Looking for credit help before you get the loan? Learn these Top 7 things first.

Yes, you know you need credit help because you are going for it.

The thing is that this mortgage refinancing or adventure into the world of home equity loans is extremely important and you want to do it right.

In the past, you heard about getting credit help but that was for other people.

Now its your turn.

You now realize how much credit affects the amount of money in interest you'll pay - regardless of what kind of home equity loans or mortgage refinancing that's out there.

So you just got or are about to get your free credit report.

Great.

Now what?

If you have it already, you may be feeling guilty for missing a few credit card payments. If you don’t have it yet, you may be preparing for the worse.

Either way, you have to decide what action steps you’ll take. Here are 7 things you should do once you begin to read it:

1. Feel better – If the report looks fine, great - congrats…skip to number 2.

If it’s ugly: Why all the gloom? Change that frown to a smile. You can move on from here. Everyone has a credit card story.

You know when someone takes a picture of you and it just doesn’t come out right? That’s what happens sometimes.

You had a bad hair day or there was too much glare. Whatever.

Move on.

A credit report does not define who you are. It’s just a snapshot of a point in time.

The next snapshot will be better.

2. Review it carefully – No matter what it shows, you must do this.

Learn what others are finding out about you. Does everything check out?

If not, you’ll need to contact the credit reporting agency and the creditor listed.

This is not so easy – but definitely get it started - it’s best to write to them so you can document and make a trail.

But remember, don't ignore this step. Ask yourself these two questions:

How bad do you want the lowest interest rate possible for any home equity loans or when "refinance mortgage" is on the top of your to do list? You must protect your credit as much as possible. It is your money.

3. Set reminders – This is huge. What is one of the biggest reasons you miss a credit card payment? Because you forget!

It happens.

You have so many things going on in your life, it’s nearly impossible to remember everything. This is why you must create a system for yourself.

One key part of your system should be automatic reminders.

Often, your credit card company or creditor has this feature in their website. They remind you that your bill is due by sending you an email.

You can have your work calendar remind you, or a big fat sign in front of your refrigerator or home office. Whatever works for you – but do something.

4. Keep it simple –If you think there is too much to remember, you may want to consolidate your bills.

Please be very careful with this step. This doesn’t mean you can go on a credit card splurge afterwards.

If you want to access some home equity with a refinance home loan, home equity loan or line of credit: make sure you are doing this for the right reasons:

* For a better interest rate

* To pay one bill monthly

* To pay off one bill entirely

This will simplify your life as long as you remain focused.

5. Think abundance – Speaking of focus, don’t focus on your debt. Focus on abundance.

Always remember, it is said that the things that you think about the most will somehow become reality.

Even if you have a hard time with that concept, do it anyway.

Hey, what would you lose?

You would have alot to gain though: think abundance, think happiness, think low interest credit card, be an optimist, smile more, laugh more – and then see what happens.

6. Set a date – Pick a date on the calendar and write “Free credit report” on it.

This will be your follow up. Make sure you give yourself enough time to make a difference – 6 months should be plenty.

7. Pass it on – Understand that many people do not even get to see their own credit report (before they apply for mortgage refinancing or any home equity loans) let alone improve it.

They end up paying alot more interest.

In this case, what they don't know - will, in fact, financially hurt them and their families in the long run.

Do good by explaining to others the importance of getting their credit report and tell them about your experience.

After all, helping others is another positive thought that can pay big dividends.