Steps To Check Your Credit

 At Coleman Public Relations & Consulting Firm LLC, our mission extends beyond creating winning strategies for our clients. A key part of our work is ensuring that no matter how much money you have or make, you’re positioned to avoid retiring broke.

While we’re not financial advisors yet, we believe financial stability is a critical part of long-term success. Managing debt and improving credit health are essential steps toward securing your future. Here’s a practical guide to help you get started:

Conduct an Initial Credit Review
Start by pulling your credit reports from Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. This will provide a full picture of your credit status and help identify areas that need attention.
Identify Inaccuracies and Negative Items
Carefully review your credit reports for errors, outdated information, or unauthorized accounts. Spotting inaccuracies is the first step to improving your credit.

Decide Between Freezing or Disputing First
Dispute First: Begin by disputing inaccuracies or negative items. Addressing these issues can directly improve your credit score.
When to Freeze: Freeze your credit if you’re at risk of identity theft or unauthorized accounts. This protects you from new lines of credit being opened but doesn’t impact existing accounts or scores.

Submit Disputes
File disputes with the credit bureaus online or by mail for any incorrect or outdated items. Include evidence such as account statements or correspondence to strengthen your claims.
Wait for Resolutions
Credit bureaus typically have 30 days to investigate disputes. During this time, they verify the information with creditors and make updates as needed.
Pay Down Balances
Work on paying off outstanding balances, prioritizing high-interest debts and collections. Lowering balances improves your credit utilization rate, which plays a big role in your credit score.

Freeze Credit After Resolving Disputes
Once disputes are resolved, consider freezing your credit to protect against potential identity theft and unauthorized inquiries.

Monitor Your Progress
Regularly check your credit score and reports to track changes and stay alert to any suspicious activity. Credit monitoring services can be a helpful tool for this.

Financial security starts with small, intentional steps. At Coleman Public Relations & Consulting Firm LLC, we believe success in life and business requires both a winning strategy and a solid financial foundation.

If you’re ready to build a brighter future while advancing your goals, let’s work together.

Visit colemanprfirm.com to learn more about how we can help you thrive.