PRESS RELEASE

Dallas - September 3, 2009 - Sept. 13 is the first regular season game for the Dallas Cowboys, and as we watch our favorite players make game-winning plays, Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Greater Dallas (CCCS of Greater Dallas) recommends thinking about your own offense and defense when it comes to your credit score.

"Consumers who have recently applied for a mortgage or auto loan know that it takes a hard-hitting credit score to get the best rates," said Todd Mark, vice president of education for CCCS of Greater Dallas. "You always hear, 'the best offense is a good defense,' and that is exactly what we say when it comes to your credit score."

CCCS of Greater Dallas offers consumers the following six tips to score a credit score touchdown:

1. Know the playbook. There are five areas that truly impact your credit score. Payment history, credit utilization (amount of available credit compared to how much credit is used), how long you've had credit, new credit and your overall credit mix (or type of credit). Your Pro Bowl plays should include paying your bills on time, as well as keeping debt and credit utilization levels low.

2. Plan ahead so you don't get sacked. Don't wait until you're negotiating for the best interest rates to know what your credit report looks like. The three credit bureaus provide one free credit report per year to every American. Go to www.annualcreditreport.com to get yours now. However, it's important to know that you will have to purchase your credit score. You can purchase your official FICO score for $16 at www.myfico.com or you can visit a free site like www.quizzle.com, which estimates your credit score based on your credit report and spending habits. You should request your credit score before any major purchase or at least once a year. But, be weary of credit monitoring software that comes with a monthly charge.

3. Avoid personal fouls. Late payments, missed payments and using too much of your available credit can sack your credit score. One late payment can show up on your report for up to seven years so come up with a game plan to pay all bills on time.

4. Tackle outstanding debts. Paying only the minimum on a card won't show forward progress on paying off your debts. In addition to not reducing your debt, you'll be paying a lot in interest. If you have an outstanding debt that is several years old, quit piling it on and get this debt paid off.

5. Avoid too many "men" in the huddle. It's not wise to keep several credit cards in your wallet, as you'll be tempted to spend on all of them. It's best to only have a couple of credit cards and keep your balances low on each. Additionally, avoid adding new "players" to the team. Too much new credit at once will impact your score negatively. Only open up the credit you need and certainly don't get several new cards at once.

6. Don't get penalized. Credit laws are changing and will continue to change throughout 2009. Block any surprise fees, late payments or a reduction in your credit line by paying attention to changes in annual fees, payment due dates, as well as required minimum payments. Changes to your credit line could also affect your credit utilization ratio, and all of these items could penalize your overall credit score if you're not familiar with the terms.

"Practicing these six tips will help you score a touchdown on your credit report." Mark adds. "But there are a couple ways to score the extra point and ensure you have the winning credit score."

1. Establish a family quarterback. CCCS of Greater Dallas suggests that all families have their own financial quarterback. While the family should always work as a team to manage spending habits and budgets, assigning one individual to manage the family's checkbook will ensure bills are paid on time and finances are on track.

2. Create a sound financial game plan. Only a sound financial game plan will help you reach your financial goals, including raising your credit score.

CCCS of Greater Dallas helps families establish manageable budgets and spending plans, as well as an action plan to pay off debt. For more information on free budget and credit counseling as well as free financial education, call (800) 249-2227 or visit www.cccs.net.

About CCCS of Greater Dallas
Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Greater Dallas, Inc. is a nonprofit, community based credit counseling and debt management service. Established in 1974, CCCS Dallas and its affiliate offices provide financial education and counseling to consumers in-person, by phone, or Internet through their 24 locations in four states. CCCS Dallas is a HUD accredited counseling agency and serves as one of eight counseling agencies supporting the 888-995-HOPE Hotline. The agency is also a member of the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC), the nation's largest and longest serving national non-profit credit counseling network. To learn more about CCCS Dallas' free seminars or the agency's services, visit www.cccs.net.