Winter Credit Score Health

 The winter season is a busy time. Between holiday shopping, family gatherings, and travel plans, it’s easy for financial priorities to take a back seat. However, winter is the perfect time to assess your credit health and prepare for the year ahead.

For those interested in becoming a homeowner, credit scores can impact interest rates and monthly costs associated with a loan. Team Lasson is committed to educating our borrowers on the critical part credit plays in the homebuying process. Here are a few helpful tips to keep your credit health up during the winter months.

Travel Tips:

• Monitor Your Accounts: Keeping an eye on your credit score will help promote healthier spending habits. Plus, checking your credit score often is a smart way to help avoid fraud - as a sudden change in credit score could indicate identity theft.

• Consider a Credit Freeze: If you’re not planning on opening new credit accounts, a credit freeze can add a layer of protection against identity theft. You can easily unfreeze it when you’re ready to shop for a home loan.

Post-Holiday Debt Recovery:   

• Make a Plan to Pay Off Debt: Focus on paying down holiday-related credit card balances as quickly as possible to avoid high interest charges. The snowball method (paying off the smallest balances first) or the avalanche method (targeting the highest-interest debts first) can help you stay organized and motivated.

• Avoid Making Minimum Payments: Paying only the minimum can stretch your debt into months or years, increasing the total cost of your purchases. Try to pay as much as you can each month to reduce balances faster.

• Consolidate or Transfer Debt: For those with high-interest credit cards, consolidating debt with a personal loan or taking advantage of a 0% APR balance transfer offer can lower costs. Just be mindful of transfer fees or promotional period deadlines.

• Reassess Your Budget: Review your spending habits from the past few months and identify areas to cut back. Direct any extra savings toward your credit card balances to recover faster.

Take Control of Your Credit This Winter

Maintaining strong credit health during the holiday season will set you up for success, especially if you’re considering buying a home in 2025. By staying mindful of your spending, protecting your credit, and planning for the future, you can start the new year in a strong financial position.

Team Lasson is here to assist with all of your home buying needs!  If you’re considering taking the leap into home ownership in the near future, we’re here to help.  Contact us today to explore which loan program aligns best with your financial goals. 

The first step in preparing for your big purchase is to get pre-approved for a mortgage at Lake of the Ozarks.  Visit www.yourlakeloan.com or call us at (573) 216-7258 to get started today!

Michael Lasson

Senior Mortgage Banker

NMLS #:  493712

Flat Branch Home Loans – Team Lasson

2882 Bagnell Dam Blvd

Lake Ozark, MO 65049

Cell:  (573) 216-7258

Email:  teamlasson@fbhl.com

Website:  www.yourlakeloan.com

**The postings on this site are my own and do not necessarily represent Flat Branch Home Loans positions, strategies, or opinions.

Flat Branch Home Loans NMLS 224149. A Division of Flat Branch Mortgage Inc.

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