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8 smart habits Guardian Life Ins. Co. of America employees can adopt to help boost credit scores

'Strong credit habits can give Guardian Life Ins. Co. of America 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.

'Guardian Life Ins. Co. of America 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 Guardian Life Ins. Co. of America, 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 Guardian Life Ins. Co. of America 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 Guardian Life Ins. Co. of America 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 types of retirement savings plans does Guardian Life Ins. Co. of America offer to its employees?

Guardian Life Ins. Co. of America offers a 401(k) plan as a primary retirement savings option for its employees.

How can employees of Guardian Life Ins. Co. of America enroll in the 401(k) plan?

Employees can enroll in the 401(k) plan by accessing the employee benefits portal or contacting the HR department for guidance on the enrollment process.

What is the employer match policy for the 401(k) plan at Guardian Life Ins. Co. of America?

Guardian Life Ins. Co. of America provides a competitive employer match for employee contributions to the 401(k) plan, which is detailed in the plan summary.

Can employees of Guardian Life Ins. Co. of America change their contribution percentage to the 401(k) plan?

Yes, employees can change their contribution percentage at any time by submitting a request through the employee benefits portal.

What investment options are available in the 401(k) plan at Guardian Life Ins. Co. of America?

Guardian Life Ins. Co. of America offers a range of investment options in its 401(k) plan, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles.

Is there a vesting schedule for the employer contributions in Guardian Life Ins. Co. of America’s 401(k) plan?

Yes, Guardian Life Ins. Co. of America has a vesting schedule that determines when employees fully own the employer contributions made to their 401(k) accounts.

What is the minimum age requirement to participate in the 401(k) plan at Guardian Life Ins. Co. of America?

Employees must be at least 21 years old to participate in the 401(k) plan at Guardian Life Ins. Co. of America.

How often can employees of Guardian Life Ins. Co. of America make changes to their investment elections in the 401(k) plan?

Employees can make changes to their investment elections in the 401(k) plan at any time, subject to the terms outlined in the plan documents.

Does Guardian Life Ins. Co. of America provide financial education resources for employees regarding their 401(k) plan?

Yes, Guardian Life Ins. Co. of America offers financial education resources and workshops to help employees understand their 401(k) plan and make informed investment decisions.

What happens to an employee's 401(k) account if they leave Guardian Life Ins. Co. of America?

If an employee leaves Guardian Life Ins. Co. of America, they have several options for their 401(k) account, including rolling it over to another retirement account, cashing it out, or leaving it with Guardian.