No matter what age you are in right now, your credit score is important however, maintaining it on a good credit standing is more important than anything else. Unfortunately, in America, this is easier said than done.

Almost every adult living in America has at least one credit card in their wallet, waiting to be swiped. That, my fellow senior, is a temptation refusing to be ignored. Guts will tell you that if you recognize the problem, you just have to eliminate it, but in this case, your credit card is simply not something you could eliminate as it is a part of an American lifestyle. I even found an article about credit scores encouraging seniors to maintain a credit card since this is the easiest way to create and improve your credit score. While it makes sense, I am still hesitant in bringing my credit card to the mall whenever I need to make a quick shopping dash for fear of running out of cash and eventually using my credit card to pay the bills.

If somehow you find yourself denied of a loan just because – surprise! – your credit score is way too low, here are the things you need to do to improve your credit score:

• Monitor your credit reports on a regular basis. By “regular” I mean at least once a year just to see if there are discrepancies and mistakes on your record. This will allow you decent enough time to notify responsible companies and have them correct the mistake. I am talking about late dues you have paid but was not updated by the loan company. This will also remind you of loans you accidentally forgot – if there is such a thing.
• Examine your credit card terms. Normally, the credit card you have been maintaining the longest is the one that is most beautiful in your credit score’s eyes. Try maintaining just one or two of these babies and terminate all others especially those that are very recent unless it has the lowest interest rate, of course. Two things to remember, age and interest rate.
• Avoid late payments. This is the easiest way to lose points on your credit score, late payments. If you are paying, then pay early, never on the last minute. To avoid late payments, write due dates on a calendar and pay dues a week earlier than the due date.
• Pay in cash. It is easier to monitor your spending habits if you pay in cash since it won’t give you false assurances that you still have money to spend. Moreover, try to invest some of your money so it will somehow grow and eventually be able to help you with paying your debts.