People who regularly check their credit score are still confused: Here’s what you need to know!

Saving money on people who regularly check does not need to be complicated. Here is a clear, no nonsense rundown of what works and how to make the most of it.

Key Takeaways

• Turns out, even regularly checking your credit score can still leave you confused about it.
• Not only did only the participants who regularly check their score believe that salary raises (54%) would improve it, 33% thought boosting their personal savings would assist.
• What goes into your score Consumers who check their credit scores frequently probably wish to take charge of their finances.
• Worth noting: but they won’t get highly far if they don’t know what behaviors factor into their score.

Getting the Most From People Who Regularly Check

And the misconceptions are only increasing. “In 2014, only 47% of consumers who regularly checked their credit score believed a greater salary would equate to a healthier credit score,” TransUnion said in a release. : What is a solid credit score? Here’s an overview of what genuinely matters.  Amount of debt: There’s a reason people warn you not to max out your credit cards.

Age of accounts: This refers to the age of information in your credit profile, not your actual age (though numerous consumers believe just the opposite). Like anything, your profile has an age.

Tips That Make a Difference

More importantly, the age of your oldest account and the average age of your accounts are two key aspects of this, and in general, the older they are, the better. New inquiries: Whenever you apply for new credit that creates a hard inquiry, which dings your score.

The more hard inquiries you rack up in a short span of time, the more you’ll be viewed as a potential red flag. Payment history: Not paying your bills on time , or at all , is a serious no-no in the credit world. That’s since this piece of information assists agencies determine whether you can manage credit responsibly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Remember that remember, while it’s admirable, and sometimes even necessary, to get a raise or ramp up your personal savings, those aren’t the factors that determine your credit score. Focus on adjusting your behavior according to the criteria outlined above, and you’ll be on the right track.

You can chart your progress in all five categories by viewing a free summary of your credit report on Credit.com. : 5 credit card myths that could harm your credit score More from Credit.com: Discover it Review: Solid Rewards, Service & No Annual Fee Can You Get Your Student Loans Forgiven? Citi Double Cash Card Review: Cash Back for Paying Your Bill —¹This article originally appeared on Credit.com.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I save money on people who regularly check?

Compare prices across a few retailers, look for active coupon codes, and time bigger buys around sales events. Here’s an overview of what genuinely matters.  Amount of debt: There’s a reason people warn you not to max out your credit cards.

Is it worth shopping around for people who regularly check?

Usually yes. Age of accounts: This refers to the age of information in your credit profile, not your actual age (though numerous consumers believe just the opposite).

Smart Ways to Save More on People Who Regularly Check

• Leave items in your cart for a day; some stores send a follow up discount.
• Pair cashback with a coupon so you save twice on the same order.
• Stack a coupon code with an existing sale whenever the store allows it.
• Sign up for the retailer newsletter to catch first time and seasonal discounts.
• Compare the final price including shipping, not just the headline number.

Final Thoughts

Put these ideas to work and people who regularly check gets a lot less expensive. Bookmark this page, check back for fresh deals, and let the savings do the talking.

Originally published at clark.com.