How many of us have goals that we have set to accomplish? Well, if so have you thought of making credit goals? If not, I have some fun steps that you can follow on your way to achievement.
Let’s be kind with ourselves if we made credit mistakes in the past. We can learn and move forward, right? Approach this as a learning process. Proceed by first taking a look at what we know we can fix in a small time frame such as two weeks or less. We will call this our personal short-term goals. Improving your credit can take months and so you also will want to set long-term credit goals.
First, “sit up straight” and think of what you like to achieve (credit wise) over the years. Then, write down all of your goals in a journal or on a sheet of paper. You can use the list to keep track of your progress. Put the goals in order from short-term effort to long-term effort. Begin with a goal that you are doing daily in the present.
Some examples might be:
Apply for a credit card with a low interest rate
Apply for a gas card
Apply for a share secured loan
Pay bills on time.
Pay at least the minimum balance due on credit cards.
Having both revolving and installment credit is a good way to build credit. Revolving credit is credit cards. Installment credit is things like car loans and student loans.
Then take your list little by little and start to check off or scratch out what you have finished. Next, write your accomplishments on a separate list and display it where it can be seen by others. That will give you confidence to start on another goal.
Be careful not to overwhelm yourself with goals that are too high. When you have trouble, look at some of the resources out there pertaining to meeting goals. It’s also good to have someone to encourage you to stick with your goals.
Keep in mind that you are doing this for your future. Gain as much knowledge as you can if you’re not sure about one of your goals because you don’t want to have wasted time on a goal that is not achievable.
Remember this is a learning process. Take it slowly. It’s not a race. Meet your goals in a time frame that works for you. Using visual reminders can help, and when you’ve met a goal, reward yourself! Maybe go out to eat. With persistence, your hard work and determination will pay off!
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3 comments:
Hi Gwen, I have read your credit steps to financial achievement. The check list is a great idea for getting your priorities in order. I use checklist everyday in school with completing assignments and even daily to determine what I need to do first wash clothes or go grocery shopping. If people adapt the checklist concept maybe they could get their credit in order.
I have the same philosophy when it comes to budgeting and paying off credit debt. Like you said most people do make mistakes and spend a bit to much at times but if you set goals and pay off the bills that are most important first is the best bet. Also getting rid of luxuries such as cable and internet is always my first suggestion. Paying rent or a mortgage is always the most important, then comes the electricity and water and other utilities. It is always important to think of what you absolutely need when it comes to budgeting and paying off credit debt, there are certain things in life that we have come accustomed to that we really just don't need.
Hey Gwen,
Okay so I saw you have apply for a gas card. For a long time I thought these were horrible ideas, but a few months ago I decided to get one. Best thing ever. Almost all gas stations offer a gas card. And you can a huge discount if you purchase gas using their card. Mine was 10% off for the first 60 days, now is 5% off. Now it not may seem liek alot but today if I buy a 3 dollar gallon of gas, I only pay $2.85.
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