Member-only story
How to Maintain an Excellent Credit Score Without Trying
Don’t focus on your credit. Focus on your finances in general.
The perspective in this piece is from my personal experience.
A high credit score has been beneficial when we purchased our two homes, rented for a year, purchased our vehicles from dealers, and refinanced our home. The process was easy in all these events. The first home was in my name only and it was an easy process. So, although I don’t like that some people get into debt because they associate good credit with carrying debt, it is beneficial.
You don’t need to be in debt to have good credit.
These are the habits I live by that have always had a positive impact on my credit score.
Pay my bills on time
Have at least one credit card always open
Do not close credit cards often
Do not open credit cards often
Keep balances low (less than 50% of credit allowed) and pay them off in full each month
Always have enough money in the bank for expenses to avoid overdraft fees
Do not co-sign for anyone or let anyone cosign for me
Do not lend money. If I have it you can have it.