Having a strong credit score makes it easier for young people to secure loans and lower interest rates.
BOSTON December 14, 2017
It is important that Millennials are aware of how they can rebuild their credit should they find themselves trying to recover from a financial challenge or misstep. Although these missteps cannot be instantly deleted, national nonprofit American Consumer Credit Counseling (ACCC) provides Millennials with steps they can take to improve their credit to help achieve a stronger financial future.
“It’s not uncommon for young people to experience financial challenges that can negatively impact their credit scores,” said Steve Trumble, President, and CEO of American Consumer Credit Counseling, which is based in Newton, MA. “Having a strong credit score makes it easier for young people to secure loans and lower interest rates. If you find yourself with a poor credit score, there are several steps you can take to build it back up.”
According to TransUnion, 43 percent of Millennials have bad credit, meaning their credit score is 600 or lower. Only 6 percent of Millennials have credit scores in the super prime category, 781 to 850. TransUnion also found that Millennials are using 79 percent of the credit that is available to them.
ACCC provides steps Millennials can take to rebuild their credit after a financial misstep.
1. Check credit reports regularly. It is important to review credit reports regularly to ensure there are no errors. Millennials can receive free credit reports from each of the three credit reporting agencies. They should also keep track of monthly bills to make it easier to cross check the credit report with bank statements to ensure there are no errors.
2. Pay bills on time. Late payments can negatively affect credit scores. If you can’t pay off the entire balance, it is important to try and pay at least the minimum. Set reminders on payment due dates to ensure you do not miss one and save on interest and fees.
3. Don’t max out credit cards. Having more transactions does not improve credit. Be sure to maintain the credit utilization under the recommended 30 percent when rebuilding credit.
4. Take a look at your budget. If you are having trouble paying your bills on time look at your budget and see if there are areas in which you can cut back on spending.
ACCC is a 501(c)3 organization that provides free credit counseling, bankruptcy counseling, and housing counseling to consumers nationwide in need of financial literacy education and money management. For more information, contact ACCC:
- For credit counseling and Student Loan Counseling, call 800-769-3571
- For bankruptcy counseling, call 866-826-6924
- For housing counseling, call 866-826-7180
- Or visit us online at http://www.ConsumerCredit.com
About American Consumer Credit Counseling
American Consumer Credit Counseling (ACCC) is a nonprofit credit counseling 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to empowering consumers to achieve financial management through credit counseling, debt management, bankruptcy counseling, housing counseling, student loan counseling and financial education concerning debt solutions. To help consumers reach their goal of debt relief, ACCC provides a range of free consumer personal finance resources on a variety of topics including budgeting, credit and debt management, student loan assistance, youth and money, homeownership, identity theft, senior living, and retirement. Consumers can use ACCC’s worksheets, videos, calculators, and blog articles to make the best possible decisions regarding their financial future. ACCC holds an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and is a member of the National Foundation for Credit Counseling® (NFCC®). For more information or to access free financial education resources, log on to ConsumerCredit.com or visit http://www.consumercredit.com/financial-education.aspx
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