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These first 5 things plus the 5 more below will set you on the path to credit restoration and better scores.

1. Stop waiting for a better time
2. Stop blaming others and whining
3. Stop not planning and setting goals
4. Stop making your payments late
5. Stop robbing Peter to pay Paul

6. Not checking your credit report regularly
Knowing what is on your credit reports is key to having and maintaining good credit scores. With the advent of the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) years ago primarily put in place for the purpose of helping and protecting consumers there is no reason not to take advantage of the very important provision for every person to get a free credit report from each of the major credit bureaus, Transunion, Equifax and Experian once a year.The official site for getting your free credit reports is http://annualcreditreport.com. It is the only truly free credit report provided by the 3 major credit reporting agencies. Watch out for Free Credit Report advertisements that aren’t really FREE, not even http://freecreditreport.com . Note, http://annualcreditreport.com does not provide credit scores, FICO Score nor Vantage Score. Start checking your credit reports regularly.

7. Spending money on things you don’t need
I would be the first to admit that we often mistake the “I want” for “I need” when buying stuff, often because it just seems cool to own it. The saying “You can’t buy happiness” is a true statement. Things don’t last long; when you first get it, you experience a certain joy of a “a new toy”, but not long afterwards, the joy is gone, the newly acquired item is no longer new, and joins the rest of things in your house– or in a garage sale. Think very carefully whether you absolutely need something or you just want to own it. There is a time for buying unnecessary things, but not when you want to get out of debt and improve your credit score. Quick encouragement: Invest in experiences instead things– experiences that will stay with you in memory for the rest of your life.

8. Depending on others for change
I was talking to a Realtor the other day, and she was talking about some of her production goals for 2013. Actually, to be more precise she was complaining. She was describing how she and her partners had set down together in December and mapped out some goals and plans for the new year. It is now May, and they are nowhere close to being on schedule. I asked her why, and she replied that her partners were not doing their part. Essentially, she was waiting on them; She was depending on them for change. Granted, when you are a part of a group or team, others’ activities or lack of activities will effect you, but you must resist the temptation of depending on, or waiting on others for real change. The same applies to improving your credit and debt circumstances. Take the bull by the horns and make things happen to the best of your ability. Even if you have to hire help from a credit repair company, you still are taking initiative by reaching out to them and then doing your part in the process.

9. Not taking chances
Sometimes we wait for a sure thing to come along for us to follow and then, when it never comes, we wonder why nothing wonderful and exciting ever happens to us. It’s true not just in regard to life in general but also important things like one’s credit. We often overthink, overanalyze and create possible scenarios in our head – then come up with the most negative outcome, and end up never trying anything at the end of the day. We are afraid to take a chance. If you want to improve your credit rating, you must be willing to take a risk. If you are truly afraid of something going wrong, ask yourself: “What is the worst thing that can happen?” and if you can live with that worst case scenario – maybe you should give it a try. Naysayers will try to discourage you, but if you know it is right, go for it!

10. Asking for help
Most of us resist asking for help until we are desperate, especially we independent, do-it-yourself (DIY) Americans. When we have gotten to the end of our efforts and pride we finally consider asking for help. If you want to have better credit scores, stop not asking for help when needed. Granted, there are many things you can do to improve your credit yourself, and really should. It’s your credit, your future. In fact, the consumer credit laws like FCRA and FDCPA were put in place to not only protect consumers, but empower them to have more control over their credit and financial life. However, there are times and situations where you feel like you are in the credit pit, and can’t get out, or you just flat don’t have time with all that is on your plate. it is best and easier to let people who have specialized training and experience help you.