FreeCreditScore.Net

We began this year with a resolution: get a higher score. But what if you already achieved your ideal score last year? What’s next or what better goal should you target this year? Here’s my two cents’ worth: reward yourself wisely.

Get A Better Deal On Your Home or Rented Apartment

Let’s start with your biggest expense, the house you live in or the room you’re renting. If your previous score didn’t help you to qualify for a much more attractive deal (that is, lower rate), it’s time to call your mortgage expert or landlord. Show off your new score and demand to pay less!

Reclaim Penalties, Get Your Cash Back

What’s a more better way to get your finances back on track (after suffering the blows of a poor credit score) than undoing the damage by recovering your money? Pay off debt or build an emergency with it. Or you can simply save or invest it in a high-interest account.

Often utility services charge hefty security deposit if you’re credit isn’t good as they expect it to be. Don’t wait until you cancel your service to get your deposit back. Show the company proof of how your score improved since you signed up for their service and they’ll start treating you like the rest of their good credit customers. You’ll get your deposit back and more.

Get Better Deals on Credit Cards and Loans

A good credit score empowers you to shop for better credit card or loan rates. It’s your source of pride, something you ought to show off, when doing the art of negotiation. Credit card companies, though notorious for imposing high interest rates, can be coaxed into reducing rates for high credit scores. Just ask them and you’ll see how willing they are to lower rates if that will keep you continue using their credit cards. It’ll surprise you how much money you can save after negotiating for better fees. You can do the same thing with loans. On average, there’s a 20- to 30-percent difference on rates awarded between good and bad credit scores.

If you can’t get your credit card interest rate reduced, which is so rare a case for those with good credit scores, insist on having better rewards. That should take care of your much-needed relief from bad deals due to poor credit score.