At Woodward Capital, we believe that building and maintaining good credit is an essential part of achieving financial freedom.
Obtaining a vehicle and making on time payments is one way we hope to assist our customers on their financial journey. Understanding and improving other credit factors is another key component, that's why we've put together this page to help you learn more about credit and find resources to help you build and monitor your credit score. We understand that people are more than a credit score, but also understand the value of that score in day to day life. Want to find out more? Keep reading…
Why is Credit Important?
Your credit score is a crucial factor in many areas of your life, from getting approved for a loan or credit card to renting an apartment. Poor credit will also lead to a greater cost associated with all of these experiences. Your credit can even affect getting a job! Building and maintaining good credit (+650) can help you achieve your financial goals, while a low credit score can create additional barriers.
In addition to making it more difficult to get approved for loans or credit cards, poor credit can also come with higher expenses. Lenders and credit card companies often charge higher interest rates and fees to borrowers with lower credit scores, which can add up to thousands of dollars in extra costs over time. Poor credit can also make it more difficult to secure a lease for an apartment or obtain a good insurance rate.
On the other hand, having good credit can open up many financial opportunities and save you money in the long run. With a higher credit score, you may be able to qualify for lower interest rates on loans and credit cards, which can save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars in interest charges. You may also be able to secure better insurance rates and other financial benefits.
Overall, building and maintaining good credit is an essential part of achieving financial success. With the right knowledge and resources, you can take control of your credit score and improve your financial prospects for the future.
How to Build Your Credit
If you're looking to build your credit, there are a few key steps you can take:
Check your credit report: Before you start working on your credit score, it's important to know where you stand. You can request a free copy of your credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) once per year at AnnualCreditReport.com.
Make on-time payments: Payment history is one of the most important factors in your credit score. Make sure to pay all of your bills on time, every time, to avoid late fees and negative marks on your credit report.
Keep your credit utilization low: Your credit utilization ratio is the amount of credit you're using compared to your credit limit. Keeping this ratio low (ideally below 30%) can help improve your credit score.
Build a credit history: If you don't have much of a credit history, consider getting a credit card or loan and making on-time payments to establish a positive credit history.
At Woodward Capital, we believe in looking beyond your credit score to help you achieve your financing needs and hopefully put you on a road to financial freedom.
We approach everyday by our company motto: "Life happens, we can help."
We understand that sometimes unexpected events can impact your credit, and we're here to help you navigate those challenges and find the right financial solutions for your needs.
Credit Building Resources
Here are some additional resources that can help you learn more about credit and build your credit score:
Credit Karma: A free credit monitoring service that provides access to your credit scores and reports from Equifax and TransUnion. https://www.creditkarma.com/
NerdWallet: A personal finance website that provides advice and resources on credit cards, loans, and other financial topics. https://www.nerdwallet.com/
MyFICO: A paid service that provides access to your FICO credit scores and credit reports from all three major credit bureaus. https://www.myfico.com/
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB): A government agency that provides resources and tools to help consumers manage their finances and protect themselves from financial scams. https://www.consumerfinance.gov/
We hope these resources are helpful as you work to build and maintain good credit. Remember, building credit takes time and effort, but the benefits are well worth it. If you have any questions or need additional assistance, please don't hesitate to contact us.