Score Up, Stress Down

Day 17: “Score Up, Stress Down: 7 Steps to Better Credit”

Let’s be real—your credit score is more than a number. It can determine where you live, how much you pay for a car or loan, and even whether you get approved for a business opportunity. But here’s the good news: you have the power to improve it, one step at a time.

Today, let’s break down 7 practical steps to help you take control of your credit and move closer to financial freedom:

Before you can improve your credit, you need to understand where you stand. Think of your credit report and score as your financial report card—it gives lenders, landlords, and sometimes even employers a snapshot of how responsibly you handle credit. Knowing what’s on your report is the essential first step in taking control of your financial life.

What Is a Credit Score?

Your credit score is a three-digit number, typically ranging from 300 to 850, that reflects your creditworthiness. It is calculated based on your credit history, including your payment history, debt levels, length of credit history, types of credit, and recent credit inquiries. The higher your score, the more trustworthy you appear to potential lenders.

Excellent: 750 – 850

Good: 700 – 749

Fair: 650 – 699

Poor: 600 – 649

Very Poor: Below 600

Each credit bureau—Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion—maintains its own report and may calculate your score slightly differently. That’s why your score may vary across platforms.

How to Get Your Credit Report

Federal law allows you to receive a free credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus once per year through:

www.AnnualCreditReport.com

During times of financial hardship (such as the COVID-19 pandemic), free reports may be available more frequently. Check the website for updates.

You can also use free credit monitoring services or banking apps to view your credit score regularly. While these may not be your exact FICO score, they give you a good estimate and alert you to any major changes.

What to Look for on Your Report

When reviewing your credit report, you’re not just checking your score—you’re examining the story behind it. Pay attention to:

Personal Information – Ensure your name, address, and employment history are accurate.

Open and Closed Accounts – Review all listed credit cards, loans, and lines of credit.

Payment History – Look for late or missed payments and verify accuracy.

Balances and Limits – Make sure the balances shown match your actual usage.

Hard Inquiries – These are records of recent applications for credit.

Collections or Public Records – Check for negative items like collections, judgments, or bankruptcies.

Dispute Any Errors

Mistakes happen more often than you think. Errors can lower your score unnecessarily and limit your financial opportunities. If you find inaccuracies:

Gather Documentation – Collect statements or records that support your claim.

File a Dispute Online – Use each credit bureau’s website to submit disputes.

Follow Up – Disputes must be investigated within 30–45 days. Stay on top of responses.

Action Step

Get your free credit reports today from www.AnnualCreditReport.com. Take 30–60 minutes to review each one thoroughly. If you find errors, take immediate action to correct them.

Seven Steps:

1. Know Your Credit Score and Report

Start by pulling your free credit report at AnnualCreditReport.com. Review all three reports for errors or outdated information.

2. Pay Your Bills On Time

Set reminders, autopay, or use budgeting apps. Payment history makes up 35% of your score—it’s the single most important factor!

3. Lower Your Credit Card Balances

Keep your usage below 30% of your available credit. For an extra boost, aim for 10% or less.

4. Keep Older Accounts Open

Even if you don’t use them much, your older accounts add positive credit age to your file. Don’t close them unless necessary.

5. Minimize Hard Inquiries

Only apply for new credit when you need it. Too many inquiries in a short time can lower your score.

6. Add Variety to Your Credit Mix

Lenders like to see a mix—credit cards, loans, etc. Just be careful not to overextend yourself.

7. Use Credit-Building Tools

Secured cards, credit-builder loans, or even becoming an authorized user on someone’s account can all help improve your score.

Final Thoughts

Knowing your credit score and understanding your report puts the power in your hands. You can’t change what you don’t acknowledge—but once you face the facts, you’re already on the road to better credit. Don’t skip this step—it’s the foundation of your financial transformation.

✅ Call to Action

Take inventory today. Choose one of these seven steps to focus on this week. Small, consistent progress leads to big change.

📌 Join the One Eleven Financial Freedom Experience to keep learning, growing, and transforming your money story one step at a time.

🔗 Visit: www.OneElevenExperience.com and stay connected.