Pay down debt, improve credit standing

What is your resolution this year? To eat better, weigh less, exercise more, to spend more quality time with your friends and family? The majority of Americans have not ranked paying down debt as their top New Year’s resolution. But given the current economic landscape, many consumers should focus more on improving their credit standing in 2009 than ever before.

“While losing weight is typically at the forefront of Americans’ minds as they enter the new year, managing credit health should take precedence for consumers this year,” says Lucy Duni, vice president of consumer education at TrueCredit.com by TransUnion. “Consumers who play a more active role in managing their credit will establish important lifelong habits that can enable them to have a truly holistic view of their finances.”

Here are five easy tips to help keep Americans on the right path with their credit resolutions in 2009.

Tip 1: Always pay your bills on time.

While it may sound like a no-brainer, making payments on time is essential whether consumers are trying to boost or maintain their credit score. Yet, TrueCredit’s 2007 survey revealed that one in four (25 percent) respondents had missed making one or more on-time bill payments.

Tip 2: Don’t overspend.

Keep debt below 35 percent of your limits. Although it can be tempting and easy to overspend, it’s important for consumers to keep their credit card balances low and not to max them out. Part of a lender’s evaluation includes reviewing a consumer’s available credit. If consumers are nearing or have over extended their credit, it may impact their ability to be approved for a loan at a competitive rate.

Tip 3: Keep tabs on your credit report.

In order to maintain a “healthy” credit score and to position yourself best with creditors, it’s important for consumers to monitor their report regularly to provide an up-to-date view on credit card activity and debt. It also enables consumers to identity possible signs of fraudulent activity, as the potential for identity theft remains high.

Tip 4: Monitor leases and loans closely where you are the co-signer.

When consumers open a joint account or co-sign a loan, they are taking on legal responsibility for the account. Any activity on these shared accounts, good or bad, will be reflected in both credit reports.

Tip 5: Long-standing credit card accounts can help your credit score.

Consumers should be cautious when thinking about closing credit card accounts where they have been making punctual payments over a long period of time. In addition to lowering your available credit, canceling old credit accounts can also ultimately lower your credit score by making your credit history appear shorter.

To learn more about managing your credit, visit www.gotruecredit.com.