5 Of Europes Best Cities for EDM Lovers

The American EDM (electronic dance music) scene has continued to thrive for the last few years. But we should never forget that at the end of the day, EDM was popularized in dance clubs and raves throughout Europe. And Europe continues to be where the very best EDM clubs, festivals, and DJs live, further showcased through festivals like Tomorrowland and the Electric Love Festival.

So where are the best spots in Europe for a good night of dancing? Here are five cities which represent the epitome of EDM culture, and where an enthusiast can have the best time. We look at cities with a rich history of EDM music, a thriving culture with great clubs and DJs, and are generally attractive tourist spots.

Berlin

Berlin is an obvious choice, but it still must be mentioned. EDM has been part of Berlin culture all the way back to the days of the Berlin Wall, when Loveparade began in 1989 and ran for 14 years. There is no city in Europe which has as many EDM clubs as Berlin, whether it is Tresor, Golden Gate, or Berghain. DJs flock to Berlin in order to ply their trade just as classical musicians came there in the 18^th and 19^th centuries. Some of the top DJs include Paul van Dyk, PanPot, and AndHim.

If that was not good enough, there are a great deal of music festivals outside of Berlin that are only a short car or bus ride away. This year, the annual Fusion Festival will last from June 29^th to July 3^rd, with the Melt Festival occurring a few weeks later.

Prague

Even if you ignore music altogether, Prague is one of the most underrated tourist cities in Europe. It may not have the reputation of Paris or London, but it is cheap and has a fantastic nightlife full of bars, clubs, and anything else you might want.

And there are at least half a dozen clubs I know of which open all night and play great beats. Karlovy Lázně is one of the best-known clubs in Europe, featuring any kind of music that you might want. But if you’re interested in a true EDM experience without running into a lot of silly tourists, I would recommend Club Roxy. It’s a bit expensive by Czech standards, but compensates with a great dance floor and light show.

Amsterdam

I could begin and end this section by noting that this is the home of the Amsterdam Dance Event every October, and that alone should be enough to attract any EDM lover.

But there is so much more to Amsterdam’s EDM scene than just that fact. Amsterdam has a rich electronic and techno history since the 1980s, and this influence continues to be felt with clubs like Paradiso and Melkweg. Amsterdam’s clubs are also unique in that many of them were abandoned buildings before being picked up for music, giving them a unique flair.

And if you want to visit Amsterdam sooner than October, there are a myriad of electronic festivals to pick from. There is the VOLTT Koningsdag in about two weeks, which will include Undercatt, Young Marco, and Adam Beyer. There is the outdoor Awakenings Festival featuring Pan-Pot, Dave Clarke, and Maceo Plex.

But no matter when you go, there will always be an event for any EDM fan to go to and have a great time.

Copenhagen

This may seem to be an odd choice, but Copenhagen belongs on this list. Danish people are some of the friendliest in Europe, and the city is small enough that it is easy to find your way around. But best of all, electronic dominates the music scene there. If you’re lucky, you may be able to hear the Pegboard Nerds or the Blue Foundation, some of the best electronic DJs in Denmark.

Copenhagen’s clubs are primarily in the Meatpacking District, and the crowds don’t show up until around midnight. But once they do, then head to the Culture Box, a club which has every kind of electronic music you could be interested in hearing.

Ibiza

Copenhagen and Prague may be underrated, and Berlin and Amsterdam may be well known; but none are as famous just for their EDM scene as Ibiza. Ibiza is known for some of the top EDM events in the world like the International Music Summit and the Ultra Music Festival. You can always count on the best of the best DJs to come here to some of the best clubs in the world like Space Nightclub. And on top of it, when you’re not partying at night, you can enjoy the great weather and beaches during the day.

It should be noted that Ibiza is not for those with light wallets, though you can save money through hostels and buying tickets in advance. But if you can afford it, this is a terrific destination both for music and to party in general.

Featured photo credit: MIXTRIBE via flickr.com

The post 5 Of Europe’s Best Cities for EDM Lovers appeared first on Lifehack.

from Lifehack http://ift.tt/1VlnQF0

Home Insurance: 7 Tips Every Homeowner Should Know

Home insurance policies can become complicated, so it is in every owner’s best interest to brush up on some key information before diving in.

Here are some tips for homeowners looking for coverage and ways to make the process as stress-free as possible.

Knowing you are covered is priceless.

Having a piece of mind is valuable, so sleep better at night knowing you are covered rather than worrying about breaking the bank. According to the Insurance Information Institute, there are 4 basic kinds of coverage:

1. Coverage for the structure of your home
2. Coverage for your personal belongings
3. Liability protection
4. Additional living expenses if you are temporarily unable to live in your home because of an insured disaster.

The truth is, most people will never have a use for the majority of the coverage they acquire. But in the event of a natural disaster, emergency repair or any other pitfall that could occur it is worth the extra money to know that you are covered.

Purchasing auto and home insurance from the same company can save money.

In some cases, insurance companies will offer a discount on either home or auto insurance if you buy both from the same place. For example, Progressive offers a potential 8% discount on auto insurance if a property policy is added. This can become tricky, so be sure to crunch the numbers and make sure it will be less expensive to do both rather than purchasing separate policies from different companies.

Research insurance companies and premiums.

Insurance companies will determine the premium of your policy based on several factors. You can get a ballpark figure of what it might cost by simply entering your information at the website of any number of insurance companies. For example, Chill.ie Home Insurance provides fast quotes without even having to speak to an agent.

Anything that puts your home at a higher risk of damage will affect how high the coverage premium is set. Do some research and find out what insurance company could potentially save you the most money. The National Association of Insurance Commissioners has tons of information on their website as well as recommendations for insurance companies within your region.

Secure the home as much as possible

It’s any homeowners’ nightmare to imagine something happening to the home when no one is there. Improve the security as much as possible, but keep in mind that effective alarms and monitoring systems can be expensive. But the good thing is some insurance companies will offer discounts for things like burglar alarms and smoke detectors. So, you can essentially save money while simultaneously protecting your home.

Know how much your possessions are worth

There is also coverage for things inside of the home. Keep an itemized list of all of your possessions because it is important when trying to recoup expenses. There are even online inventories that can assist with keeping things organized. According to Bankrate, the average household can have anywhere from $10,000-$30,000 worth of valuables. That sounds like a lot, but when you really break it down piece by piece the numbers make sense.

Attach dollar amounts to every single thing you own and a clearer picture will start to develop. Also, remember to make several copies of the list and receipts and keep them in a safe place. Either store them digitally or keep them someplace away from any possible hazard involved with the home, as damage/loss will render them useless.

Purchase earthquake and flood insurance

If you live in an area that could potentially be affected by a flood or earthquake it is a good idea to get some extra coverage. Standard policies cover fire, hurricanes, lightning, hail and many other disasters but not floods or earthquakes. Know the history of your region to be sure you are not at risk.

Less is not always more

It can be tempting to simply go with the insurance company that charges you the least amount of money. That is not always a wise decision because the service and support they provide are also very important. Ask questions about the company’s reputation. Find out their track record with satisfied customers. Weigh those things and try to find one that provides the right balance of cost efficiency and quality service.

Featured photo credit: ybimmobilier via ybimmobilier.com

The post Home Insurance: 7 Tips Every Homeowner Should Know appeared first on Lifehack.

from Lifehack http://ift.tt/1QoBMWv

How to Sleep Well and Stay Safe on a Night Train

Despite competition from low cost airlines, there are still a large number of night trains operating around the world, particularly in Europe — and for good reason! While it may take around 8 hours to travel overnight, taking a night train is a very time-efficient mode of transport. Why waste time travelling during the day when you can be whisked to your next destination while you sleep? In this post, we’ll discuss how to make the most of your trip by night train, while ensuring you stay safe in the process.

Always book a sleeper compartment or couchette, never a seat

Night train accommodations typically come in three variants: sleeper cabin, couchette, or a seat. A sleeper cabin is the best way to travel, giving you a private cabin to share with a friend — or a stranger if you’re going solo — plus a washbasin and the most personal space you can get on a sleeper train.

Moving down the ranks, the next best is a couchette, where you’ll find four to six bunks in each compartment. The bunks aren’t quite as good as the beds you get in a cabin, and there’s no washbasin. However, you will at least be able to lie down.

That sounds like a downright luxury when compared to what you get in a standard seat. This is the most basic form of accommodation, and usually consists of a carriage with reclining seats. In the worst cases in certain European countries, this carriage may just be a standard daytime carriage, in which case you’d be lucky to get any sleep at all.

The reclining seat option may save you some money, however it comes at a different type of cost. Do you really want to turn up in a new city feeling incredibly tired after an uncomfortable all-nighter? Because of this, it’s always best to opt for one of the slightly pricier options.

Secure your belongings

Security should be your number one concern on a night train. While robberies are rare, you’re a prime target when you’re asleep, especially on routes with intermediate stops.

If you have your own private cabin, security is tight, as your compartment can only be unlocked from the inside. Each carriage has its own attendant who will recommend you keep your door locked at all times, and this is well worth doing.

If you’re sleeping with others in a cabin or couchette, then politely ask everyone to keep the door locked once everyone’s inside. However, it’s a good idea to take extra precautions if you’re travelling solo, as you won’t know how reliable your companions will be.

Your best bet is to grab a top bunk and keep your valuables on you in a money belt. Sleeping on top means you’ll be out of reach of any unwelcome visitors. If you’re in a reclining seat, keep your money belt below a layer or two of clothing so they’re safe.

Next, think about where you put your backpack. Many night trains will have a shelf inside the compartments above the corridor. This is an ideal place to keep your luggage, as it is harder to get at and more noticeable if someone tries to remove your things. There’s also likely to be a bar to stop bags from falling down, which makes for a handy point to attach your bag to. If your backpack has a waist strap, attach this around the bar, making it harder for anyone to take the bag. You can even take it a step further by locking your bag to the bar.

If you’ve chosen to travel in a reclining seat, then locking your bag to your chair or the luggage rack is a good idea, as it will be within easier reach of any thieves than if you were in a compartment or couchette car.

Prepare your bag for bedtime

There’s nothing worse than having to unpack your entire bag in your cramped couchette cabin to get your toothbrush while everyone else is trying to get into their beds and go to sleep. Avoid annoying your companions and plan ahead. Put everything you need for the train in an outside pocket before you reach the station so you can access it with ease.

Not only will you want to access your toothbrush and towel, it’s also a good idea to bring a sleeping mask and earplugs. These are really worthwhile if you’re in a carriage with strangers who may be leaving the train at an earlier stop or have a tendency to get up regularly to use the loo.

Night trains are usually quiet as they speed through the night, however you can get woken up when your carriage is uncoupled, shunted around, and recouped to a different train to get you to your destination, as night trains tend to be split up as carriages are taken to different destinations. If you’re a light sleeper, this is likely to wake you up, so earplugs really do make a difference.

Featured photo credit: Seb Atkinson via thetraveloid.com

The post How to Sleep Well and Stay Safe on a Night Train appeared first on Lifehack.

from Lifehack http://ift.tt/1QoBOhf

Top Ways to Live With Your Pet if You Have Allergies

America is a country that simply loves its pets!

It is estimated that around 30.5% of all American households have a dog — and another 30% have a least one cat. And anyone who has enjoyed the cuddles, company, or unconditional love of a pet understands just how important animals are to our lives.

Americans love their pets so much that they keep them even if they have been diagnosed with allergies. Around 1 out of 3 people who are allergic to cats, for instance, still have a cat in the house and when a doctor recommends that a patient find another home for their pet due to allergies, only about 1 in 5 actually take that advice.

If you are a pet owner who has allergies, then, read on to find out ways that you can manage your condition while still holding on to the cat or the dog that you love!

Call in the Clean Team

If you suffer from allergies but still have a cat or dog around the house, you need to be prepared to go the extra mile in regards to housekeeping. The house needs to be dusted and vacuumed thoroughly at least once a week in order to suck up the dander and hair as well as non-pet-related allergens like dust or mold that settle in the house. If your partner does not have allergies, it is better for them to get this housecleaning done. If you need to do it yourself, consider wearing a mask while doing it to prevent exposure to the allergens.

Consider a Weekly Bath

While there’s no way you could get the average cat anywhere near a bathtub without an epic fight, if you are the proud owner of a dog, then weekly baths should be part of your routine. Like the dusting and vacuuming, this is a lot of extra work, but these weekly grooming sessions can help to safely eliminate excess hair and dander that would otherwise be distributed throughout the house.  This particularly helps with dogs who have a thick undercoat which can be the source of a lot of shed hair, depending on the breed. If you combine the weekly bath with a thorough going-over with a good fur brush, this routine will be especially effective.

Spend More Time in Your Laundry Room

Like the extra vacuuming and dusting, you will also have to consider doing more laundry than normal if you are trying to reduce your allergy problems while still keeping your pet. Your bedding (including blankets, sheets, pillowcases and pillows) should be washed weekly, as should things like slip covers on sofas or chairs.  If your pet has a pet bed, this, too, should be washed once a week as it is a magnet for hair and dander.

Get Equipped

The good news is that there are many products now on the market that can help you in your fight against allergens. The first and most important is a HEPA filter. This special kind of air filter is able to virtually suck dander, dust mites, pollen, mold and other nasties right out of the air and does so with amazing efficiency. In one study, homes with dogs that used HEPA filters were able to reduce the amounts of dander and hair in the air by around 90%. However, in order to be effective, these filters need to be changed and cleaned on the regular basis (usually monthly).

After an air filter, other important things to invest in include hypoallergenic covers for your mattress and pillowcases as well as covers for your chairs or sofas that can be laundered regularly in order to keep them as allergen-free as possible.

Change Out Your Décor

If you are trying to reduce pet allergens in the home, consider this a great excuse to redecorate! The idea here is to reduce the number of “allergen magnets” you have around the house. Getting rid of carpets and opting for flooring like wood, tile or linoleum is a great choice for a cleaner home. Also consider replacing your curtains with blinds. Even the materials you choose for chairs and sofas can make a difference: if you opt for leather couches or bare wood chairs, for instance, these are much easier to wipe down and keep clean.

To be honest, all of this is a lot of work — and if you buy a good filter and change out your home décor, it can also be an expensive undertaking (at least to begin with). However, for many people, the extra effort and expense involved are worth being able to keep their beloved pet while still managing their own allergies.

The post Top Ways to Live With Your Pet if You Have Allergies appeared first on Lifehack.

from Lifehack http://ift.tt/1QoBMpJ

6 Ways Your Credit Card Can Help You Travel In Style for Free!

Ever walk onto a plane and wonder how so many people can afford to fly first class? The answer’s in their wallet:

Miles and miles of miles!

There’s no easier way to fly free, in style and luxury, than with the right travel credit card. There are a host of rewards and benefits the savviest frequent travelers take advantage of and now it’s your turn.

Free Flight Welcome Bonuses

Loyalty doesn’t pay folks. Stick with your credit card year after year, and you’re playing right into the hands of your credit card company. The best way to get the most from a credit card is through new credit card welcome bonus offers. Whether you’re in the United States or Canada, most sign-up bonuses will offer a free return ticket to almost anywhere in North America, just for getting a new credit card. Don’t be afraid to churn and burn, getting a few new credit cards every year.

Annual Companion Ticket

Some cards will give you a companion ticket, once a year, for a fee of $120 or so. That means, you buy a ticket to Hawaii, and you can bring your significant other along for the ride at only $120! That’s hundreds of dollars in savings, every year. Here’s the best part, some airlines even match the class of ticket your buying. So if you buy a first class ticket to Hawaii, your companion gets to fly first class with you for only $120. Imagine getting that every year.

Free Airport Lounge Access

We all know what it’s like to have a long layover, a flight delay or missed connection. It’s hours and hours of discomfort, frustration and anxiety: everything you were trying to get away from on your vacation. But there is an alternative. Airport lounges offer travelers comfortable seats, showers, free food, coffee, a business center and a quiet place to relax. Many credit cards will either upgrade your loyalty status so you get free lounge access, or will give you a select number of free lounge passes every year.

Priority Check-in and Boarding

Ever get to the airport and find a check-in line as long and daunting as waiting for bread in the old Soviet Union? Get the right credit card and you’ll be brushing the proletariat aside, getting the VIP treatment.

Don’t underestimate priority boarding either. Nothing’s worse than your chin getting reacquainted with your knees because you had to tuck your carry-on under the seat in front of you. Get priority boarding and you’ll board first, giving you plenty of space to put your bags where they belong – above your head.

Passing Through Security Swiftly

Don’t overlook this one. It’s not unheard of to face a security line with a few hundred people. Murphy’s Law states it will happen at the exact time when you’re late for your flight. Enter that credit card that gives you access to the expedited security line.

Free Room Upgrades

This one is simple, with the right travel, rewards or hotel card, you might be able to get an upgrade to a room with a better view or larger suite. Check to see if your loyalty status automatically upgrades your room, or whether you can use your points to upgrade your room. Either way, it’s a great way to make your stay that much more special.

There are plenty of other perks and benefits your credit card might offer to help you travel further and better. From concierge services, to seat upgrades, to discounts at prestigious hotels and restaurants, your card can pack a luxurious punch. The right credit card can also get you complimentary hotel internet, free checked bags, even a complimentary breakfast. Get familiar with your card’s benefits and start travelling smarter and farther today!

Featured photo credit: Richard Moross, Flickr Creative Commons via flickr.com

The post 6 Ways Your Credit Card Can Help You Travel In Style for Free! appeared first on Lifehack.

from Lifehack http://ift.tt/1QoBO0C

10 Simple Habits that Will Make Lead You to True Happiness

No two people on Earth will have the same definition of happiness, and there has been a lot of debate about the nature of this elusive concept by many highly intelligent philosophers, artists and scientists over the centuries. No one has really been able to pin it down, but we can all agree that we need a sense of purpose, someone to love us back, financial security and acknowledgement of our skills and accomplishments.

The degree of importance individuals place on these concepts may differ, but they are essential. The big question, though, is can we make a bunch of small changes to our lifestyle and gradually build a better and happier future for ourselves, growing as people along the way? Well, I’d say yes, and here’s my humble take on the matter.

1. Reflect on your goals, needs and desires every day

People will often spout out gems of wisdom like “you shouldn’t care what others think about you”, but they are strangely silent when you ask them to provide some actionable steps for achieving this noble goal. Well, you can’t just let all feedback from your friends and family fall on deaf ears, but you need to understand what it is that actually make you feel good and motivated in life.

You will need to sit down and have a nice long talk with yourself at some point – empty your schedule for a day or two, stay in, play some relaxing music, create a comfortable atmosphere, have a couple of drinks if you need some help to open up, and start defining your desires, preferences and life goals.

Once you have a good idea of what you really want, you are going to have to take some 10-15 minutes a day to reflect on these ideas and remind yourself of what you need to do to reach your goals.

2. Start putting 20-25% of your paycheck aside

I’m not going to flat out say that money brings you happiness, because that’s just an oversimplification, but struggling to keep a roof over your head and put food on the table can really dampen the mood. The thing is that, regardless of the size of someone’s paycheck, there is always a tendency to throw money away needlessly. It can be out of sheer ignorance or due to impulsive behavior, e.g. getting a six pack of beer after a long Monday or ordering takeout because you can’t be bothered to cook.

However, if you make a few small sacrifices and buckle down, it’s not all that difficult to take 20-25% of your paycheck and put it aside. You can use that extra cash to boost your 401k, create an emergency fund and get something you’ve always wanted a year down the line. It’s a safety net that gives you peace of mind and lets you work on becoming a happier person.

3. Try to solve problems and complete tasks as soon as possible

It might not seem like much at first, but dealing with problems quickly, with grim determination and brutal efficiency has hidden psychological benefits. Yes, at the basic level you will be less stressed out because you won’t have little obligations and chores piling up, but on a deeper level you will be developing a “doer’s mindset”, which can be applied in all aspects of your life.

It’s all about having that tactical timing that allows you to seize great opportunities and nip problems and possible conflict in the bud. This will leave you with lots of free time and very few regrets.

4. Get 4-5 hours of physical exercise per week

You don’t really need to overthink things when it comes to exercise – the key here is to be consistent and keep your body moving day-to-day and week-to-week. Get around 30-60 minutes of strength-building exercises 3-4 times a week, combined with some cycling, distance running, jump rope or interval training routine another 3 days a week, and you’re set.

You can train at a gym or at home with virtually no equipment, or just take long walks, hike or play some sports when you don’t feel like exercising. This will pump up your body’s natural “feel-good hormone cocktail”, and make you feel limber and strong. It’s also a great confidence boost and a good way to get more comfortable in your own skin.

5. Stock up on books and read for at least an hour a day

It is incredibly important that you don’t just gloss over this point and say: “Oh, yeah, I have a couple of books I’ve been meaning to read, I’ll have some time on the weekend to get started.” Pick up a book right now and spend an hour with it, or just browse through a few books and prepare your reading list.

Don’t go for drivel and don’t even limit yourself to good fiction books alone – non-fiction books are a great way to improve your knowledge in many different fields, from business and time-management to fitness and cooking.

6. Learn to cook with healthy ingredients and limit junk food and sweets

Going cold turkey and swearing off sweets and junk food altogether may not be the best way to go, particularly if it is going to make you anxious and miserable. That being said, you should limit yourself to a few snacks here and there, and try to eat nice home-cooked meals the rest of the time. Not only will tasty nutritious food make you feel great and help you slim down, but your newly found cooking skills will be a great source of pride and nice way to impress the people you care about.

7. Go after the things you want without hesitation

This can be much easier to accomplish once you have learned to tackle problems as soon as they appear, but it still requires a lot of willpower and courage. We fear any kind of change and new things on a primal level, because the most ancient parts of our brains geared for survival know that any change to the status quo carries untold risks.

However, while it takes a lot of mental power to push through those fears and go after the things we want, it is well worth the effort. The next time you see an attractive man or woman that seems interesting, just go up and start a conversation. If you’ve always wanted to try boxing or dancing, but were afraid of looking silly or people laughing at you, just take that leap of faith.

It will be a bit nerve wrecking and gut wrenching at first, but after you’ve got out of your comfort zone a few times, you’ll become much more confident and way happier.

8. Stay calm and polite, but be ready to enforce your boundaries

It may sound counter intuitive, but if you want to feel good it’s best to focus on making those around you feel nice and relaxed. Now, this is not some New Age mumbo jumbo about “positive energy” or even a version of the old karmic adage of “what goes around comes around” – you are simply ensuring that people are going to treat you well because you seem like a cool person.

That being said, remember that being polite is not the same as being submissive and always agreeing with others. You’ll have to set boundaries and enforce them from time to time, but at least if conflict does break out you’ll know that you’ve done everything you could to keep things civil and that a bit of impoliteness was unavoidable.

Smiling more, being nice and standing up for yourself when politeness fails will greatly reduce the amount of stress in your life.

9. Go out in the world, socialize and study people’s behavior

Much like the T-800 series Terminator, the more time you spend with people, the more you learn. Some of us prefer a bit of isolation, but being sheltered from the realities of the outside world can cause you a lot of grief down the road, due to your inability to understand and effectively deal with people. Going out on the weekends will not only help you unwind and give you a chance to find a new partner and make new friends, but it will also help you learn more about all kinds of different personalities and how they interact socially.

When you have experience with all kinds of people and all kinds of situations, it’s much easier to keep your cool and make the right choices in your day-to-day life.

10. Adopt a skeptical mindset and learn to examine the information you are given

Knowing how people think and operate is a crucial part of avoiding being swindled, taken advantage of or emotionally abused. You need to understand that a lot of discussions on health, mental well being, morality and spirituality are actually sales pitches. If someone’s trying to sell you something or convince you of something vehemently, don’t be afraid to ask questions and look for solid proof of their claims.

You’ll save yourself a lot of money, nerves, trouble and health problems if you refuse to blindly believe outrageous claims and approach sweet-talking people cautiously.

This is by no means a complete list of things you can do to bring about happiness, but it’s a good place to start. Look at these points as guidelines that will help you build a solid foundation on which you can build the life you’ve always wanted. You might not fulfill every dream, but you will become a much happier person.

The post 10 Simple Habits that Will Make Lead You to True Happiness appeared first on Lifehack.

from Lifehack http://ift.tt/1VlnMoO

23 Fresh Strategies to Quickly Increase Your Credit Score

Your credit score is, essentially, your proof to banks and other loan offices that you’re responsible with your money.

A good credit score will allow you to receive loans for the most major expenses you’ll experience in life, from mortgages and credit cards to student and car loans. The better your credit score, the more likely an institution is to let you borrow their money.

Not only that, but a good credit score will also net you lower interest rates when you utilize these loan services. If you can prove to the banks that you’ll pay them back on their terms, they’re more likely to go easy on you when it comes to APR and financing.

In many ways, your credit score determines when, how, or even if you’ll be able to take the next big step in your life. A low credit score likely means you won’t be able to get the car you had your eye on, won’t be able to attend another semester of college, or move into your dream home.

Clearly, it’s important that you stay up to date on your credit score. Before you even start shopping around for a loan, know where you stand in terms of credit ratings. Understand how you can utilize a good score to gain leverage, so when you walk into a bank you don’t leave more confused than you were beforehand. And, perhaps most importantly, use your credit rating to know that your identity is safe from fraudulent claims and that nobody is ruining your financial reputation.

If you end up having a lower credit score than expected, it’s not the end of the world. Check out the following infographic from CreditMarvel for tips on how to quickly improve a low credit rating.

Featured photo credit: 23 Fresh Strategies to Quickly Increase Your Credit Score / Credit Marvel via creditmarvel.com

The post 23 Fresh Strategies to Quickly Increase Your Credit Score appeared first on Lifehack.

from Lifehack http://ift.tt/1Scgcdp