You might know your credit score isn't ideal, but do you really know how high it needs to be, or how having less than a 600 score affects your life? Credit scores are a lot more than three little numbers on a screen. They have real-world consequences, and unfortunately, many people don't know how to raise their score after it dips. Luckily, Lexington Law's lawyers do.

Lexington Law's team of legal experts will identify the negative line items on your credit report (this could be a late bill, missed interest payment, or more) that are bringing your score down. Then they'll put the law on your side, working to erase those negative line items by negotiating directly with your creditors. Once the line items are erased, your score goes up!

So, you've got less than a 600 or 650 credit score. What does that really mean for your day to day life? Here are the long term effects bad credit you may not have known about.

It Can Make Owning Or Renting A Home Impossible

Landlords can and do run your credit report, and often refuse to rent to people with scores below 650. If you're looking into a mortgage, you might get denied because of bad credit, and if you do get approved you could end up paying thousands more every year from jacked up rates.

It Will Cost You $ By Increasing Your Rates

It's not uncommon for interest rates on credit cards to reach as high as 22% and auto loans to reach 15%. That means you're going to be paying more, sometimes thousands more a year, on your car and credit card interest just because of your credit score.

It Could Keep You From Getting Hired For That Dream Job

Few people know that there is a federal law in place that allows employers to research your credit history and score. That means your loans, credit card debt, credit score, negative line items on your credit report, and more are visible to your employer! A survey from the Society for Human Resources Management found that nearly half of all employers conduct credit checks.

You Can Get Denied Future Credit Cards

Everyone needs a credit card for those emergencies: an unexpected illness if you have to relocate to a hotel for a few days after a natural disaster. But if you have bad credit, you won't be eligible for a credit card, and that can put you and your family in danger.

Lexington Law's lawyers have helped thousands of people raise their credit score and improve their lives. They're passionate about finding a plan that will work with your unique credit situation, and even have a dashboard on their website where you can easily access information about your credit, and see how it changes during the months Lexington Law is working for you. Start by following this link or call 833-335-5639—it could be the first step to making a real change in your life.

Call anytime between 7am and 11:59pm EST to get your free credit report and score!