Here are some tips to help you improve your credit score:

• Pay your bills on time.

• If you have missed payments, get them current and stay current.

• Paying off an account (collection or otherwise) won't remove it from your credit report but may be looked upon favorably.

• Keep balances low on credit cards and other revolving credit.

• Pay off debt instead of moving it around.

• Don't close unused credit cards as a strategy to raise your score.

• Don't open a number of new credit cards just to increase your available credit.

• If you have started your credit recently, don't open a lot of new accounts too 		quickly.

• Do your rate shopping over a short period of time.

• If you have bad credit, re-establish your credit and pay on time.

• Requesting your own credit report will not show as an inquiry and therefore, won't effect your credit score.

• Apply and open new credit accounts only as needed.

• Have credit cards (3-4) but manage them responsibly.

• Closing an account does not make the account go away. In some cases it may hurt you because you may inadvertently increase your "revolving utilization" ratio.

Most importantly, you should know what is on all three of your credit reports at all times. This way you can maintain an 		accurate report as well as take steps to improve you score if needed.

Monitor your credit report from all three major credit bureaus - Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax - on a regular basis. Check your credit profile at least annually. Review it carefully and make sure that any past mistakes or disputes have been corrected.

Also, if you notice an account listed that you know that you have not personally opened, contact that creditor and the credit bureaus immediately. This could be a sign that you've had your identity stolen. Request to have a fraud alert placed on your profile and account to protect yourself and your credit. Identity theft is the fastest growing consumer crime in America, with an estimated 1 million people victimized each year.

Establishing good credit habits early in life will provide you with a solid financial portfolio and a bright financial future.