Credit Smarts!

Get Smart About Credit (For ALL)

Get Smart About Credit

October 20th is Get Smart About Credit Day! Do you know how your knowledge measures up? Here are four key pieces you should know to help get and keep your credit up to snuff.

·         Know your credit score. The first step is making sure your credit report is correct and free of blemishes. You can access your free copies at annualcreditreport.com. To find out your actual score, you can access websites like Credit Karma or Credit Sesame, or check if your bank or credit card statement provide it for you.

·         Manage your cards. The best way to keep your credit score in good shape is to pay your credit cards off every month. If you're working on getting out of debt, first strive to get your balance to less than 30% of your credit limit. Remember, you don't have to carry a balance to keep a good score, but you may want to keep paid off accounts open to show the full length of your credit history.

·         Deal with student loans. Know what you're getting into when you take out loans, and, once you have them, make sure you're paying them off as quickly as you can afford.

·         Protect your identity. It can take years for your credit to recover from identity theft so the best defense is a great offense: make sure it doesn't get stolen in the first place by taking these steps.

Maintaining good credit keeps your financial options open when it comes to lots of important life goals, like buying a house, obtaining car insurance and sometimes even securing a job. Get smart and stay smart by taking care of your credit today!

From Benjamin Bankes email from FeedThePig.org

Below are some of the financial institutions found on Guam.  Whatever establishment you choose to do business with, always know it is your money and you can do what you see fit.  Always know that the banks want your business and you shouldn't have to beg for you to borrow your money.
Invest well!!