Being a Credit Cardholder has lots of benefits, but also lots of responsibilies.  It's hard to even pick up a newspaper or turn on the news without someone alerting you to the fact that good credit is a critical element in good financial management.  Many of today's credit concerns that are contributing to the volatile stock market and problems in the housing market are also making it tougher for borrowers to get credit-from credit cards to auto loans, to home loans.  It has never been more important to respect the credit that you have been given and to understand the impact that either bad or grood credit can have on all aspects of your life.  There are some very basic questions you can ask yourself to begin a credit review process.

Understanding these elements can help you shape up your credit and keep itthere:

1. What is a Credit Score?
2. What does a credit report tell?
3. How often should I check my credit report?
4. How can I improve my credit score?

We will explore each of these questions and give you answers in my upcoming posts.  This information is brought to you by your local Elkhart County Real Estate Expert and Certified Short Sale Specialist Evelyn Johnston with Prudential One Realty, at 574-304-7148.