• Keep your own checking account and savings account

• Get a copy of your credit report (see below)

• Establish a credit card in your own name. Most college students at four year schools are approved easily.

• Pay bills before the due date

• Know how a loan officer looks at your credit report

Use Your Credit Card As A Tool To Build Good Credit

a Major Credit card like visa/MasterCard is the best indicator for loan officers how credit worthy an individual is, make your credit card a tool to help in wealth building

Here's a list of tips to use your card as a tool to build solid responsible credit:

• Making sure that your bill is getting to you                                                                 

• Keeping your bill in a separate folder from your "biology" notes                                         

• Stay organized                                                                                                            

• Writing the payment check right away and mail it

• Use your card every month to make small purchases and pay off the entire amount

• Use your card instead of writing checks - you'll get credit making numerous payments on time. Credit cards, unlike checks, get recorded in your credit report. 

• Increase your credit line by showing your responsibility.

• Pay your bill before the "due date"

• Getting your bill mailed to the correct address                                                  

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overspending - Only spend what you can afford to pay each month and leave yourself plenty of room in case of emergencies.

• Over borrowing - don't let the tide of unpaid interest swallow you up. Keep your balance manageable.

• Poor organization

• Lost bills

• Forgotten bills

• Bills that go to the wrong address

• throw the bill away because it looks like credit card junk mail