5 Reasons to Know Your Credit Score

ID-10058688One of the things that you’ll need to be aware of if you’re suffering from credit and looking to get yourself a car loan is your credit score.  It’s an incredibly important number that will be determining many aspects in your life, an auto loan being chief among those.  Experian has listed the 5 reasons why it’s so important to know this seemingly magic number.

First reason is that it is free.  Learn how to get a free credit report at least once every 12 months.

The next reason is that it’s important in rebuilding and maintaining good credit.  Knowing the number also means knowing what is on your report.  Nitpick it, scour it for any inconsistency.  You’ll want to make sure that everything listed is correct so that nothing is impacting your score in a negative way.

It’s important to know so you can manage personal finances.  In a way, it’s no different than a bank statement or a credit card bill.  You can keep track of where your credit is being spent at.  Know where your spending is going so you can construct a reasonable savings plan around what you find.

You can see if your identity has been stolen.  It’s a widespread crime these days.  Seems a day can’t go by without such a news story being mentioned somewhere.  Protect yourself and by knowing that score and reading your report, you can spy any fraudulent charges being made.  Make sure to stay ahead of any misuses.

Lastly, it’s the first step in correcting any information you see as inaccurate.  Like I mentioned earlier, identifying any misreporting so you can request the information to be removed is how you can improve your credit.  Find out how to submit a dispute and watch how it can really make a positive change on your report.

So much in life is governed by that number.  That’s why I cannot stress enough the importance of making sure you are aware of what is on your report.  When you apply to get a car loan, it can make all the difference.

Stop by Bayside Chrysler Jeep Dodge where we love to say yes.  We are looking to help place you in the car you need.  Contact us and see how we can work with you today.  Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter to see all the specials and offerings we have at the dealership.

Financial Advice for the New Year!

ID-100124223The New Year is upon us and with it comes the mandatory resolutions so closely associated with the beginning of the year.  Whether it’s to renew that gym membership with the promise of a regular exercise schedule or getting to bed on time every night, new beginnings are what the New Year is all about.  Here’s one that should be on everyone’s list; improving your credit score.

Auto Credit Express has brought to light an article that the AFSA Educational Foundation put together to help people better manage their money in order to give their credit rating a helpful boost.  Here are a few choice things you can do to help get you on the right track.

Choose a month to look at how you’re spending your money.  You want to do this in order to see exactly where your paychecks are going to.  See if you can spot places where there is unnecessary spending.  This information can make a more realistic budget and provide a bigger and better picture for a monthly budget.

One tip that I can’t stress enough is that you should obtain a copy of your credit report in order to know where you stand.  Knowing that credit score is necessary to know what needs to be done.

Always make sure to make more than the minimum on your credit cards.  Pay it in full if you can, but if that’s not a choice than anything additional you can pay down is a bonus.  Be it just 5 extra dollars or as much as $50, it helps you get to the end goal of no more debt even faster.

Taking charge of your finances is the best way to ensure that you don’t encounter credit problems in the future should you choose to apply for an auto loan.  There’s plenty more tips provided that should give plenty of help, so make sure to check them out.

Looking for a car and you’re in the Queens area?  You’re in luck; we here at Bayside Chrysler Jeep Dodge want to meet with you.  We love to say yes here.  Stop on by and see how we can help you get the vehicle you need to make 2013 the best year ever!  Pay our Facebook page a visit as well as our Twitter and stay up to date with more credit tips and offers!

Image courtesy of Stuart Miles / FreeDigitalPhotos.net