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Credit:

Myth 1: Lines of credit are BAD and are not ok to use regularly.

While some people you might know argue that relying on credit reveals a struggling business model, reasonable lines of credit serve many successful companies during high-growth periods. You can have the best intentions, but if you don’t have access to credit, it’s going to stunt your growth. Why grow slowly?

Having great credit also helps small business owners and people that work from home.

Dynamic inventory and operating expenses in wholesale/retail, for one common example, justify flexible access to capital – so long as it fuels further revenue without accumulating interest long-term. Again, if you’re working from home, credit is a must if you want to move forward without any hindrances.

Even some tech startups use lines of credit early on despite recurring subscription cash flows down the line. Reason being, upfront investment in market-winning products lets young brands establish authority fast before shifting subscriptions to organic self-funding later.

The key distinction lies between using credit as a temporary growth accelerant versus an indefinite crutch suggesting a failing model. 

So long as lines of credit fuel surges directly tied to reliable revenue streams shortly thereafter, they enable responsibly managing variable demand. Of course chasing growth solely by acquiring more credit without earnings eventually catching up leads to crippling interest obligations. 

But credit itself, when aligned strategically to reasonable revenue projections, can offer businesses flexibility to meet customer needs at the speed today's markets demand.

If you want to know how to use credit and get the best rates, find the right team to do just that. Getting a great credit score isn’t that hard if you work with the right people.

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Want The Answer To A Great Credit Rating?

The most common questions people Google about credit ratings cover a wide range of topics, from understanding what constitutes a good credit score to managing credit reports and scores effectively. 

Here are some of the top inquiries:

What Is a Good Credit Score? - People are often curious about what credit score range is considered “good” and how credit scoring models, such as FICO and VantageScore, categorize different score ranges.

Difference Between a Credit Score and a Credit Report? - Is there a difference? Keep Reading. There's confusion about how these two are related but different, with the credit report providing a detailed history of credit behavior, and the credit score being a numerical expression of that history. If you work with the right people, you can change your credit score quicker than you think.

Why Do I Have So Many Different Credit Scores? - That’s a great question. Many people try and borrow money then wonder why their credit scores vary across different platforms and credit bureaus, not realizing the variety of scoring models and the different data each bureau may have and how each affects your having the ability to borrow money.

What Factors Affect My Credit Score? - Understanding what influences a credit score, such as payment history and “credit utilization”, is crucial for managing your credit health. Your health is always your #1 asset. That goes for your credit score as well when it comes to finding money to fund the essentials.

How Can I Improve My Credit Score? - Strategies for improving credit scores are commonly sought after, with emphasis on timely payments and responsible credit management. If you work with people like Fortress, you’ll be surprised how quickly things can change.

How Often Is My Credit Score Updated? - The frequency of updates to credit scores is a common query, as people try to track their credit health progress.

Can I Get a Loan or Credit Card With Bad Credit? - That is a great question. Those with poor credit scores, and there are a lot of people with poor or fair credit, often look for ways to obtain credit and improve their financial situation in the wrong places..

How Do I Dispute Something on My Credit Report? - Procedures for disputing inaccuracies on credit reports are important for maintaining accurate credit histories.

How Can I Get My Credit Score and Credit Report? - People frequently look for the best ways to access their credit reports and scores, especially with services offering free access​​. Find the right people to work with and that all changes faster than a New York minute.

Other frequently asked questions include the ‘ideal number of credit cards to carry’, how to deal with credit card interest rate increases, and “navigating old debts with debt collectors​​.”

These questions highlight the common concerns and confusions around credit ratings, emphasizing the need for clear, accessible information on credit management and improvement. We’ll be answering them all right here so make sure that you stay tuned, you read these and get the best information you can on improving your credit scores and rating fast.

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What brings your credit score up the most?

Boosting credit doesn't need to be complicated!!!

These are simple things. This list is not complicated. It’s not super hard to remember any of these either.

Make a list and stick to it.

These will get you headed in the right direction, fast.

• Pay credit card balances strategically.

• Ask for higher credit limits. (If you don’t ask, you'll never get higher credit limits. If you’re making your payments regularly, and on time, you can ask for a higher limit.)

• Become an authorized user.

• Pay bills on time. (To get a higher credit limit, paying on time is a must. Whatever it takes to do this, make it happen.)

• Dispute credit report errors. (Find the right people to do this for you.)

• Deal with collections accounts. (If you handle collection accounts the right way you’ll pay less and increase your credit score.)

• Use a secured credit card.

• Get credit for rent and utility payments.

Can Good Credit Be A Reality For You?

In the world of personal finance, there's a transformative journey that begins with a single step. This comes from the experts at FortressCreditPro.com. 

I want you to imagine this: you’re tired of paying big bucks on interest so you want to shift from the murky depths of poor credit to the clearer, calmer waters of fair credit or even good credit and save yourself and your family a small fortune on loans over the next few years.

And if you manage to ‘navigate’ your way to a credit score of over 720, which FortressCreditPro.com can do, the promised land of excellent credit and the best lending rates then becomes your reality.

But you have to pay attention to the details.

Your voyage starts with a simple, yet powerful tactic: you have to learn how to limit your credit usage to less than 30% of what's available to you. That’s right, 30% or less. This isn't just a random number. To the watchful eyes of credit agencies, staying below this 30% threshold -- signals that you're not over-relying on credit, a crucial first step in demonstrating your financial prudence.

They want to give you money, but they don’t want you in a position to where you need it. Consistency is crucial in paying off balances each and every month. We say it is key. 

Furthermore, boarding someone else's credit vessel as an “authorized user” can quickly usher you into the realm of good credit, provided the captain of that account maintains a timely payment record.

Next, diversifying your credit portfolio—is a must. You have to think secured cards, retail accounts, and auto loans—which shows any creditor you're adept at managing a variety of financial obligations.

But perhaps the most critical maneuver is scrutinizing your credit reports for inaccuracies. This is something everyone needs help with.

Even minor errors can be an anchor dragging down your score. Fortunately, there are services designed to scour your credit history and rectify the blemishes, propelling your score upwards more rapidly than you ever thought possible.

Through these strategic moves, a family named the Smiths charted a course from the tempestuous seas of debt to the serene shores of credit excellence, a testament to the power of perseverance, paying on time every month and savvy financial navigation.

In essence, don't let the anchor of bad credit hold you back. Pay attention to the details and follow a plan. 

With a bit of resolve and the right strategies, the tide can turn in your favor, leading you towards a brighter, more secure financial horizon. Keep sailing towards that beacon of better credit. If you do, you're going to save yourself a ton of money if you do this correctly, over and over every month.

Do You Have The Right Ideas For Increasing Your Credit Ratings?

Think about this.

In the aftermath of pandemic indulgences, credit card delinquencies have surged, touching a nerve of financial tension reminiscent of a decade ago. 

It seems the once cozy relationship with our credit cards is turning frosty again, as more Americans find themselves ignored by their once trusted financial partner when it's time to pay the bills.

Here’s what we think happened.

People unfortunately are caught in the whirlwind of quarantine shopping sprees, 3.19% of credit card balances are now left hanging, not receiving even a minimal acknowledgment within 30 days, and 2.21% are cold-shouldered for over 60 days. Yeah, the pandemic has been over for awhile, but most people haven’t paid their credit card balances down yet.

The reality is stark – amidst the financial strain caused by rising living costs, which are way up, credit card companies are tightening their grip, offering fewer credit line increases and hiking interest rates past the 20% mark, a far cry from the days of impressing with a 19% APR.

This financial cold war forces a tough decision: bow to the high demands of credit cards or risk a plummeting credit score, potentially derailing future financial plans. That’s a tough decision, but you’re going to need to figure out what’s in your best interest long-term. Right?

Yet, and I say this with some compassion, this may be the moment to reassess the dynamics of this relationship. Step back and do the numbers. Remember, financial independence means not being swayed by the whims of credit debt. If you have a plan, you’re ahead of 85.4% of the people who have outstanding credit card limits.

Write this down. Consider setting almost concrete boundaries, which means you can start resisting the urge to splurge on unaffordable luxuries. If it ain’t gonna save your life, leave it alone. 

It's time to show that your worth extends beyond a credit score. That’s right, beyond that credit score.

For anyone looking to navigate these choppy credit waters, FortressCreditPro.com offers a lifeline that can change your thinking on credit card usage. Whatever you do, don't let credit woes define you – as there's real help to reclaim your financial freedom.

Are You Drowning In An Ocean Of Credit Card Debt?

After the medical bills piled up from little Timmy's appendectomy, Mark and Angela were barely keeping their heads above water trying to wrangle almost $8,000 in credit card debt. 

Between maxing out cards for home repairs last summer, then covering Timmy's surgery and time off work unpaid, that mountain of debt loomed over this Oklahoma family’s modest ranch house.

Friends tried offering advice. “Just call the bank and ask for lower interest rates,” one suggested over the neighborhood BBQ. Mark grimaced, shaking his head – the bank shot him down twice last month and he wasn’t ready for more denials.

Another beer in hand, their buddy Steve leaned in with slurred optimism. “Dude, just transfer that balance to a new zero percent card! Easy-peasy, buy yourself some time.” Rolling his eyes impatiently, Mark chuckled without humor. 

If only improving credit woes could happen so smoothly.

After the barbecue guests drifted home to relieve babysitters, Angela sank wearily onto the porch-swing with a deep sigh. “I just don't know how we'll turn things around at this point,” she fretted, forehead creased with worry. 

Having exhausted their home equity and plastic reserves, what else could they leverage? Holding his wife close as moths fluttered under dimming party lights, Mark whispered vows of hope against her hair – yet despair edged his voice too.

If only the couple had listened closer to certain BBQ chatter that night. Rather than brushing off half-baked amateur tips, there emerged sensible ways to start steadily improving credit by understanding the system itself. 

For example, requesting credit line increases allows “lowering utilization ratios” even when money gets tight month-to-month. Or even authorizing each other as users on existing accounts demonstrates responsible usage under their names. Albeit gradual, such humble tweaks ultimately boost profiles given time and discipline.

But surrounded by spiraling minimum payments, the path out seemed unfathomable tonight. 

Tomorrow would hopefully bring some renewed resolve to keep their chins up or die trying. They didn’t give up easily and Mark was always saying, “I don’t ever give up. Never.”