Get a job. If you aren't already working, start. This will help you maintain and improve your credit with a regular cash flow. In addition, it will look good to creditors as it shows you can hold down steady employment.
Get your records. You'll need to start tracking your credit score in order to maintain it. Sign up with a reputable credit site online like Experian, TransUnion, Equifax or Credit Karma. Review your score and if you see any inaccuracies in the report, contact the credit bureau to have it reviewed. Your Atlanta bankruptcy lawyer can advise you on the proper method to get this information changed.
Ditch the extra plastic, but be sure you have enough. Credit scores are notoriously confusing and contradictory. For example, you have to have the right number of cards with the right balances on them. If you use too many cards or too much credit, you look desperate and in need of the money. If you use too little though, you will appear to be unable to adequately operate your credit without going overboard. Try to maintain about two cards with long-running histories and use no more than 10% of the total credit limit. If you no longer have credit cards and can't get approved for a new one, consider signing up for a secured card.
Maintain a checking and savings account. Not only do these things help you rebuild your credit, but they also help you keep better track of your money. Start a budget so you can figure out how much money is coming from your checking account at any given time and start saving a bit of money each month for emergencies. Most bankruptcies seen by the average Atlanta bankruptcy lawyer are a result of an unforeseeable emergency. By saving up, you can prevent having to go through this process again.
Pay your bills on time. This is the number one way to help rebuild your score. The longer you do this, the more it will help bring up your credit score.
Get a loan. Once your credit score has risen significantly, apply for a loan from your local bank or credit union. Before you get a loan though, verify that this institution does report to credit unions, otherwise it will be all for naught. An auto loan is generally the best, but obviously you won't always need a new car. Loans help raise your credit score quickly as you pay them back on time and they make a much bigger impact than the average credit card.
