In my opinion; I am not a complete moron, and neither are you, lets save money!

I am not a complete moron, and neither are you.

So I have been doing some research on how to raise my credit score, (which was around 300, closer to non-existent). I am here to share with you a few tips that I’ve learned over the past year.

First, PLEASE….

AVOID:

·            Pawn Shops, Payday Lenders, Car Title Loans

·            Deferred Interest Offers

·            Visit Bankrate.com to look for typical rates for stuff. DON’T GET SCAMMED

·            Avoid predatory credit cards with VERY HIGH Interest rates

·            Avoid paying the minimum payments on loans and credit cards whenever you can.

Create a budget sheet:

It doesn’t have to be a high-end excel sheet, quicken books, or anything fancy. Just take a sheet of paper.

Example:

House:

Food:

Auto:

·            Insurance:

·            Gas:

·            Maintenance:

·            Payment:

Grooming:

Laundry:

Cell Phone:

Power/ Electricity:

Water:

Credit Cards:

Prescriptions:

Internet/Cable:

Medical Copays/Bills

Savings

Debts:

Subtract “The bills” from the “Money you do have” to see how much you will you have left over to “Play” with.

Check your Credit Annually for FREE!  On annualcreditreport.com (they give you all 3 Credit tracker companies for free. You can print or save them on your computer. **Report ANY mistakes on the credit reports. Dispute them directly by contacting Experian, Equifax or Transunion.

LAST RESORT should always be Bankruptcy!

Even if your are building your credit or trying to fix it, take out a small loan, even with a co-signer, but make sure you can afford the monthly payments!

DO NOT use services that advertise to help you rebuild your credit for fees. There are many FREE financial advisors, check your bank!

ALWAYS pay more than the minimum on your credit cards, but if you are having a bad month, pay at least the minimum ALWAYS! NEVER skip a payment!

Get a secure loan or a secured credit card if you don’t have a cosigner and make sure you use it just like a REAL credit card.

NOW…..

The hardest thing to do, is always cutting back on expenses.

Here are some ideas;

·            Make shopping lists

·            Buy second hand or generic whenever possible.

·            Use the public library for DVDs, they are free!

·            Cut out one addiction (the web says stop using expensive coffee shops, but I don’t use drugs, smoke or drink, so screw that. Lets not go crazy!!!)

·            Use your bank’s ATM to avoid fees

·            Learn what are wants vs. needs ( this one is the hardest thing to do, EVER!)

·            If it’s not broken, don’t replace it (this one is my boyfriend’s favorite)

·            Cut coupons, shop clearance, use saving apps and point/rewards cards.

·            Go to Free Wi-Fi places, and use their internet!

·            Cable? When are you really home?

·            Dollar Tree is your friend for some things, explore it.

·            Google coupons, and prices before buying high end items.

·            Carry snacks with you.

·            Ask for water refills, DO NOT buy bottle water.

I can keep telling you more and more, but you get the gist. There are tons of thrifty sites, and minimizer sites to help you. This is by no means a read to change the way you live your life, because, I am in no way, shape, or form, giving up my smartphone or anything like that. I am definitely a chronic shopaholic, but I’m also a bargain shopper and Clearance is my friend. Thrift shops are my spot!!!!