 TITLE: How a Good Credit Score Could Help You Save on Home Improvement Costs CONTENT: How to Improve Your Credit Score\n--------------------------------\nTo get approved for a loan with the best possible interest rate and terms, take time to get your credit score in good shape if it isn't already. Here are a few tips on how to get your credit where it needs to be and keep it there:\n*   Make all your debt payments on time. Payment history is the most important factor in your credit score, so paying on time is crucial to maintaining a good score.\n*   Check your credit reports and dispute any inaccurate information.\n*   Make sure you're not using more than 30% of your available revolving credit.\n*   Don't apply for a lot of credit in a short period of time.\nOnce you're approved for a loan and are getting ready to start your home improvement project, update your monthly budget to include your new loan payments and stick to it. To keep your credit score in good standing, avoid making any late payments.\nIf you don't know where your credit stands, consider getting a free copy of your credit reports and scores from Experian to see what's in your credit file. And if you're considering applying for a credit card or personal loan to finance your home improvement this year, check out Experian's CreditMatchTM marketplace, which can pair you with specialized credit offers based on your credit profile. END