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8 smart habits Fannie Mae employees can adopt to help boost credit scores

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'Strong credit habits can give Fannie Mae employees greater flexibility when preparing for major financial decisions, especially as they transition toward retirement,' says Michael Corgiat, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.

'Fannie Mae employees who build and maintain strong credit habits may position themselves for smoother financial decisions in the years leading up to retirement,' says Brent Wolf, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.

In this article, we will discuss:

How strong credit can support borrowing for major purchases.
Eight habits that may positively influence your credit score.
Ways to monitor and maintain the accuracy of your credit report.

When borrowing for a major purchase, strong credit can make the process smoother and possibly less expensive. Like preparing for a long-term project at Fannie Mae, progress comes from consistent effort over time—not rushing right before the deadline.

Here are eight habits that can support your credit score.

1. Make timely bill payments

Payment history is a major factor in credit scoring. Staying on top of due dates for loans and credit cards demonstrates reliability. Options like scheduled reminders or autopay can help keep everything flowing.

2. Maintain minimal credit balances

Using only a portion of your available credit—especially on revolving accounts like credit cards—can contribute to a stronger score. Credit utilization (how much of your borrowing limit you’re using) is a key consideration for lenders.

3. Keep older accounts open when it makes sense

The length of your credit history influences how strong your borrowing profile appears. Older accounts highlight more long-term behavior. However, if an account has high fees or encourages overspending, closing it may still be practical for some Fannie Mae households.

4. Limit unnecessary new credit applications

Applying for credit can trigger hard inquiries that temporarily place slight downward pressure on your credit score. Multiple inquiries for the same type of loan—like mortgage rate shopping—typically count as one within a defined window. Checking your own credit does not affect your score.

5. Maintain a healthy mix of credit types

Responsibly managing a blend of installment loans and revolving accounts can demonstrate financial flexibility. This doesn’t mean taking on debt that isn’t needed. However, thoughtfully managing different forms of credit over time may help strengthen your profile as life evolves during and after a Fannie Mae career.

6. Monitor your credit report regularly

You are entitled to free credit reports from the major bureaus—Equifax®, Experian®, and TransUnion®. Reviewing them can help identify errors, lingering balances, or signs of fraud. Staying proactive keeps your credit information accurate and up-to-date.

7. Dispute any reporting mistakes

If you find incorrect data on your report, you can file a dispute with the reporting bureau and contact the creditor at issue. Fixing errors can help make sure your score reflects your actual history.

8. Strengthen your overall financial picture

Budgeting, keeping debt manageable, and maintaining an emergency fund may make it easier to keep up with credit-related commitments. When finances stay organized, positive credit habits typically follow.

Need help planning for retirement?

A well-managed credit profile can be an important part of your overall financial life, including the transition into retirement. The Retirement Group can assist you as you prepare for your future. If you would like guidance, call (800) 900-5867 to speak with our team.

Need help planning for retirement?

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Sources:

1. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. “How Do I Dispute an Error on My Credit Report?” CFPB , 18 Dec. 2024, www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/how-do-i-dispute-an-error-on-my-credit-report-en-314/ . Accessed 27 Oct. 2025.

2. Experian Editorial Team. “Do Multiple Loan Inquiries Affect Your Credit Score?” Experian , 30 Aug. 2024, www.experian.com/blogs/ask-experian/do-multiple-loan-inquiries-affect-your-credit-score/ . Accessed 27 Oct. 2025.

3. FICO. “What’s in My FICO® Scores?” myFICO , n.d., www.myfico.com/credit-education/whats-in-your-credit-score . Accessed 27 Oct. 2025.

4. Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. “Credit Reports.” FDIC , 1 Aug. 2023, www.fdic.gov/consumer-resource-center/credit-reports . Accessed 27 Oct. 2025.

5. Federal Trade Commission. “Free Credit Reports.” FTC Consumer Advice , 2023–2024, consumer.ftc.gov/free-credit-reports. Accessed 27 Oct. 2025.

What type of retirement savings plan does Fannie Mae offer to its employees?

Fannie Mae offers a 401(k) Savings Plan to help employees save for retirement.

How can Fannie Mae employees enroll in the 401(k) Savings Plan?

Fannie Mae employees can enroll in the 401(k) Savings Plan through the company’s benefits portal during the enrollment period.

Does Fannie Mae match employee contributions to the 401(k) Savings Plan?

Yes, Fannie Mae provides a matching contribution to employee contributions made to the 401(k) Savings Plan, subject to specific limits.

What is the maximum contribution limit for Fannie Mae employees in the 401(k) Savings Plan?

The maximum contribution limit for Fannie Mae employees is determined by the IRS annual limits, which can change each year.

Can Fannie Mae employees change their contribution percentage to the 401(k) Savings Plan?

Yes, Fannie Mae employees can change their contribution percentage at any time through the benefits portal.

What investment options are available in Fannie Mae's 401(k) Savings Plan?

Fannie Mae's 401(k) Savings Plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles.

Is there a vesting schedule for the employer match in Fannie Mae's 401(k) Savings Plan?

Yes, there is a vesting schedule for the employer match in Fannie Mae's 401(k) Savings Plan, which determines when employees fully own the matched contributions.

Can Fannie Mae employees take loans against their 401(k) Savings Plan balance?

Yes, Fannie Mae allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) Savings Plan balance, subject to specific terms and conditions.

What happens to my 401(k) Savings Plan if I leave Fannie Mae?

If you leave Fannie Mae, you have several options for your 401(k) Savings Plan balance, including rolling it over to another retirement account or cashing it out.

How often can Fannie Mae employees review their 401(k) Savings Plan statements?

Fannie Mae employees can review their 401(k) Savings Plan statements quarterly, and they can also access their account information online at any time.

With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.

Fannie Mae is a government-sponsored enterprise that supports housing finance in the United States by providing liquidity and stability to the mortgage market.

Fannie Mae provides RSUs to certain employees. The RSUs vest over a specific period, supporting employee retention.