There are five parts to the FICO score.  The second largest part, accounting for 30% of it, is the Amounts Owed, also called the Utilization Ratio.  This is the difference between the loan amount or credit limit on an account compared to the balance that is currently owed on it.    An important part of growing better credit [...]

This website and our business is dedicated to consumer credit education.  Providing people with the information they need to understand their credit reports and get better credit scores is what we do. 
A significant part of that is using existing credit cards and retail accounts as credit building tools.  However, as the financial industry's challenges continue, [...]

   By now, everyone knows they need good credit.  The financial markets have made lending restrictions even tighter and companies are lowering credit card limits, even on long time, good customers.
To give yourself every financial option you can, building your credit rating and getting better credit scores should be part of your Personal Financial Fitness [...]

We’re hearing this from lots of people.  And if you think it doesn’t apply to you because you have good credit, keep reading. 
Your credit card limits play an important part in your FICO credit score.  Understanding how it works can help you get, and keep, a higher credit score. 
Credit card companies, along with [...]

As part of your personal Financial Fitness Plan, you need to read every financial document you get.  Yes, really.  Everything.  You’re probably wondering how this could possibly be connected to improving your credit rating and getting a better credit score.  There are actually several ways.  The bonus is that almost all of them can help you save [...]

Many people ask if paying off their credit cards every month will help them get a better credit score.  If you are someone who pays off their entire credit card balance each month, congratulations!  You are saving significant amounts of money by NOT paying any interest.  However, you may wonder why your credit scores are not higher even though you [...]