 TITLE: How to “Fix” a Bad Credit Score CONTENT: How to Maintain a Good Credit Score\n-----------------------------------\nOnce you've done the hard work to fix a bad credit score, keeping up the momentum is the next step. That means diligently paying all bills on time, maintaining low balances on credit cards and only seeking out new credit when necessary.\nLength of credit history accounts for 15% of a FICO® Score, so you may also want to keep old accounts open to maintain a long average credit history. That could mean putting a small charge on your oldest card occasionally, and paying it off right away. If a card has a high annual fee and you're no longer using it, weigh the potential tradeoffs of a shorter credit history with the money you could save.\nCredit mix, or the range of credit types you have in your name, makes up 10% of a FICO® Score. You don't need to take out a new loan merely to diversify your credit mix. But dependably managing a credit card is one of the most effective ways to maintain a good credit score. So if you haven't opened your own credit card in the past, consider applying for a secured credit card, which will require a deposit that typically also becomes your credit limit. Making small charges and paying them off each month can help improve your score, and may make you eligible for a traditional, unsecured card down the line.\nIf you take these steps and still find yourself struggling, getting help may allow you to get back on track. An approved credit counseling agency can help you create a plan to better manage your finances and pay down debt. You can find a state-by-state list of approved credit counseling agencies from the U.S. Department of Justice to make sure you're working with a legitimate agency.\nDebt consolidation may be another option if you're struggling with a lot of credit card debt. A debt consolidation loan allows you to roll multiple high interest debts into a single payment, usually at a lower interest rate and giving you just one payment to keep track of.\nBe wary of any organization that promises to repair your credit with little or no time or effort, or that claims it can repair your credit for a fee. Improving your credit status takes time. Ultimately, there's nothing a credit repair company does that you can't do yourself with time and effort. END