Learn the fundamentals of credit and how to build a stronger financial future
Your credit score is a three-digit number that represents your creditworthiness. Understanding what goes into your score is the first step to improving it.
Good credit (670+) typically qualifies you for better interest rates and more favorable terms.
These three major credit bureaus collect and maintain your credit information
If you're new to credit or starting over, here are effective ways to build a positive credit history.
One of the easiest ways to start building credit. You provide a security deposit that becomes your credit limit.
Specially designed loans where the money is held in an account while you make payments.
Become an authorized user on someone else's credit card account to benefit from their positive history.
Store credit cards often have easier approval requirements and can help build credit.
Payment history is the most important factor. Set up autopay or reminders to never miss a payment. Even one late payment can hurt your score significantly.
Try to use less than 30% of your available credit, ideally under 10%. High balances relative to your limits can lower your score, even if you pay on time.
Length of credit history matters. Keep your oldest credit cards open and active, even if you don't use them often. Closing old accounts can hurt your score.
Having different types of credit (credit cards, auto loans, mortgages) can help your score. But don't open accounts you don't need just for variety.
Each credit application creates a hard inquiry that can temporarily lower your score. Only apply for credit when you truly need it.
Check your credit reports regularly for errors or fraudulent accounts. Dispute any inaccuracies you find with the credit bureaus.
"After working with countless clients, I've learned that credit improvement isn't just about the numbers—it's about changing your relationship with money and building better financial habits.
The most successful clients I work with are those who take time to understand their credit, not just fix it. They learn why certain actions hurt their scores and how to make better decisions going forward. That's the foundation of lasting financial success.
Remember: credit repair is a marathon, not a sprint. Focus on consistent positive actions, be patient with the process, and celebrate small wins along the way. Every point your score increases is progress toward your goals.
If you're feeling overwhelmed or unsure where to start, that's exactly why I'm here. Let's work together to create a personalized plan that makes sense for your unique situation."
— Brittany Williams, Founder
B. Marie Consulting
Don't let misinformation hold you back. Here are the facts about common credit myths.
Checking your own credit (a "soft inquiry") does NOT hurt your score. Only "hard inquiries" from lenders affect your credit. Monitor your credit as often as you'd like!
Closing accounts can actually hurt your score by reducing your available credit and shortening your credit history. Keep old accounts open, even if unused.
This is false. Paying your balance in full each month is best for your score and saves you money on interest. You don't need to carry a balance to build credit.
Paying a collection doesn't automatically remove it from your report. The account will show as "paid" but may remain for up to 7 years. Dispute inaccurate items instead.
Your income, job title, or employment status don't directly impact your credit score. What matters is how you manage the credit you have.
While there are dishonest companies, legitimate credit repair services (like B. Marie Consulting) help clients dispute inaccurate information legally and effectively.
Your credit information is collected and maintained by three major credit bureaus. Each may have slightly different information about you.
One of the three major credit bureaus. Collects and maintains credit information from lenders and creditors across the country.
Another major credit bureau that compiles credit reports and provides credit scores to lenders and consumers.
The third major credit bureau. Like the others, it tracks your credit history and provides reports to lenders.
Not all lenders report to all three bureaus, so your credit reports may differ. It's important to check all three to ensure accuracy across the board. That's why our credit repair services work with all three major bureaus.
The first step to improving your credit is knowing where you stand. Get your complete 3-bureau credit report and scores for just $1 through MyFreeScoreNow.
Get My Credit Report ($1)Let B. Marie Consulting help you build the credit score you deserve. Professional credit repair services with personalized support.