These important tasks will help you qualify at the best possible rates and offers

1. Review your credit: Go to https://www.annualcreditreport.com/ and register to review your credit reports from the 3 major companies:
   • Equifax
   • Experian
   • TransUnion
2. Fix your credit: Depending on your credit report (from step 1), you may need to contact the agencies and dispute any incorrect data found. Also, be sure account numbers and current balances are correct. If you just made a big payment (or completely paid off an account), it may take another month to show up in your report.
3. Improve your credit: There are several ways to improve your credit and associated credit score. Consider any one or more of these suggestions:
   • Pay down debt to roughly 30% of the credit limit (even paying smaller amounts instead of the entire amount owed can boost your score by several points)
   • Contact your creditors and ask for a credit line increase, but DON’T SPEND IT! Lenders consider how much credit you owe versus how much is available, so if you can’t pay a large chunk down, then see if the creditor can increase your limit so that your owed vs limit percent decreases.
   • Have yourself added to your spouse’s/family member’s/close friend’s good standing credit accounts. Does one of your parents have excellent credit? Have them add you as an authorized user to a couple of their outstanding account.
   • Be sure you and your spouse/living partner are on good standing utility accounts together. Is your power company bill in your spouse’s name only? Has it been paid on time every time? Get your name on it too and start improving your credit as well. Utility accounts, while not lending money like a credit card, still report on-time and paid in full statements to the credit agencies – all of which showing you are a responsible financial person.