SMART MONEY INTIATIVE
Smart Money Initiative
(formerly known as Money Smart Week) offers free financial literacy workshops, programs, and activities throughout the month of April.
Originally known locally as Ca$h Coalition, Kishwaukee United Way partners with a community based committee, local financial experts, and DeKalb Public Library to offer dozens of programs each spring for kids, teens, adults, and retirees.
5 Tips to Boost Your Credit Score
with Diamond Residential Mortgage Corporation Waukegan Division President, Tammy Moore.
Improving your credit score can take time, but it's achievable with consistent effort. Here are some tips to help you boost your credit score:
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Pay your bills on time: Payment history is one of the most significant factors influencing your credit score. Make sure to pay all your bills, including credit cards, loans, and utility bills, on time each month.
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Reduce your credit card balances: Aim to keep your credit card balances low relative to your credit limits. High credit utilization can negatively impact your credit score. Ideally, I would like you to try to keep your credit utilization below 30% of your available credit limit.
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Self-report: your utilities rents, and other accounts that don’t normally appear on your credit reports. You can use EXPERIAN Boost, Self-Lender, and other self-reporting agencies.
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Don't close old accounts: Closing old accounts can shorten your credit history, which may lower your credit score. Even if you're not using a credit card, keep the account open to maintain a longer credit history.
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Diversify your credit mix: Having a mix of different types of credit positively impacts your credit score. However, only take on new credit accounts when necessary and avoid applying for multiple accounts within a short period, as this can temporarily lower your score.
Visit the Diamond Residential Mortgage Corporation Waukegan website here, or follow them on Facebook here.
We aim to provide the financial literacy sessions the community desires and would like to build year-round engagement.
We're looking for businesses and financial experts to join us in April for literacy sessions! If you’re interested in helping our community’s financial wellness, follow the link below.
Upcoming Smart Money Events
