As a young person, a lack of financial expertise can make you prone to mistakes without realizing how irresponsible spending can affect you later in life. Unfortunately, negative information like payment delinquency can stay on your credit report between 7–10 years. It won’t completely go away until after that period.

The good news, however, is that it will go away. It just requires patience. So, what steps can you take to improve your credit score?

The most important thing is to create a financial strategy to pay your past-due bills. Some credit scores, such as FICO Score 9 or VantageScore 3.0, stop considering collection accounts once they’re paid. This is very important for you and could make a big difference on your next big purchase. However, ultimately, you’ll still have to wait the 7–10 year period for your credit score on all other systems to equal out.

Second, consider getting a secured credit card. Maybe your credit card is the source of your financial strife, but if you use it responsibly, a steady stream of positive information can reliably help your credit score steadily improve. Also, you’ll get approved for a secured credit card much more easily since the security deposit doubles as the spending limit, meaning less risk for lenders.

Third, you could always hire credit professionals to help you decide what your best next step should be. That’s why AFEUSA partners with The Credit Clinic. Just for AFEUSA members, you’ll get a free credit score report AND have your “First Work & Set Up” fee waived. You can go right into the repair process and they charge just the monthly $149 fee. This is for UNLIMITED work and you will NEVER be bound to terms forcing you to stay with them.

Don’t wait. The best time to repair your credit is now!