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Cleaning Up Your Credit

Jean Chatzky
Jean gets hundreds of e-mails from people who want to know how to get the best credit score possible. While everyone has a different credit history, there are things you can do to improve your credit score over time. Jean and Steve Ely of Equifax, one of the country's three major credit bureaus, talk with callers about their individual credit issues and how to resolve their credit problems.

Steve also shares general facts about how you can improve your credit score, especially if it dips below 720, which is generally believed to get you the best interest rates on a mortgage or other loan.

  • Pay your bills on time.
  • Try to have at least 50 percent of your credit limit available on each of your credit cards.
  • Don't open several new lines of credit at the same time.
  • Keep an eye on your credit report and dispute any discrepancies.

 

The information provided here is general advice and you should always consult your own financial adviser before making major financial decisions, including investments or changes to your portfolio. The opinions expressed by the hosts, guests and callers to Oprah Radio are strictly their own.