Learn The Credit Game to Win Big

Ready to Score Big with Credit? Here's How to Get in the Game!

Yes, credit is nothing more than a game between the lenders, the credit bureaus and you…

and sometimes the deck is stacked against you.

But, the dirty little secret about credit is that It’s more than just playing the game…

you gotta know the rules better than your opponent.

We are here to even the score and give you a better chance than ever to not only know the game better than your opponents, but to take advantage of the rules and win!

Solid Payment History = Big Rewards

Consistent on-time payments show you're a responsible borrower, leading to approvals and lower interest rates.

No Credit History? No Problem!

We've got options to help you build credit from scratch.

Low Score Holding You Back?

Don't worry, we have solutions to get your score moving in the right direction.

The offers below are your game plan for credit success, no matter your starting point.

Ready to take control and unlock a brighter financial future? Let's get started!

Tips and Tricks

+ Keep Your Seasoned Credit Cards. Here's Why +

Closing unused credit cards might seem tempting, but it can hurt your credit score in two ways:

Credit History Matters: The longer your credit history, the better. Keeping older accounts open helps maintain a strong average age for your credit lines.

Total Credit Limit Impact: Even unused credit cards contribute to your total credit limit. Closing them can decrease this limit, potentially increasing your credit utilization ratio (amount of credit used compared to total limit). This ratio is a key factor in your score, and keeping it low is ideal.

Although having a strong payment history is important, having a long credit history is important as well and they usually go hand-in-hand.

Did you know? The length of credit history makes up approximately 15% of a credit score and your payment history makes up about 35% of a credit score. Now, a well-seasoned credit card with an excellent payment history, when added together, amounts to about 50% of a credit score!

So, unless there are annual fees or other downsides, consider keeping those old credit cards open. They can silently work in the background to improve your credit health.

+ Streamline Your Payments & Breathe Easier: Set Up Autopay +

Autopay is your secret weapon against missed payments. It automatically deducts your loan and credit card bills from your checking account on their due dates, eliminating the worry of forgotten payments and potential credit score dips. Plus, you free up mental space to focus on other ways to boost your credit!

Here's why autopay is a win-win:

Effortless Payments: Never miss a due date again. Autopay handles it all!

Reducing your credit utilization ratio (The amount of credit you’re using compared to your limit)

Protect Your Credit Score:Avoid late payments that can drag down your score.

Peace of Mind: Focus on your goals, knowing your bills are covered.

Wait! Before you utilize autopay: Ensure sufficient funds in your checking account to avoid costly overdraft fees, funds that can be going towards paying down your debt.

+ Master Your Credit Utilization +

Conquering credit card debt is a major financial victory, but there's another smart strategy to consider: the power of paying your balance in full every month. Here's why it's a double win for your credit score and your wallet:

Boost Your Credit Utilization: Credit utilization ratio, the percentage of your available credit limit you're using, is a major factor in your credit score. By paying your balance in full each month, you keep your utilization low, which is a major credit score positive. Think of it as using a small portion of your credit line responsibly, demonstrating your financial control.

Avoid Interest Charges: Credit card interest rates can be brutal. Paying your balance in full eliminates those pesky charges, saving you money in the long run. Imagine all the extra money you can put towards your savings goals or debt repayment!

The goal:

Keep it below 30% to show lenders you're responsible. Aim for the single digits for an optimal score!

Prioritize high-interest debt: Pay down credit cards first (they're usually more expensive than loans!). This saves you money and boosts your credit score – double win!

Making it Happen:

Track Your Spending: Monitor your spending habits and adjust your budget accordingly to ensure you can realistically pay off your balance each month.

Automate Payments: Set up automatic payments to cover your minimum balance, then make an additional payment to reach zero. This ensures you never miss a due date and helps you stay on track.

Remember: While paying off your balance in full is ideal, prioritize tackling high-interest debt first. Once that's under control, focus on making full payments on all your cards to maximize credit score benefits and save money on interest.

+ Jumpstart Your Credit Score with a Credit-Builder Loan +

Struggling to establish credit or rebuild from past missteps? A credit-builder loan might be the key to unlocking your financial future. Here's why:

Building Blocks for Success:

Credit-builder loans offer a unique opportunity to simultaneously save money and build a positive credit history. You'll make fixed monthly payments over 6 to 24 months, just like a typical loan.

The twist? The money you pay is actually secured in a savings account you can access once the loan term is complete. It's like a forced savings plan that works in your favor!

Boosting Your Score:

The real magic happens with your credit report. As you consistently make on-time payments, the lender reports this positive activity to credit bureaus. This can significantly improve your credit score, opening doors to better loan rates, lower insurance premiums, and even easier apartment approvals.

Double Win:

With a credit-builder loan, you win twice. You develop a responsible credit history while simultaneously saving money for future goals. It's a win-win for your financial well-being!

Building credit from scratch or repairing past mistakes? A credit-builder loan can be your secret weapon!

Here's the deal: You make fixed monthly payments for 6 to 24 months, building a positive payment history with the lender.

The twist? The borrowed money sits safely in a savings account you access at the loan's end. It's like saving while building credit!

Bonus: On-time payments get reported to credit bureaus, potentially boosting your score!

We have partnered with a credit loan builder program called Self. You are welcome to click here to visit Self, or feel free to visit our Build Your Credit Page by clicking here for other options that can help you build your credit score.

+ Secured Credit Cards: Your Stepping Stone to Better Credit +

Looking for a way to build credit? A secured credit card can be your perfect starting point!

Here's how it works:

Make a deposit (typically around $200): This deposit becomes your credit limit – think of it as your "skin in the game."

Use the card responsibly: Just like a regular credit card, but focus on paying your balance in full to avoid interest charges.

Build a positive payment history: On-time payments get reported to credit bureaus, which can help improve your credit score over time.

Potential upgrade: Responsible use might lead your issuer to upgrade you to an unsecured card with a higher credit limit in the future!

Secured cards are a great option because:

They allow you to build credit even with limited credit history.

They help you practice responsible credit card use.

We have partnered with multiple secured credit card and debit card programs. You can find all of our options by visiting our Build Your Credit Page or by clicking here for our partnered secured cards as well as other options that can help you build your credit score.

+ Boost Your Credit with Authorized User Status (But Choose Wisely!) +

Did you know you can piggyback on someone's good credit history? Let’s answer some questions you may have:

What is an authorized user?

Being an authorized user means you're an extra person allowed to use someone's credit card, whether it is a trusted friend or family member. You'll get your own card linked to their account, but they're ultimately responsible for the bill.

What are the responsivities of the authorized user?

Being an authorized user on a credit card comes with perks but no responsibility for the bill. You can use the card to make purchases, but the primary cardholder is the one on the hook for payments, rewards, and managing the account entirely.

That said, just because you're not liable doesn't mean you should treat the card like a free-for-all. It's important to be financially responsible and communicate a clear plan with the primary cardholder to pay your balance in full each month.

The good news is, you don't even have to use the card yourself to benefit! Just being linked to an account with a good payment history can give your credit score a boost. So, even if you don't get your own physical card, being an authorized user can still be a valuable tool.

How does being an authorized user affect your credit?

Becoming an authorized user lets you leverage someone else's good credit history, potentially boosting your own score. However, it's crucial to choose wisely. Only consider accounts with holders boasting excellent (800-850) or good credit (670-799). Remember, most issuers report authorized user activity to credit bureaus (Experian, Equifax, TransUnion), but confirm this with your issuer directly.

How to become an authorized user?

Getting added as an authorized user is usually a quick and easy process initiated by the primary cardholder. They can do it online, through the bank's mobile app, or by phone, typically taking just a few minutes. The new card will likely arrive at the primary cardholder's address, although some issuers might offer the option to send it directly to you.

Important: If you have access to the card, I suggest that you do not use it. It may cause a bigger issue if the primary cardholder trusts you enough to add you to their account only for you to incur additional debt. This is a sure-fire way to ruin a relationship.

Let’s say that you may not know anyone that may have a credit card that qualifies. That’s OK, because we have partnered with Tradeline Supply Company who can help you find the right tradeline for your needs through a marketplace. Click here to visit the Tradeline Supply Company website, or you can find all of our options by visiting our Build Your Credit Page for other options that can help you build your credit score.

+ Get a Higher Credit Score by Paying Your Utility Bills +

Experian Boost is a free feature that can improve your FICO Score by adding household bill payments to your Experian credit report.. Eligible accounts include:

Phone bills (mobile and landline)

Utility bills (gas, water, electricity, solar)

Insurance (excluding health insurance)

Residential rent (if paid online)

Internet, cable and satellite providers

Video streaming subscriptions

Trash collection services

Signing up for Experian Boost is easy and typically takes just a few minutes:

To sign up for Experian Boost, you'll first need a free Experian account. Along with access to Experian Boost, the free subscription provides access to your Experian credit report, FICO® Scores based on it and other services that can help you maintain good credit health.

On your account homepage, scroll down to the "Explore other actions" box and click the button marked "Add bills to Experian Boost."

On the Experian Boost landing page, enter information on the checking or credit card account(s) you use to pay the bills you want added to your credit report. Use the encrypted form to enter the usernames and passwords you use to log in to those accounts' online dashboards.

Experian Boost will identify eligible accounts it recognizes from the accounts' automatic payments and retrieve up to two years' worth of payment history for each.

Experian Boost will prompt you to confirm that you want information for each identified account added to your Experian Boost list. As each approved account is added, Experian Boost will indicate the number of points your credit score has changed as a result.

Experian Boost is a free feature and safe to use, but it will only affect your Experian credit report and scores. The average Experian Boost user who sees a credit score increase improves their credit by 13 points. Please click here to sign up for Experian Boost, or you can find all of our options by visiting our Build Your Credit Page as well as other options that can help you build your credit score

+ Put Profitable Windfalls Towards Raising Your Score +

Feeling stuck in the cycle of high-interest credit card debt? You're not alone. But this holiday season, your bonus or cash gifts can be the key to unlocking financial freedom.

Why it Matters:

Credit card debt can feel like a bottomless pit, with minimum payments barely making a dent in the balance. High-interest rates only make it worse, trapping you in a cycle of debt.

The Gift That Keeps on Giving:

This season's windfall, whether a holiday bonus, birthday cash, or another unexpected source of income, presents a golden opportunity. By applying it strategically towards your credit card debt, you can:

Make a Significant Impact: A lump sum payment can significantly reduce your balance, giving you a sense of progress and motivation.

Lower Your Payments: Reducing your overall debt lowers your minimum payments, freeing up more money in your budget.

Improve Your Credit Score: Lower credit card utilization (the percentage of available credit you're using) is a key factor in a healthy credit score. By paying down debt, you'll see a positive boost.

Break Free and Breathe Easy:

Taking a big chunk out of your debt with a windfall can be a game-changer. Lower payments will ease your financial burden, and seeing a lower balance can be a huge psychological boost. You'll be on your way to financial security and peace of mind.

Remember:

Prioritize High-Interest Cards: Focus your windfall on cards with the highest interest rates to save the most money in the long run.

Develop a Plan: Don't let the windfall be a one-time fix. Create a plan to manage your credit card usage and avoid falling back into debt.

This holiday season, turn your windfall into a gift that keeps on giving – the gift of financial freedom!

+ Request Credit Line Increases +

Looking to improve your credit score? Increasing your credit limit strategically can be a powerful tool, but it's crucial to understand the potential impact. Here's the breakdown:

Lower Credit Utilization, Higher Score:

Your credit utilization ratio, the percentage of your credit limit you're using, significantly impacts your credit score. By increasing your credit limit while maintaining your spending habits, you decrease your utilization rate. This sends a positive signal to credit bureaus, potentially boosting your score.

Automatic Increases:

Some credit card issuers automatically reward responsible cardholders with increased limits after a period of on-time payments and active use. This is a fantastic benefit, so keep an eye on your statements for such offers.

Requesting an Increase:

If an automatic increase isn't forthcoming, consider requesting one directly from your issuer. Be aware that a credit check may be involved, leading to a temporary dip in your score (usually a few points). However, the long-term benefit of a higher limit and lower utilization can outweigh this short-term consequence.

The Responsibility Trap:

A higher limit can be tempting, but remember, it's not a free pass to spend more. The key is maintaining your spending habits! If you fall into the trap of maxing out your new limit, your utilization ratio skyrockets, and your score will plummet.

A credit limit increase can be a strategic tool for improving your credit score, but use it responsibly. Only request an increase if you're confident you can maintain your current spending habits. By keeping your utilization rate low, you'll unlock the long-term benefits of a higher credit limit and a healthier credit score.

+ Credit Mix: Diversifying Your Credit "Portfolio" for a Better Score +

Lenders like to see a well-rounded credit history, demonstrating your ability to manage different types of debt. This is known as your credit mix, and it factors into your credit score (although it only accounts for about 10% of your FICO® Score).

The Two Types of Credit:

There are two main types of credit that contribute to your credit mix:

Installment Loans: These loans involve fixed monthly payments over a set term, like car loans or student loans.

Revolving Credit: This is typically associated with credit cards and home equity lines of credit (HELOCs) where you have a spending limit and can access funds as needed.

Diversification is Key (But Be Strategic):

If your credit report only shows one type of credit, adding the other type could potentially improve your score by demonstrating your ability to handle different debt management styles. However, there's a crucial caveat:

Don't open new credit accounts solely to improve your credit mix!

Applying for new credit can lead to a temporary dip in your score due to hard inquiries on your credit report. Additionally, taking on new debt you can't afford can have serious financial consequences.

Focus on Responsible Credit Management:

The best approach is to build a healthy credit mix organically by using credit responsibly. Here are some tips:

Make on-time payments for existing credit accounts. This is the single most important factor influencing your score.

Maintain a low credit utilization ratio (amount of credit used divided by your limit). Aim for below 30% for optimal results.

Consider a credit-builder loan if you have limited credit history. This allows you to save money while building positive payment history.

By following these strategies, you can establish a diverse credit mix that reflects your financial responsibility and unlocks a higher credit score in the long run.

We have partnered with a multitude of services that can provide a mix of credit for your credit portfolio. You can find all of our options by visiting our Build Your Credit Page as well as other options that can help you build your credit score

+ Handling Debt in Collections +

Don't Let Debt in Collections Haunt You: Here's How to Take Charge

Facing unpaid debt that's gone to collections? You're not alone. But receiving those calls and letters can be stressful. Here's a breakdown of what to do when debt enters collections:

Understanding the Situation:

Debt in Collections: This typically means your account is past due by more than three months, and either the original creditor or a debt collector is now trying to collect the payment.

Your Options:

Negotiate a Settlement: You might be able to negotiate a lower payoff amount with the collector. This can be a good option if you can't afford to pay the full amount.

Dispute the Debt (if applicable): If you believe the debt is an error, you can dispute it with the debt collector. They are legally obligated to investigate your claim.

Taking Action:

Communicate: While you have the right to request the collector stop contacting you, it's usually best to address the debt. Ignoring it could lead to serious consequences.

Resolve the Debt: You can choose to pay the debt in full, work out a payment plan, or negotiate a settlement.

The Importance of Resolution:

Leaving debt in collections unresolved can have severe repercussions. It can significantly damage your credit score, making it difficult to qualify for loans or even rent an apartment. In extreme cases, it could lead to a lawsuit, wage garnishment, or a lien on your property.

Taking Control:

Facing debt in collections can be overwhelming, but you have options. By understanding your situation, exploring your options, and taking proactive steps, you can manage the debt and move towards a brighter financial future. Remember, it's always best to deal with debt head-on to avoid these negative consequences.

NOTE: We understand that dealing with collections, charge-offs, bankruptcies and Judgments can be daunting and a little intimidating, but you have an ace up your sleeve. We can provide credit advisory services that is unique to your situation. For more information and a free consult, click here.

+ Applying for the right loans at the right time +

Multiple Loan Applications: Timing is Key to Protect Your Credit Score

Thinking about applying for a mortgage, car loan, or personal loan? While lenders rely on your credit score to assess your creditworthiness, applying for too many loans in a short period can actually lower that score. Here's why:

Hard Inquiries and Your Credit Score:

Each time you formally apply for a loan, a "hard inquiry" is placed on your credit report. These inquiries can temporarily decrease your credit score, as they signal to lenders you might be seeking credit you can't afford.

The "Rate Shopping" Advantage:

However, there's a smart way to navigate this. Credit scoring models recognize that borrowers often compare rates for similar loan types - mortgages, car loans, or personal loans. Therefore, multiple hard inquiries of the same loan type made within a short time frame (ideally two weeks) are typically counted as one inquiry. This minimizes the negative impact on your score.

Credit Card Applications are Different:

Be aware that this benefit doesn't apply to credit card applications. Each credit card application triggers a separate hard inquiry regardless of when you submit it.

When shopping for loans like mortgages, car loans, or personal loans, concentrate your applications within a short window to minimize the impact on your credit score. This allows you to compare rates and secure the best deal without sacrificing your creditworthiness.

+ Protecting Your Personal Information +

Shielding Your Score: How to Protect Your Personal Information from Fraudsters

Identity theft can wreak havoc on your credit score. Fraudsters who gain access to your personal information can open accounts in your name, rack up debt, and damage your financial reputation. Here's how to fortify your defenses and safeguard your sensitive data

Credit Report Monitoring: You can get your credit report for free at AnnualCreditReport.com, however they do not provide other types of monitoring such as the “dark web” and internet (more on this below).

Freeze Your Reports: Consider placing a fraud alert or even a freeze on your credit reports from Experian, TransUnion and Equifax to prevent unauthorized account openings.

Protect Your Password: Ditch the sticky notes and embrace a password manager. These secure applications create and store strong, unique passwords for all your online accounts. This eliminates the temptation to reuse passwords (a major security risk) and ensures every login is protected with a complex barrier.

Public Wi-Fi? Think Before You Click: Public Wi-Fi networks are convenient, but they can be breeding grounds for hackers. Avoid conducting financial transactions or accessing sensitive accounts on unsecured Wi-Fi. If absolutely necessary, consider using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to encrypt your data and add an extra layer of security.

Dark Web & Internet Monitoring: The dark web is a part of the internet that isn't indexed by search engines and requires special software to access. It's often used for illegal activities, and unfortunately, stolen personal information can be bought and sold there.

There are monitoring services that, for a fee, will scan the dark web using specialized tools and will alert their clients if a match is found. This gives a person a chance to take steps in protecting themselves by notifying credit bureaus or freezing credit reports.

One such company that offers both credit monitoring and dark web/internet monitoring is MyScore IQ. You can get more information by clicking here.

By taking these simple steps, you can significantly reduce the risk of identity theft and protect your credit score from fraudulent activity. Remember, a proactive approach is key to maintaining a healthy financial identity.

Terms and Conditions | Privacy Policy

Spaulding Managed Credit, LLC is the proud owner of this website. Agoura Hills, CA 91301

Under federal law you have the right to receive a Credit Report from each of the three nationwide consumer reporting agencies once every 12 months. A Credit Score is not included.

IMPORTANT: Fix Your Own Credit is not a credit repair service organization. We do not claim to fix your credit as we are a self-help software.

You have a right to dispute inaccurate information in your credit report by contacting the credit bureau directly. However, neither you nor a credit repair company or credit repair organization has the right to have accurate, current and verifiable information removed from your credit report. The credit bureau must remove accurate, negative information from your report only if it is over 7 years old. Bankruptcy information can be reported up to 10 years. Credit bureaus are required to follow reasonable procedures to ensure that the information they report is accurate. However, mistakes may occur. You may, on your own, notify a credit bureau in writing that you dispute that accuracy of information in your credit file. The credit bureau must then reinvestigate and modify or remove inaccurate or incomplete information. The credit bureau may not charge any fee for this service. Any pertinent information and copies of all documents you have concerning an error should be given to the credit bureau. If the credit bureau's reinvestigation does not resolve the dispute to your satisfaction, you may send a brief statement to the credit bureau to be kept in your file, explaining why you think the record is inaccurate. The credit bureau must include a summary of your statement about disputed information with any report it issues about you.