So you've worked hard to improve your credit, and now you're seeing results? Maybe you were vigilant and your credit never suffered. Whatever the case may be, we all need to maintain our good credit once established or restored. In previous generations credit was not something people were aware of, but in today's world you should consider yourself responsibility for monitoring your own credit.

First and obviously make sure to avoid late payments to any creditors. Avoiding bad marks is the prerequisite. But to be proactive, think about your actions in this context. Avoid all credit checks, for example, except in cases where you are actually going to make a purchase or open a line of credit. Salesmen are the main culprits here, when big ticket items are involved they can be quick to run a quick credit check to qualify you. Don't let them, unless you know you're ready to buy.

Also in the proactive category is regular monitoring. You can request your credit reports for free every year and you should do so. If you're ever turned down for credit you can request a report as well. Look through the detail on reports from all three major credit bureaus - don't assume they will all contain the same information! Followup on questionable or incorrect data; send a written request to the credit agency inquiring about the item if questionable or asking for it to be removed if incorrect. In short, be the watchful master of your good credit. After all, if not you then who?