May Preferred Client Update

Why You Need to Monitor Your Payment History

Your payment history is the most important factor for your credit score.

To Improve Your Payment History:
-  Always make your payments on time
-  Make at least the minimum payment if you can’t pay the full amount that you owe
-  Contact the lender right away if you think you’ll have trouble paying a bill
-  Don’t skip a payment even if a bill is in dispute

Use Credit Wisely
Don’t go over your credit limit. If you have a credit card with a $5,000 limit, try not to go over that limit. Borrowing more than the authorized limit on a credit card can lower your credit score.

Try to use less than 35 per cent of your available credit. It’s better to have a higher credit limit and use less of it each month.

Increase the Length of Your Credit History
The longer you have a credit account open and in use, the better it is for your score. Your credit score may be lower if you have credit accounts that are relatively new.

If you transfer an older account to a new account, the new account is considered new credit.

When to Fertilize Your Lawn

The best time to fertilize your lawn is in the fall while grass is growing and storing nutrients. Early fall means cooler weather with warm soil and ample rain, creating the perfect environment for grass to develop strong roots and grass seeds to germinate. An application of nitrogen-rich, slow-release fertilizer around Labor Day will feed your lawn and provide essential nourishment for the coming spring.

Spring is the next most important time of the year to fertilize your lawn. Spring grasses come to life hungry and ready to be fed. Fertilize your lawn as soon as the dormant grass is at least fifty per cent green again.

Summer is hard on lawns because of heat, drought, insects and increased foot traffic. Feeding your lawn with slow-release fertilizer at the start of summer will help keep your grass healthy and green throughout the season. 

Use quick-release, pre-emergent weed control (or weed and feed) fertilizer to eliminate unsightly weeds without harming your grass. Avoid using weed and feed if you plan to reseed your lawn in the same season. As a general rule, you can safely apply weed and feed in the spring and over-seed in the fall.

Apply slow-release, high-nitrogen fertilizer every 90 to 120 days at the start of spring, summer and fall. Apply all-purpose fertilizer every six to eight weeks.