cause credit scores to plummet. If you have a credit score below 650, you need to read this article right away.

If you can’t get a normal card due to low credit score, look into a secured card. Most likely, a secured credit card will be easy for you to get, but you have to fund the credit account before you purchase so the bank knows that you won’t miss any payments. If you show a good history of payments with this card, it will help improve your credit standing.

You may be able to reduce interest rates by maintaining a favorable credit rating. By doing this your monthly payments will be easier to afford and your bill will be paid off faster. Get a good offer along with good rates, and you’ll have credit that you can pay off easily, and improve your credit score.

Your interest rate will be lower if you have a good credit score. Doing this can reduce monthly payments, which will assist you in paying off any outstanding debts faster. Get a good offer along with good rates, and you’ll have credit that you can pay off easily, and improve your credit score.

Credit Score

If you credit score is good, you should have no problem purchasing a house and obtaining a mortgage. If you pay your mortgage as agreed, your credit score will rocket into the stratosphere. Owning your own home also improves your credit score in the form of having large assets to borrow against. A good credit score is necessary when you need to take out a loan.

Any company or credit counselor that claims they can erase all negative reports from your credit history should be viewed with some skepticism. All information remains on your credit report for a period of seven years or more. If there is incorrect, negative information, you can get it removed.

You can get a house mortgaged at the snap of a finger if you have a high credit score. If you wish to have an even higher credit score, make sure that you pay your house mortgage off on time. Owning a home shows financial stability, which is great for your credit. This is helpful in case you want to borrow money.

Be very wary of programs that do not sound legal; chances are they aren’t. Sites may act like you can create new credit lines and tell you how to do it. That is illegal and you are going to be caught. Legal ramifications can cost a lot, and you may go to jail.

If you wish to repair your credit, you’ll have to stop spending more than you earn. You you need to rewire your thought process. Many people have acquired debts they can’t pay off, which has affected the amount others will pay to have credit. Instead of spending more than you can afford, take a long hard look at your income and expenses, and decide what you can really afford to spend.

Any person who needs a loan or line of credit to make home repairs, start a business or send their kids to college will need to have a good credit score. You can change your credit situation, if you adhere to the the tips in this article.

If you can afford to pay another monthly bill, an installment account paid on time will increase your credit rating. It is necessary to at least pay the minimum, so insure the account is something that you can pay. If you are able to keep up with one of the accounts, you should see your credit score improving quickly.

Read This Article To Learn About Personal Finances

Do you really want to overhaul your financial life? You can do that, but you are going to need some information and to do some research. Luckily, this article has a lot of information that will put you on the right road.

The key to being successful is learning how to manage your money. Capital that you invest should be well protected. Turning profits into capital allows for growth but those profits must be managed wisely in order for you receive returns from your investment. Set aside a specific percentage of profits earned, and invest the rest in capital that can make you even more profit.

If the timing is wrong for you, avoid selling. If your stock is performing well, hold off on making any moves. If you have stocks in your portfolio that are not performing well, you may wish to change them up a bit.

There is no get-rich-quick scheme that actually delivers. Many novice marketers succumb to this type of gimmick. Instead, continue to educate yourself, implementing your own unique techniques and strategies. You will be sure to enjoy your increasing profits.

Times are tough, try having your savings in different places! Keep some of your money in your savings account and some in your checking account. Invest some in gold, stocks and even in high-interest accounts. Use these ideas to make sure your money is safe.

Credit Score

Do not fall for scams promising you a better credit score by changing your report. Such a practice is absolutely illegal, and these companies are likely to run off with your money before doing anything to help you with your credit score. This is not factual because the afflictions of your credit do not necessarily resemble the credit issues of others. As such, 100% guaranteed results are straight-up fraud.

Keep an eye on world news for key information about global market trends. It’s common for people to ignore news outside their own country, but when it comes to currency trading, this is a bad idea. When you’re aware of what’s going on globally, you’ll be able to make smart predictions about the market and choose your financial strategies wisely.

Work with your bank to establish an automated monthly savings plan that moves regularly scheduled sums from your checking to your savings. This will help you pay yourself and start saving the money you need every month. This may also help you with having money for large events, like vacations or a wedding.

To maintain a good credit score, use more than one credit card. Remember, however, not to go overboard; do not have more than four credit cards. Using a single credit card will delay the process of building your credit, while having a large amount of credit cards can be a potential indicator of poor financial management. Start off with just two different credit accounts and add new ones if and when necessary.

Your car and house are very likely going to be your biggest expenses. A large portion of your budget will likely be devoted towards interest and payments for these items. You can get these paid off more quickly if you pay a little extra every year. You may want to consider using your tax refund to do this.

With the recent downturns in the economy, diversifying your savings across different areas is a smart move. Keep some money in a savings account, some in a checking account, some invested in stocks, some in high-interest accounts, and some in gold. Using a variety of strategies will help you protect the money you have.

You should have changed the way you view your finances after reading this. When you take into consideration all that you have just read and learned, you now know what it takes to manifest a better financial tomorrow. It is time to make the commitment to managing your finances so that your future is secure.

Steps For Your Credit Restoration Success

It doesn’t matter whether you fell victim to people giving out free credit cards, spent too much money or was hit very hard with the recession. Chances are that your credit has been damaged. There are some things you can do to turn your credit around.

An imperfect credit rating can make financing a home even more difficult than normal. If this is the case, you can apply for a loan through the Federal Housing Administration (FHA). The credit requirements for these loans are more lenient than those of conventional lenders, and the federal government also guarantees the loans. Even if the applicant does not have money for closing costs or a down payment, an FHA loan is workable.

You can get a house mortgaged at the snap of a finger if you have a high credit score. Making mortgage payments in a timely manner helps raise your credit score even more. Owning a home provides financial stability which is backed by your asset, the home, and as such, results in great credit. If you have to take out a loan, this will help you.

Any of your credit cards with balances that are above 50% of your overall limit need to be paid off as soon as possible, until the balance is less than 50%. Once your balance reaches 50%, your rating starts to really dip. At that point, it is ideal to pay off your cards altogether, but if not, try to spread out the debt.

Negative Credit

Legitimate negative credit problems can not be easily wiped away from your credit rating, so be wary of companies that promise they can do so. Negative credit information remains on your record for up to seven years. Items that you can get taken off your record are those that have been reported incorrectly or unfairly.

If you are looking into a credit counselor, be sure to find out information about them before you choose to use them. Many companies are legitimate and hold your best interests as a priority, but some are outright scams. Others are outright scams. It is smart to verify the legitimacy of credit counselors prior to getting involved with them.

The higher your credit score, the lower the interest rate that you can obtain will be. This allows you to eliminate debt by making monthly payments more manageable. Make sure to use a company that gives you the best rates so your bill isn’t being built up by money you haven’t even spent.

If you want to fix your credit it can seem like a lot to handle, if you work hard you can do it the right way. Use what you have read here to get back on track with your credit.

Stumped By A Debt Consolidation Problem? We’ll Solve It For You

If you have debt it can be overwhelming. There is no need to deal with suffering anymore. You have a solution readily available. The only thing you need is a bit of education, patience, time and persistence. Read more here about debt consolidation. It’ll help you move forward in ways that you may never have considered.

If you’re checking out debt consolidation, don’t think that a non profit company is going to be cheaper or better than other companies. That term is frequently used by predatory lenders that want to give you bad loan terms. Try to seek out a personal recommendation or look up companies on the BBB website.

When you are deciding with company to use for your debt consolidation, take a long-term view. You want a company that is willing to work with you later on as well as in the short-term. You want a company that also offers financial education to help steer you away from this bad debt situations in the future.

Read through your credit reports closely. You have to know why you are in this position to start with. That ensures you won’t get into debt again.

Refinancing your primary residence can often be the best option for providing money to pay off high interest debt. Mortgage rates currently sit at historic lows, so now is a great time to consolidate in this way. You might even have a lower mortgage payment.

Get a loan to repay debts, and then discuss settlement offers with your creditors. Use the loan to make lump sum payments that have been negotiated with your creditors. This can actually help your credit score.

Check out all the companies in your area to find the best office of consumer credit counseling near you. They can teach you how to control your spending while also consolidating your debts. In addition, this type of service will not impact your credit score to the degree that other debt consolidation services will.

Make sure that your debt consolidation firm will help you with long-term finances. You’ll want to find out if the company will be able to help you later on. This includes offering courses on budgeting or debt counselors.

Find out if your chosen debt consolidator is also a licensed credit counselor. Check with the NFCC if you’d like to find counselors and companies that have a good reputation. This way you can be sure you are working with a legitimate company.

Highest Interest

You can use what is called a snowball tactic to pay down your debt. Start with your highest interest credit card and concentrate on paying it off quickly. Once the highest interest charge card is paid off, then go on to the next high interest debt. This option is probably one of the best ones.

Let creditors know when you’re working with credit counselors of a debt consolidation service. Some creditors will work with you to lower your interest or adjust payments as necessary. This will help to take the stress and tension away from your life. If you show them you are trying, they might want to help you out.

Before you look into debt consolidation you should try negotiating with some of your lenders. For instance, ask the credit card company to consider lowering your interest if you close the account. Asking them can’t hurt because they would rather have something than nothing.

If you’re trying to find a place that gives you the option to consolidate your debts, be sure you’re able to spend the time needed to do some research. Check with the Better Business Bureau and other consumer watchdog groups to ensure that you do not entrust your finances to folks with bad reputations or who have a history of not fulfilling their obligations to clients.

Debt can be overwhelming. Do your homework and see how you have gotten into your present predicament. Using these tips can help you escape debt quickly.

Home owners can refinance their mortgage to pay down their debts. Since mortgage rates are showing historical lows, this could be a great solution. In addition, you may find that refinancing may even provide a lower mortgage payment than before.

How You Can Better Manage Your Personal Finances

Personal financial circumstances can often be the cause of great worry and concern. Some people know how to keep their finances in good order, but others have a hard time. In spite of the reality that some people are naturally more skilled at handling their finances then others, with the right knowledge, and a little hard work, anyone can learn to improve their personal finances. This article will help you develop a better relationship with money.

If you are trying to get the best credit score, you shouldn’t have more than four credit cards. It can take quite some time to establish a satisfactory credit score if you only utilize one credit card, but if you use more than four, you are unable to handle your finances in an efficient manner. If you want to build credit, keep two cards and don’t add others unless necessary.

The largest purchases that you will probably ever make in your lifetime are your home and vehicle. Payments on your home and car are almost certain to make up the majority of each month’s budget expenses. Pay them down quickly by sending in extra payments or you can use your tax refund money to make the balance go down.

Stop wasting money on get rich quick schemes that promise you a fortune. Don’t waste your money on a program consisting of nothing but empty promises. Learn as much as you can, but rather than constantly spending money on books and seminars, put that knowledge to work.

Health Insurance

Make sure you have adequate health insurance coverage. Even when you take precautions, there’ll eventually be a situation that requires you to need a doctor. For this reason, it is vital to have good health insurance. Before you know it, a stay in the hospital, as well as doctor’s bills, can reach tens of thousands of dollars. Without insurance, this can be quite a burden.

Take advantage of alert services that many banks offer to online customers. Many banks will notify you when changes are made to your account, often through text or email messages. Low balance alerts and large withdrawal alerts can help protect you from overdraft and fraud, for example.

To be successful, you have to be good at managing money. You should invest your capital and protect your profits. You will see a return on your investments by managing profits. Set a rule for what profits you keep and what profits go into capital.

Buying a car is an extremely large financial decision, and you should not approach it lightly. The best way to find a reasonable price for an automobile is by shopping at the dealers nearby. If none of the prices are to your liking, get online.

Instead of wasting money every month in an attempt to win the lottery, invest money into a high yield savings account or other investment option. This is a guaranteed way to ensure you have money.

Try making your own Christmas gifts instead of wasting all your money on store bought things. You’ll stay out of department stores and save a ton of money. You will increase your net worth and reduce your overall cost with creativity.

When you do Forex trading, keep an eye on the trends. You must keep up to date on the movement of the market so that you are able to buy at the lowest point possible, but sell when profits are the highest. Don’t sell in a swinging market of any kind. Understand what you are attempting to achieve if you choose to go against the trends.

Keeping money in line is one of the most important things! What once seemed impossible should now feel more obtainable to you. By applying the information we share here, you will become better able to order your personal finances.

Can These Credit Score Repair Tips Change Your Life? YES!

A bad credit score is a source of stress. Poor choices in your past can really come back to haunt you. Rebuilding your credit is a challenging process, but it can be done. This article contains advice that will help you.

Creating a payment plan and sticking with it is just the first step to getting your credit on the road to repair. Making changes to become a wise spender means you have to make a budget and rules, then follow them. Be sure to buy only the things that you need. When considering a purchase, ask yourself if the purchase is necessary and affordable, if you answer yes to both, you should buy it.

Regular Card

If you are buying a home it will not always be easy, and even more difficult if your credit is bad. If you do have poor credit, try to get a FHA loan because there is a guarantee that it will be given to you. FHA loans are great for the individuals that do not have the financial capability to make down payments.

If you are unable to get a new card because of your bad credit, try to apply for secured cards. These are extremely easy to qualify for. A secured credit card looks just like a regular card, and works like a regular card, but you have to have the necessary money in an account to guarantee payment. A new credit card, used responsibly, will help repair your credit rating.

It’s easy to lower your interest rate by ensuring your credit score is high. Monthly payments are easier this way, and you can pay off your unpaid debt. Obtaining lower interest rates will make it easier for you to manage your credit, which in turn will improve your credit rating.

It is easy to get a mortgage for a house if your credit score is good. Paying down your mortgage improves your score as well. When you own your own home it shows that you have assets and financial stability. If the need arrives to obtain a loan for any reason, this will be a valuable asset for you.

Having a lower credit score can lower your interest rate. It will lower your monthly payments, so your debt will be taken care of at a much quicker rate. Get a good offer along with good rates, and you’ll have credit that you can pay off easily, and improve your credit score.

Start paying on bills to help your credit. To help your credit, you should be paying the full amount owed within the time allowed. As soon as you have cleared those old debts, you will see an immediate improvement in your credit score.

Working closely with the credit card companies can ensure proper credit restoration. This will assure them that you want to handle your debt and keep you from getting even further behind. Don’t be afraid to ask for alterations in interest rates or dates of payment.

Following the advice given here will go a long way towards building the credit score that you want. Most importantly, you want to have a consistent plan and stick to your commitments. Fixing a credit problem is far from impossible, and the faster you get to it, the better your results will be.

In order to start repairing your credit, you need to start paying your bills. You should always make an effort to pay your bills on time and in full. You will immediately see changes in your credit score when you begin to pay off your debts, especially those that are active.

The Ins And Outs Of Bank Cards

It’s always handy to carry a little cash, but more and more, charge cards are becoming the standard way of purchasing things. As banks make it harder on you with fees on your debit cards and accounts, a lot of people only use bank cards for everything. Continue to read this article to learn more about the blooming world of charge cards.

It is a smart idea to have a couple of charge cards. This will help build your credit score, especially if you are able to pay the cards in full every month. If you have too many cards open at a time, it may be difficult for you to find a loan, as too many cards on your credit report can be a red flag to lenders.

Immediately report any fraudulent charges on a credit card. This gives the credit card companies the most opportunity to catch the person responsible. It also ensures you are not responsible for any charges made on the lost or stolen card. Any charges that you did not make need to be reported to your credit company with a phone call or a high priority email.

Make sure you have the money to pay for any charges you make on your credit cards. It is acceptable to use your credit to make purchases that you will be able to pay off later, but do not make large purchases that could put you in a financial bind.

In terms of a retail store’s credit options, you should never get a card with them unless you’re a loyal, regular customer. When you apply for store charge card, an inquiry is noted on your credit bureau report whether you are approved or not. A lot of inquiries from stores can lower your credit rating.

Credit Score

Pay for your credit card on time every month so that you can maintain a high credit score. Late payments can cost you a lot in fees. and in the hit to your credit score. You can save a lot of trouble by setting up automatic payments.

Whenever you see fraudulent charges on your statement, make a report right away. If you do so, it will be more likely that the thief is caught. By doing this you also are less likely to be held responsible for any transactions made from the thief. A quick call or simple email may be all that is required for you to report a fraudulent charge.

Fees from going over the limit want to be avoided, just as late fees should be avoided. Both are high fees and going over your limit will also damage your credit score. Watch this carefully so that you aren’t going over the limit for your credit.

Don’t automatically run out and get a bit of plastic as soon as you are of age. Though this is commonly done, it is important to educate yourself thoroughly on charge cards before jumping in. See what it is to be an adult before you jump head first into your first credit card.

Watch the terms and conditions on your credit card accounts carefully. Now days, many credit card companies will change their terms with short notice. The statements that most apply to you are typically hidden within confusing words and phrases. Be sure to read through everything to see the changes that may affect you, like rate adjustments and additional fees.

A co-signer may be an option to consider if you have no established credit. A co-signer could be a trusted friend, sibling or parent and anyone that already has established credit. They have to understand that they will sign a document stating that if you fail to pay your credit card, they will be responsible for the balance. This is one method that is effective in helping individuals to obtain their first card so that they can start building credit.

Debit Cards

A multitude of consumers have elected to go with charge cards over debit cards because of the fees that banks are tying to debit cards. Given the growth and expansion of this area, you too can benefit from the advantages that charge cards have to offer. Use what you have read in this article and you can make the most out of them.

Get Out Of The Bad Credit Trap With These Easy Tips!

Are you struggling because you have bad credit? Millions of adults have experienced a severe drop in their credit score. This article will teach you how to protect and improve your credit.

Getting home financing is no small feat, especially if your credit score is less than perfect. FHA loans might be a good option to consider in these circumstances, as they are backed by our federal government. If you do not have a down payment or money for closing, consider a FHA loan

Credit Card

You may be able to get a secured credit card even if your poor credit has prevented you from getting other credit cards. This card is very easy to get, because you put money into an account ahead of time and then spend from that, so the bank doesn’t have to worry about not getting their money. If you get a new card and use it responsibly, it will help to improve your credit score.

If you need a credit card to aid in fixing your credit but you cannot obtain one due to the state of your credit, applying for a secured credit card is an option. With a secured card, you have to fund your account before you use the card so that the bank will be assured that you will pay off your debts. Limited spending and regular payments can turn a new credit account into a valuable credit restoration tool.

When you have better credit, you will be offered lower interest rates on loans and credit cards. This will help you afford your payments, and get out of debt quickly. Getting better interest rates leads to an easily maintainable good credit score.

With a good credit score, you can easily buy a house and mortgage it. When your mortgage is paid in full, you will be rewarded with increased scores on your credit file. When you are a home owner you will be financially stable based on what you own. Having a home also makes you a safer credit risk when you are applying for loans.

Opening an installment account is one way to improve your credit score. An installment account requires a monthly payment, make sure you can afford it. Keeping an installment account will help your credit score.

Interest Rates

Getting a reduced interest rate is the easiest way to reduce your overall debt. When a creditor hits you with incredibly high interest rates, you may have a case for negotiating to a lower amount. Keep in mind that you did sign a contract agreeing that interest rates were acceptable. If you’re going to try taking your creditors to court, make sure you can prove the interest rates they charged were excessively high.

If an action can result in imprisonment, draw the line. A common scam involves teaching you how to make a completely new, albeit fraudulent, credit file. Do not attempt this because it’s illegal; you will not be able to avoid getting caught. The legal proceedings will be costly, and you may even be sent to jail.

When starting to repair your credit, pay your bill on time from now on. You need to pay your bills off on time; this is very important. As soon as you start paying off your bills so that they are not late, your credit score will immediately start going up.

Before you sign any debt settlement, research what effects it will have on your credit score. There are ways that are less damaging than others, that is why it is important to research about it before starting an agreement with creditors. Some of these creditors are only concerned about getting their money, and not how it will affect your credit.

Don’t spend more than you make each month. You will need to change the way you think about spending money. In recent years, easy credit has made it very fashionable for people to purchase the things that they cannot afford, and everyone is now beginning to pay the hefty price tag. Review your budget and look at what you can spend each month without using more money than you have coming in.

Credit Score

When you are trying to fix your credit record, call your creditors and make payment arrangements that will benefit both of you. Maintaining contact shows your good faith and can help you minimize further debt. Politely ask if it is possible to have your minimum monthly payment adjusted or due date changed.

It is understandable if you are frustrated about your credit score. Use these tips to change all that. These tips are a parachute for your plummeting credit score.

Some of The Best Ways To Repair Your Credit

Having bad credit can be stressful and annoying. It’s one of the main stumbling blocks to a successful life. You may find yourself boxed with fewer choices when it comes to financial freedom. Here are a few steps you can take to restore and protect your credit score.

The higher your credit score, the lower the interest rate that you can obtain will be. This can help lower your monthly payments, and help you pay them off quicker. Obtaining lower interest rates will make it easier for you to manage your credit, which in turn will improve your credit rating.

Interest Rates

If you have credit cards with a utilization level over 50%, then pay them down until they are below 50% utilization. Any time you exceed 50% of your credit limit, your credit rating is affected. Pay off credit cards as fast as you can, or spread the debt out further.

If your debt includes large amounts for interest charges contact the debt collector and see whether you can pay the original debt and avoid some of the additional interest charges. The incredibly high interest rates can get challenged and reduced in some situations. On the other hand, you’re likely bound by a contractual agreement to pay any interest charged by lenders. You need to be able to prove the interest rates are too high if you want to sue your lenders.

Legitimate negative credit problems can not be easily wiped away from your credit rating, so be wary of companies that promise they can do so. Bad marks on your report will not go away for seven years. If the information is an error, the credit report can be corrected.

Credit Counselor

If you don’t want to pay too much at a time, you can avoid paying higher interest rates than you started with. Creditors are skirting aspects of the law when they hit you with high interest rates. On the other hand, you’re likely bound by a contractual agreement to pay any interest charged by lenders. The only way you are legally able to sue the creditors is if you are able to prove that your interest rates are much too high.

If you are looking into a credit counselor, be sure to find out information about them before you choose to use them. Many counselors are honest and helpful, but others may be less interested in actually helping you. There are many scams out there. Before you conduct any business with a credit counselor, check into their legitimacy.

Contact the credit card company and ask to get your card limit lowered. You will not be able to spend too much and they will see that you are responsible.

Use these and other tips to improve and maintain a credit score. A high credit rating is essential for most people, so learning about repairing your credit is hardly a waste of time.

One of the first steps of improving your credit score is ensuring that your bills are always paid. You should pay your bills in full each month. Do not let them fall behind again and get yourself in trouble. Your credit score starts to improve immediately upon paying off some of your past due bills.