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WHAT YOU CAN DO RIGHT NOW

Information is great. But taking small steps now can lead to big changes.
  • Today
  • Are you thinking about applying for a loan? A credit card? A cell phone? If you need credit quickly, a nontraditional credit report might help you.
  • Find out if the creditor will accept a nontraditional credit report.
  • Next Week
  • Review the “Building a Nontraditional Credit Report” worksheet.
  • Pull together all of the evidence you have of on-time payments to your landlord, utilities, cell phone, etc.
  • Consider asking your landlord or other business to which you regularly make payments to write you a letter of reference.
  • Present the information you have gathered to the creditor, along with your application.
  • During the Next Few Months
  • Make your loan or credit card payments on time.
  • Stay current with all of your bills.
  • Be sure you understand how to keep good credit once you receive the loan or credit card you apply for. Don’t let a small mistake undo your hard work.