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Monday, December 26, 2011

Hope your holidays were wonderful

SO to better deal with the responsibility of family, friends, home &work this week, I wanted to wish you all happy holidays and I will be back with newly researched and practiced money saving deals and advice on the 1st of the year. Gotta get caught back up on my clipping as well, but am very excited to get my couponing back on track as I GOT A NEW STAND UP FREEZER FOR CHRISTMAS YAY! Now I can really get my stockpile loaded! Hope everyone''s Christmas was wonderful, and may we please take a moment to think of all those who werent able to have a joyfull christmas, and how we may be able to help them. If interested, there is a food drive going on at HalfTime Sports Saloon in Gig Harbor, 5114 Pt. Fosdick Dr. Non parishable food items, cleaning supllies, toiletrys, & lightly used toys and clothing are all needed. Anything you can part with will truly help someone else.
Thanks Always!
Caira

Monday, December 19, 2011

CURRENT TWICE THE VALUE COUPON GUIDELINES

Twice the Value Coupon Guidelines

From time to time we will provide Twice The Value (TTV) coupons to our customers. These are done on a promotional basis and are not announced in advance for competitive reasons.
Twice The Value (TTV) store coupons can only be used in combination with a $1.00 or less manufacturer coupon (a printed face value of $1.01 or greater cannot be combined with Twice the Value store coupons).
We accept “Do not Double” manufacturer coupons with our Twice The Value (TTV) coupons as long as they meet the other redemption requirements.
Twice the Value (TTV) coupons are store coupons. TTV are NOT to be paired/accepted with another store coupon on an item
For example: Cheese is listed as $3.99 on an in ad store coupon. Customer can use a manufacturer coupon with this, but NOT a TTV coupon

OFFICIAL BRAND NEW ALBERTSONS POLICY

Albertsons Coupon Policy

Albertsons promotes a coupon friendly shopping experience and encourages customers to participate in store, manufacturer and internet coupon use. The following policy guidelines are current, but Albertsons may change this policy at any time and policy changes may not be advertised. Coupon redemptions are subject to the policy in effect at time of redemption. The current policy information can be discussed with individual store management but is not posted in each store.

Coupons – Definition: Coupons are a form of tender to reduce an order total based on merchandise purchased. Retailers are not required by law to accept manufacturers’ coupon. Coupons can be in print and/or in electronic form, and may be integrated into the register systems where they are deducted automatically when all purchase requirements are met.

General Coupon Acceptance Guidelines

·         Coupons are accepted in accordance to the stated requirements on the coupon at the time of purchase. These requirements include, but are not limited to: product type, flavor(s), size(s), quantities and minimum/maximum dollar purchase limits.
·         Coupons are intended for one time use and cannot be redeemed more than once.
·         Coupons have no cash value.
·         Albertsons only accepts original coupons and does not accept photocopied or reproduced coupons (including multiple prints of same series internet coupons).
·         Albertsons does not accept expired coupons. Printed expiration dates are verified in addition to scanning the coupon for validity.
·         Coupons stating “on next/future purchase or visit” cannot be used in the transaction in which they are generated. Next purchase is defined as a separate transaction.
·         The coupon redemption value on ‘Free’ coupons may not exceed the value of the item.
·         Albertsons will accept ONE manufacturer coupon and ONE store coupon on the same qualifying item. (Twice the Value coupons are considered a store coupon.)
·         Albertsons does not accept competitor coupons. (Coupons generated by any competitor with competitor logo are considered competitor coupons.)
·         All applicable sales taxes are paid by the customer at the full value of the item.
·         Albertsons reserves the right to refuse any coupons at its discretion.

Manufacturer Coupons

·         Coupons issued by manufacturers contain redemption guidelines including, but not limited to: “terms of agreement”, “face value”, “expiration date” and the verbiage “manufacturer coupon”. Albertsons adheres to all manufacturer redemption guidelines.
·         Albertsons may issue private promotion “manufacturer coupons” in advertisements that state “redeemable only at Albertsons” in which Albertsons is the only retailer that will accept.
·         Coupons that exceed the retail value of an item will have the remaining amount applied to the balance of the transaction. In the event a transaction balance results in a "credit", additional items WILL be added/suggested to the order to utilize the remaining value of the coupon. We will not provide any "cash back" on coupons; however we will provide full redemption value.
·         Albertsons accepts internet generated manufacturer coupons that have the following conditions:
o   Coupons must scan at checkout.
o   Coupons must have serial numbers and follow an industry-standard format.
o   Coupons must clearly indicate that they are a manufacturer coupon and have a valid manufacture address on the printed coupon.
·         Albertsons does not accept internet generated manufacturer coupons that have the following conditions:
o   FREE product without a required purchase.
o   A redemption value that exceeds $5.00.
o   The absence of a clear and scannable UPC bar code.
o   Same serial numbers (internet sites print time & date stamps on coupons and limit the number of coupons that can be printed from same computer).
o   The absence of a valid manufacturer address on the printed coupon.
·         Albertsons offers of Buy One, Get One Free (BOGO) promotions in their weekly advertisement can be combined with Buy One, Get One Free manufacturer coupons to result in BOTH items being Free. The items in the manufacturer coupon must exactly match our weekly advertisement offers and meet the redemption criteria.

Store Coupons & Promotions

·         Rain checks for store coupons will be given out as long as the store coupon does not state on it “while supplies last”.
·         Coupons issued by Albertsons contain redemption guidelines including, but not limited to: “terms of agreement”, “face value”, “expiration date” and the verbiage “store coupon”.
·         Albertsons offers store coupons in various forms of media including, but not limited to, print, electronic, newspaper, direct mailers, kiosks and Company websites.
·         Albertsons may issue “store coupons” in advertisements that state “redeemable only at Albertsons” in which Albertsons is the only retailer that will accept.
·         Store coupons may require that the discount applies only with Preferred/Loyalty/Rewards Card use.
·         Twice the Value store coupons can only be used in combination with a $1.00 or less manufacturer coupon (a printed face value of $1.01 or greater cannot be combined with Twice the Value store coupons).
o   Albertsons DOES allow manufacturer coupons that state they cannot be ‘doubled’ to be used in conjunction with a Twice the Value store coupon.
·         Market Basket coupons can be provided via US mail or email for loyalty, special events, or local relevance. Can be used in transactions where all/many items have manufacturer coupon since it is for total purchase. These may be “stackable” according to guidance in ad/redemption guidelines. Must meet minimum purchase requirement after all other valid coupon redemptions and customer card discounts. The store Point Of Sale system is programmed to limit or restrict coupons in accordance with the redemption guidelines.

Catalina Checkout Coupons/Rebates

·         Catalina is a third party vendor that partners with vendors and Albertsons to offer both manufacturer coupons and Albertsons in-store coupons. The coupons are triggered by purchasing qualified items at checkout which generate a coupon to print on the Catalina printer.
·         Albertsons delivers 3 types of coupons via Catalina:
1.       Manufacturer “cents off” – common type frequently distributed
2.       Store Coupon – clearly states “store coupon” in title (cannot be combined with Twice The Value)
3.       Market Basket – earned from prior purchase and not associated with an item, but rather the purchase. Can be used in transactions where all/many items have manufacturer coupon since it is for total purchase. These may be “stackable” according to guidance in ad/redemption guidelines. Minimum purchase requirements must be met after all other valid coupon redemptions and customer card discounts. The store Point Of Sale system is programmed to limit or restrict coupons in accordance with the redemption guidelines.
·         It is Albertsons' policy that these coupons are to be used in a future purchase, not within the purchase in which they are generated. (“next purchase” is defined as a separate transaction)
·         Catalina coupons are provided to the intended customer based on that particular customers shopping experience or purchase, therefore, such coupons are non-transferable. If a customer does not want the issued Catalina coupons, it is Albertsons' policy that the cashier or store associate destroys them immediately, including any Catalina coupons delivered at the Self Check Out lanes.

The Total Shopping Experience

·         In an effort to serve our all customers better than our competitors, and provide a timely checkout, Albertsons requests that customers do not exceed three (3) consecutive transactions.
·         Additional lanes will be opened to serve all customers in a timely manner if the current business and staffing level permits.
·         If you have questions or comments about your overall experience, please ask for the Store Director or Customer Satisfaction Manager. Customer's having a highly satisfied experience is our priority!

Thursday, December 15, 2011

15 ways to stop wasting food

15 ways to stop wasting food

From shopping more often to rearranging your refrigerator, these unconventional tips can help trim grocery bills and reduce the amount of food you throw away.
1 of 17
Whole and chopped spring onions in baskets © Chris Ted/Getty Images
Small changes add up

As anyone who's ever cleaned up after a dinner party knows, Americans waste a lot of food. In addition to the fruits, vegetables and other items that go bad in our own kitchens, farmers and grocery stores toss out unused goods as well. According to Jonathan Bloom, the author of "American Wasteland," such waste adds up to at least 160 billion pounds of food each year. The problem is considered so serious that food industry groups have launched an initiative to reduce the amount of food that ends up in landfills while increasing the amount that goes to food banks.
In his book, Bloom says Americans can also do a lot to stop food waste, starting with a few adjustments to refrigerator organization. Bloom recommends keeping a "use it up" shelf for items that will soon go bad so you remember to eat them. Click ahead for 15 more recommendations from Bloom on how to waste less money on food.

Cashier checking out groceries © Antenna/Getty Images
Buy less food overall

The European model of more frequent --or even daily -- shopping trips can help reduce food waste compared with the more American-style mega-shopping sprees on the weekends. After all, when you're shopping on Sunday for Friday's meals, the chances of food spoiling in the interim is greater. Plus, shopping more frequently gives you flexibility to make use of unexpected leftovers, Bloom says.

Refrigerator open with organized food © Howard Shooter/Getty Images
Keep your fridge uncluttered

If you can't see the hummus, you might forget to eat it. This is where Bloom's "use it up" shelf helps. He also suggests putting new groceries in the back and bringing older items to the front.

A plate of French toast © John E. Kelly/Getty Images
Make French toast

The classic recipe for French toast calls for slightly stale bread; bread pudding and bread crumbs also make something new out of the old. Banana bread similarly makes use of old bananas. Bloom also suggests chicken pot pies, chicken salad, fried rice and soups for getting the most out of leftovers and vegetables approaching their expiration dates. You can also use leftover chicken bones and vegetable scraps to make your own stock, which can then serve as a base for soups.

Half & Half expiration date © Richard Levine/Alamy
Ignore expiration dates

Well, maybe not completely, but because those dates tend to be conservative, Bloom recommends relying more on your own senses to determine whether food is still edible.

Person slicing bread on table © Fabrice LEROUGE/Getty Images
Decline the 'extras' at restaurants

Once the bread basket hits your table, it can no longer be served to others, so speak up if you'd rather skip the carbo-loading before the main meal. Similarly, if you're not going to eat the fries that come with your meal, let your server know.

Leftover pasta in a to-go box © Steve Brown Photography/Getty Images
Bring home leftovers

Some restaurants are famous for large servings; don't let the leftovers go to waste. Bringing your own container for them makes the choice more environmentally friendly, too.

Family eating dinner © Harald Eisenberger/Getty Images
Use smaller plates at home

One of the families Bloom profiles in his book uses smaller plates to encourage taking smaller servings, which can then be refilled if necessary. That way, children (and adults) are less likely to take more than they will eat.

Family cooking together in kitchen © Plattform/Getty Images
Cook more

Bloom found that people are less likely to waste food that they or a loved one made, which means home-cooked meals have a better chance of avoiding the garbage disposal.

Herb garden © Christel Rosenfeld/Getty Images
Grow your own herbs

The small amount of basil or mint called for in recipes can lead to big waste, since you often have to purchase a larger bunch. Instead, consider growing the herbs yourself in small indoor pots, or plan several herb-heavy recipes in one week. Bloom also suggests dicing and freezing herbs in ice cube trays with water for longer-term storage.

Vegetable aisle at the grocery store © Andersen Ross/Getty
Shop for fruits and vegetables last

Most of us do the opposite, because produce sections are usually the first we enter, but Bloom recommends saving these selections for last to protect fruits and vegetables from getting buried and bruised by heavier items, and also to keep them refrigerated as long as possible.

Man eating in kitchen © Thomas Northcut/Getty Images
Eat before you shop

Shopping on an empty stomach tends to lead to impulse buys and unnecessary stocking up.

Mother & kids shopping at Sam's Club © Jeremy Hogan/Alamy
Limit bulk buys

As research from Harvard Business School has shown, stocking up on items can lead to overspending (and waste), especially if you don't get the chance to use up all that cream cheese before it gets moldy.

Two boys waiting while microwave cooks food © Jupiterimages/Getty Images
Save and eat leftovers

Some items, such as chili and meatloaf, taste even better the next day.

Checking on freezer contents © Henrik Weis/Getty Images
Use your freezer

Putting long-term leftovers in the freezer, along with other freezable items that you can't use right away, can help reduce the amount that ends up in the trash. Using sealed bags will help prevent freezer burn.

Food in labeled plastic containers © UpperCut Images/SuperStock
Label items

Writing down the date and a description can help remind you to use them up. Bloom adds that including the monetary value of items can also provide an incentive to avoid waste.

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coupon clippin services video

Coupon Clippin Services/ controversial, but there

Some people think that clipping coupon services are not the best idea.  Why others need the option since their paper doesn’t even carry the coupon inserts.  So, this post is meant to be informative and help you out.  You can all make your own decisions whether you want to use a coupon clipping service or not. :)
And, after my research, I have picked two that I would recommend to all of you guys to try.  My two favorites are The Coupon Clippers and Coupons by Dede.
  • Both companies will let you pay by Paypal, which helps keep my cc info private.  But they also take credit cards for those who don’t have a Paypal account.
  • The Coupon Clippers didn’t ship until Tuesday and Coupons by Dede shipped on Monday.  However both arrived at my home in Utah on Thursday.  I wish the shipping could have been faster without paying an arm and a leg for the expedited shipping.  But, it may be faster for you if you live near their services.
  • The Coupon Clippers are located in Florida and Coupons by Dede are located in Texas.
  • Both services had different coupons available.  So I ended up purchasing different coupons for both. 
  • Both had the same ending cost for shipping and their coupon clipping prices were the same.
Maybe you don’t get the RedPlum insert in your Sunday Paper, or maybe you need extra copies of a particular coupon.  Using a coupon clipping service can help only purchase the coupons you need and pass on the rest.  Coupons will go up live on Sundays on both sites.  So, if you see a coupon you want, Sunday or Monday would be the best day to order it.
As long as your coupon clipping costs still helps you to save money overall on your Grocery purchase, I would recommend doing it if you need particular coupons.
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by Melea on April 19, 2011 9:37 am ·

Thanks to freebies2deals

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Albersons policy change


When you hear the words “coupon policy change” it can make you cringe and think that the restrictions are tightening. This is not the case with the most recent change to Albertsons coupon policy.  We don’t have an official policy in hand yet but we know from managers that the changes are supposedly going into effect December 16. Here are the changes being made:
:: Coupon overage will be allowed –“Manufacturer coupons that exceed the retail value of an item will have the remaining amount applied to the balance of the transaction. In the event the transaction balance results in a “credit”, additional items WILL be added/suggested to the order to utilize the remaining value of the coupon. Albertsons does not provide “cash back” on coupons, but provides full redemption value”

Thanks to frugal livingNW for this wonderful news!

Sunday, December 11, 2011

Made some changes.

There is a new rating system at the bottom of each post that lets you tell me what you think of my posts. Also, please leave me some comments. I love feedback and want to know what you guys want so PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE let me know how I can make things better!
Thanks Always!
Caira

‘Tis the season for pinched pennies and tight budgets, isn’t it?

Header1 Christmas On the Cheap: $1 Holiday Gifts, Treats, and Eats

I came across this article and loved it. Great tips. Click the link below to get the full scoop!



‘Tis the season for pinched pennies and tight budgets, isn’t it? With all the people you’ve got to remember, all the gifts you’ve got to send, all the parties you’ve got to tote treats to, all the mealtimes you’ve got to put in front of your dear little family, it’s easy to feel your dollars stretched to the max–if not totally disappearing right outta your purse. There’s no reason to panic! We’ve pulled together 15 fabulous gifts, recipes, and holiday dinners that will cost you just a buck a piece. From cute kitchen crafts to yummy meals, here are the best budget ideas that will help your Christmas be cool, without being costly.

http://blogs.babble.com/family-kitchen/2011/12/08/christmas-on-the-cheap-1-holiday-gifts-treats-and-eats/?pid=7484#slideshow

Sunday, December 4, 2011

Hiding christmas present from the kids!

Hiding Christmas Presents from Your Kids

Steve Thompson
When my sisters and I were younger, we would spend hours scouring the entire house in an attempt to find the Christmas presents we knew were hidden somewhere. Over the years, my parents got quite adept at hiding Christmas presents where we couldn't find them, and now I've taken their advice and applied it to my own family. Hiding Christmas presents from your kids might seem like an impossible task, but if you approach it from the point of view of children, you'll have better luck. Hiding Christmas Presents from Your Kids: Never Use the Same Place Twice
Every year, my wife and I find a new place to hide our Christmas presents for the kids. We never use the same place twice because our children are quite clever. And since you never know if your kids actually did find the presents and simply neglected to admit it, finding a different place every year will diminish the possibility of your kids finding them two years in a row.
Hiding Christmas Presents from Your Kids: Disguise the Presents
Anything wrapped in red and green paper is like a beacon for your kids, so disguise the boxes and packages so that they don't look like Christmas presents. One year, my wife and I hid the Christmas presents in old moving boxes; the next, we put them in old shoe boxes in the closet. For larger items, you might consider storing them in refrigerator or large garden equipment boxes to disguise them.
Hiding Christmas Presents from Your Kids: Play to the Phobias
All kids are afraid of something, and this is one time that it works to your advantage. For example, if your kids are scared of the attic or basement, hide your Christmas presents there. The same goes for sheds in the backyard or even under their beds. Kids are more likely to search places where they feel comfortable, so make it as uncomfortable as possible to find the Christmas presents.
Hiding Christmas Presents from Your Kids: Above Their Reach
My kids are all comfortable with heights now, so this doesn't work for me anymore. If you have young children, however, who don't know how to use a ladder, hiding the Christmas presents at the top of your closet or in a hard-to-reach cabinet might be your best bet.
Hiding Christmas Presents from Your Kids: Have Your Parents Hide Them
If your parents or other relatives live close by, store the Christmas presents outside the home. It is quite doubtful that your children would break into a relative's home to find their presents, so this is usually safe. It might be inconvenient, however, if you don't see family members often or if they live more than twenty minutes away. You can try friend's houses if that is easier.
Hiding Christmas Presents from Your Kids: Keep Them at Work
Another option you have is to stow all the Christmas presents at work until you're ready to bring them home. This obviously won't work if you take time off for the last week or so before Christmas, but if you're one of those people who stays at the office until someone finally kicks you out, this is a handy alternative to a friend or relative's place.
Hiding Christmas Presents from Your Kids: Reverse Psychology
I once walked into our guest room where we'd stored the Christmas presents and found our kids in the process of pulling them out of the closet. We were astonished! So rather than giving up and getting angry, we told them that those were the presents for other family members. We said, "You wouldn't want to spoil the presents for everyone else, would you?" They agreed, and we left the presents there until Christmas.

Shopping for a Christmas tree

Today was the day that we decided to go out and find the perfect christmas tree for our home. Now being a savvy shopper, I of course will not just go to one place and grab the first one I like, so we decided to drive around. First up we stopped by a lot in UPTOWN Gig Harbor, got out,and saw the first charlie brown looking tree was priced at $54, looked at 2 others and instantly got back into out car and said NO WAY! Then we drove over to Rite Aide, Qfc, and ACE Hardware, all were moderately priced, but there was no one there to help us, cut the bottom down, or answer any questions, so we decided to go somewhere else. We then went to HARBOR GREENS, a natural food store located in Gig Harbor. Right away we saw a lot of seemingly happy tree shoppers all being assisted, with the smell of fresh kettle corn in the air we were drawn over to the tent in themiddle of the lot. We were instantly greeted with a smile and was offered a big cup of fresh hot cider for only $1, and was given a free cup of fresh kettle corn that was being made right in front of us to munch on while we browsed. Already we were happy and felt welcomed. We were then told that in the back on the patio they had even more trees to check out, and there she was....a lush, full, vibrant Douglas Fir marked for $25. After very little debate, we decided this was going to be our tree. They cut the bottome down for us and tied her down to the roof of our car. When we went inside to pay, we were surprised to see out tree was rung up for only $20! The sale price of $25 listed was actually even less! Very happy with our choice of location to shop! Great environment, great service, great food/drink, and wonderfully taken care of fresh trees for us to choose from. Huge variety too! Hope this helps any locals decided on where to go and not to go for their tree this year! HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
Coupon Clippin Caira & Family

How to host a Christmas party on a budget

How to Host a Christmas Party on a Budget

X
Renee Miller
Renee Miller has been writing professionally since 2008. Her accomplishments include being featured in Harlots' Sauce online magazine in January 2009 and writing for various Web sites. She studied communications at Auburn University.
Christmas can be one of the most enjoyable holidays of the year. However, between buying just the right gifts, making sure the turkey isn't dry and trying to stay within budget, it can also be one of the most stressful.
The good news is that you can host a Christmas party on a budget without sacrificing taste, color or festivity. Read further to learn how.
Related Searches:

Difficulty:
Easy

Instructions

    • 1
      Take a second look in your pantry and refrigerator. Nothing brings home that sentimental feeling of Christmas' past like the beauty and smell of food. Use sliced oranges to decorate your kitchen island for a colorful touch of fragrance. Those Christmas cookies aren't just for eating either. Instead of piling them onto one tray, try putting them on several small plates around the house. Your guests will appreciate the convenience and color of these decorative and edible treats.
    • 2
      Let party favors double as place cards. Shop around for inexpensive glass ball ornaments. Pick up as many as you need then fill them with sprigs of tinsel for color. Use a metallic marker in gold, red or silver to write your guests names on them. Place one on each plate to indicate where guests are to sit. They will love the thoughtful keepsake ornament.
    • 3
      Do it yourself. Forget about catering. Hosting a Christmas party on a budget demands a little elbow grease. Create simple meals for much less than you would pay a caterer or deli. Most stores will shave or thinly slice your ham for free. You can then make dozens of pinwheels (tortillas, lettuce, ham and cream cheese) yourself for under ten dollars. For less than fifteen dollars you can create a cheese and fruit tray by slicing and dicing the fruit and cheese yourself.
    • 4
      Play Christmas music. Nothing sets the mood like music. With soft carols playing in the background, no one will care how much or how little you spent on decorating.
    • 5
      Light lots of candles. At your local dollar store you can pick up several tea-light or tapered candles inexpensively. Candles, like music, create a festive mood that will be enjoyed by all.


Read more: How to Host a Christmas Party on a Budget | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how_4604753_host-christmas-party-budget.html#ixzz1favyUy16

Saturday, December 3, 2011

15 minute fixes for credit scores

15-minute fixes for credit scores

A better score should be every consumer's goal -- and boosting the number may be easier than you think. These strategies can help.

Image: Woman looking at bills and receipts on floor © David Sacks, Lifesize, Getty Images
Improving your credit score can feel like a gargantuan task. But by spending just 15 minutes, you can give your credit score anywhere from a small bump to a major boost. Here are some tips from credit experts on quick -- and sometimes easy -- ways to raise your score.
1. Set up automatic bill payment or alerts. "The one thing you need to do is pay bills on time -- that has the biggest impact on your score," says Carrie Coghill, the director of consumer education for FreeScore.com.
One way to do that is to set up automatic bill payment through your bank or credit union, at least for the typical minimum amounts of your bills, says Lita Epstein, the author of "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Improving Your Credit Score." Or, if you're not comfortable with automatic bill payment, Coghill recommends setting up regular email or text message alerts to remind you of bill due dates.


On-time payments over a period of about six months can increase your score by as much as 50 points, says Epstein. "It shows you are getting responsible about your bills."
2. Pay down revolving debt. If your credit card debt is more than 35 percent of your credit limit, it's probably dragging your score down, but paying balances down can provide a quick boost. Experts recommend setting up regular automatic payments to make a dent in your debt or making one big extra payment if you can sell something on Craigslist or eBay or if you get a windfall.

Tips for young adults to build credit score


"People sometimes get a sizable tax refund. I recommend using that to pay off debt," says Doug Borkowski, the director of the nonprofit Iowa State University Financial Counseling Clinic.
A good rule to follow is this: For every $1,000 of available credit, try to use less than $350, says Clifton O'Neal, a spokesman for TransUnion, the credit-reporting bureau. "Say you have three cards, each with a $1,000 limit," he says. "One has a $500 balance, one has a $350 balance, and one has a $250 balance. Pay on all of them, but pay more on the first one to bring it down under 35%."
(Use MSN Money's calculator to see how long it will take to pay off your credit cards.)
3. Pay your credit card bill early. If you use your card for everything from groceries to utilities to a pack of gum to get rewards -- but pay in full each month -- pay early. Because if you charge, say, $2,000 each month but pay your bill after you get your statement, it looks as though you're carrying a large balance when you're not, Epstein says.
"Check when the statement closing date is," Epstein says. "Making the payment before the statement closing date -- just five or six days early -- can make a big difference over time. It will be reported to the credit bureaus as a $0 balance and will look like you're holding less credit."
4. Ask your credit card company to raise your limit. If you carry a credit card balance but have been making payments on time and make enough money to support a higher credit limit, a quick phone call to your credit card company could raise your score. A higher credit limit will lower your credit utilization ratio (the amount of available credit you're using), experts say. However, experts also say it's important to be honest about whether that step would tempt you to rack up more debt.
"It's about knowing yourself, asking, 'Am I going to be responsible using that credit card?'" Borkowski says. "Because what if your limit is $4,000 and it gets raised to $8,000, and all you end up with is more credit card debt? But, for those who can handle it, yes, call and try to get your limit raised so you're at a one-third or less (credit utilization ratio)."
5. Go online to dispute an item on your credit report. Some experts advise consumers to dispute a possible credit report error by registered mail, and to include evidence. But, let's face it, many never get around to making copies, hunting down a stamp and heading to the post office. All three major credit bureaus offer the option of filing a dispute online -- and it can be faster and easier, experts say. (Do you know your credit rating? Get an estimate with MSN Money's calculator.)


"The first thing to do is pull a copy of your credit report from all three bureaus. You can do it free once a year at AnnualCreditReport.com," says O'Neal. "Look at each one and see if there's anything you don't recognize. If you have any questions about information on your reports, you can file a dispute online. You can track it online, too, so it's a lot quicker."
6. Just say no to too many inquiries. When you're buying those cool new sunglasses and the cashier asks if you'd like to get a 10% discount by signing up for a store credit card, just say no. "Whenever you take new credit, you get a ding on your credit score, so don't apply for new credit cards all the time," Epstein says. In fact, she recommends applying for new credit, at most, twice a year.
7. Get a late payment removed from your credit report. In the "it-can't-hurt-to-ask" category, it sometimes pays to call a creditor and ask to have a late payment removed from your credit report. "I always say, 'Just ask,'" says Borkowski, who recommends asking for the hardship department whenever you call a credit card company to make such a request.
"A lot of times, general customer service might say they can't help you, but the hardship department -- or its equivalent -- might," Borkowski says. "They make a lot of money from the person who misses a payment every now and then but carries a big balance. They like to keep those customers."

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8. Play what-if with your credit score. Each consumer's credit history is different, so Epstein recommends spending a few minutes at the consumer website Credit Karma. The site offers a peek at your credit score -- though it's not the widely used FICO score -- and offers a simulator that allows you to see how different actions you could take would likely affect your score.
"I use it all the time. I see whether my score is going up or down," Epstein says. "You can also go in a week after you've done something you think might have impacted the score, and you can see the change."
It is often repeated that, when it comes to credit scores, there are no quick fixes. However, if you follow these tips, you could see a big improvement in your credit score -- with just a small investment of time.
This article was reported by Allie Johnson for CreditCards.com.