Utilization is one of the fastest-moving parts of your score. Small changes can make a noticeable difference. What utilization means It’s the percentage of your available revolving credit you’re using. Lower is generally better. Fast ways to improve utilization • Pay balances down before the statement date • Make multiple payments per month • Avoid maxing out any single card • Ask for a credit limit increase (when appropriate) • Move balances strategically (when it makes sens

Credit reports can feel overwhelming. Here’s what to focus on so you can take action quickly. Focus on these sections • Personal information accuracy • Account status (open/closed, current/late) • Payment history • Credit utilization • Collections • Hard inquiries Red flags to address • Accounts that aren’t yours • Incorrect late payments • Duplicate collections • Wrong balances/limits • Outdated negative items Want help reviewing yours? Submit the credit counseling form and

Disputes can help when information is inaccurate—but disputing accurate items usually won’t improve your score. Here’s how to think about it. Disputes make sense when • The account isn’t yours • Dates/amounts are wrong • A late payment is reported incorrectly • A collection is duplicated • Identity theft is involved Disputes usually don’t help when • The information is accurate • You’re trying to remove a valid late payment • You’re disputing everything without evidence Next

If you’re rebuilding credit, the first 30 days matter. This checklist helps you take the right steps in the right order. 30-day checklist 1) Pull your credit reports 2) List all debts + minimum payments 3) Set up payment reminders/autopay 4) Lower credit utilization where possible 5) Dispute obvious errors 6) Avoid new hard inquiries 7) Track your progress monthly Need a personalized plan? Submit the credit counseling form on our website and we’ll review your goals and build

Two popular payoff methods are the Snowball and the Avalanche. The best choice depends on your budget and what keeps you consistent. Snowball method Pay off the smallest balances first to build momentum, while paying minimums on everything else. Avalanche method Pay off the highest interest rate first to reduce total interest paid, while paying minimums on everything else. How we help We help you choose a strategy, build a realistic budget, and track progress. Submit the cred

If you’re trying to raise your score, start with these practical steps you can take right away. 5 steps 1) Check your reports for errors 2) Pay on time (set autopay reminders) 3) Lower utilization (aim under 30%) 4) Avoid new hard inquiries 5) Create a payoff plan for high-interest balances Next step Submit the credit counseling form on our website and we’ll review your goals and options.