Whether you are planning for a big purchase (like a home) soon or in a few years, it's important to manage your credit so that you are in a good financial situation when the time comes. Below are a few tips that people with an excellent score do that can help you get to the score you want.

1. Keep their credit utilization low (less than 30% of their available credit) and pay on time.

If you have 10K in available credit on a card, keep 3K in mind as the limit you don't want to go over. Some cards will even allow you to set up alerts so that you know when you reach a certain amount or percentage of what is available. Always keep your balances so that you can pay at least the minimum on time. Utilization and payment history, together, account for most of how your credit score is determined

2. Keep longstanding accounts open.

Even if a newer card has more appealing benefits, keeping an old card open (and occasionally using it) could help your score.

3. Check their report regularly and look for any errors that may need to be corrected.

You should never pay to see your credit report. Many financial institutions and even credit cards offer their customers a complimentary report. You can also sign up on sites like creditkarma.com to see your score for free.

4. Only apply for credit when needed.

Special offers can be tempting but applying for credit should not be an impulsive move. Always carefully review the terms of any credit card or loan that you get.

5. Live below their means.

Increased credit card balances are often due to unexpected circumstances. Including a contribution to your savings account each month to be used for emergencies can help you prevent this.