How Important is Your Credit Score?
When it comes to understanding personal finances and credit management, nearly 40 percent of homeowners grade themselves as scoring a c, d or f.
We often hear how important it is to have a good credit score but besides paying bills on time, what should we do to establish or improve our credit?
Credit scores exist so potential lenders can decide how much of a gamble they’re making when lending you money – meaning what are the chances you’ll pay them back and on time?
Lenders can be a credit card company, a bank for a car loan, a mortgage company or department store.
And, sometimes potential employers and landlords will use your credit history to make decisions about hiring you or renting you an apartment –and can legally access your credit report.
The credit bureaus, Equifax, Experian and Transunion supply lenders, landlords and employers with your credit history and credit score.
You can go online to request a copy of your credit report at
www.equifax.com
www.experian.com
www.transunion.com