Some Truth About Credit

Darrin F. Coe, MA Credit is currently and has been historically an integral component of our economy. Credit contribute a person’s net worth, and financial power. No matter who you are or what type of business you are considering, credit is a vital component to be considered when developing your business idea and business plan.

Your credit history and status will always be a factor when lenders consider financing your entrepreneurial endeavor. No matter what type of loan, even loans for those who may struggle to acquire traditional financing, such as the SBA funded micro loan, will consider credit as one of the underwriting factors.

Because your credit history and status greatly impact your bankability and ability to acquire business funding, it behooves you to spend a significant amount of time developing and creating positive credit status and repairing poor credit history.

== personal note ==

When I got married I gifted my wife with a huge debt load and a toilet level credit status. Through diligence, patience, and time, I’ve been able to repair my history and develop credit status that has allowed us to finance vehicles, mortgage and refinance homes, and acquire construction financing. So I know you can repair your credit history and develop positive credit status but it takes patience, diligence, and a willingness to reprioritize your financial outlook.

== personal note ==

Now, here is the not-so-secret formula for developing good credit and repairing poor credit.

1. Time
-- You will need to plan ahead if you want to acquire business financing. It takes time for bad spots in your credit file to be removed. It also takes time to engage in the process of having them removed. You must also spend some time engaging in positive credit behavior.

2. Diligence
-- You will need to pay very careful attention to your financial details. If you want to start a business in two years, you’ll need to begin keeping very careful and detail files concerning all of your credit practices. You’ll need to be on top of payments and purchases you make and always be alert to avoid behavior that could be detrimental to your credit status.

3. Patience
-- Developing and repairing credit is a process that does not happen over night. Every time you challenge an item on your credit report it involves a process that requires patience. Every time you apply for credit, the application process will require patience. This goes hand in hand with time; developing good credit that you can invest in a business idea takes time and won’t happen overnight so be patient. That’s why you need to be passionate about your business idea. It must be able to stand the test of the financing and credit process.

4. Financial Wisdom
-- You must begin to start making sound financial decisions. Consider every financial decision you make as if it were contributing to you becoming a millionaire. Be wary of high interest commercial credit and instead attempt to acquire lower interest banking credit such as vehicle loans, mortgages, or home improvement loans. Consider each purchase you make in light of it’s impact on your credit. If you make a give purchase will it inhibit you from making a loan payment and reducing debt. Begin to think in terms of debt reduction and expense reduction as ways to increase your wealth and credit status. Having less debt is just as important and financially beneficial as having extra spendable cash.

In the end, you need to take a long term view concerning funding and credit as you begin preparing to make your business dreams come true. It won’t happen overnight but if you do it right and pay attention to the details, such as building sound credit, it will happen and you’ll increase your wealth and power.

About the Author

Darrin F. Coe is a weekly columnist and the author the ebook, "Micro Loans: Finance Your Dreams" available at http://dcoe1.tripod.com/microfinance