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8 smart habits Spectrum Brands Holdings employees can adopt to help boost credit scores

Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Spectrum Brands Holdings Spectrum Brands Holdings collaborates with various insurance providers to offer employee health benefits; however, the specific healthcare provider details can vary based on the employee's location and selected health plans. The most comprehensive way to obtain this information is by referring directly to Spectrum Brands' human resources department or employee benefits documentation. Projected Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026 As we approach 2026, employees of Spectrum Brands Holdings may face significant healthcare cost increases, exacerbated by surging premiums in the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace. Anticipated rate hikes may soar over 60% in some states, driven by escalating medical costs and the potential expiration of enhanced federal premium subsidies. A concerning 92% of marketplace enrollees risk facing out-of-pocket premium increases of over 75% without congressional intervention. Given this landscape, it's crucial for employees to proactively assess their health benefits and prepare for heightened financial burdens. Click here to learn more

'Strong credit habits can give Spectrum Brands Holdings 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.

'Spectrum Brands Holdings 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 Spectrum Brands Holdings, 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 Spectrum Brands Holdings 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 Spectrum Brands Holdings 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 Spectrum Brands Holdings offer to its employees?

Spectrum Brands Holdings offers a 401(k) retirement savings plan to help employees save for their future.

Does Spectrum Brands Holdings provide any matching contributions to the 401(k) plan?

Yes, Spectrum Brands Holdings provides a matching contribution to the 401(k) plan, which helps employees increase their retirement savings.

What is the eligibility requirement to participate in the 401(k) plan at Spectrum Brands Holdings?

Employees of Spectrum Brands Holdings are typically eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan after completing a specified period of service.

Can employees of Spectrum Brands Holdings choose how much to contribute to their 401(k) accounts?

Yes, employees of Spectrum Brands Holdings can choose to contribute a percentage of their salary to their 401(k) accounts, within the limits set by the IRS.

What investment options are available in the Spectrum Brands Holdings 401(k) plan?

The 401(k) plan at Spectrum Brands Holdings offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds and target-date funds.

Is there a vesting schedule for the matching contributions at Spectrum Brands Holdings?

Yes, Spectrum Brands Holdings has a vesting schedule for matching contributions, which means employees must work for a certain period before they fully own the employer's contributions.

How can employees of Spectrum Brands Holdings access their 401(k) account information?

Employees can access their 401(k) account information through the online portal provided by the plan administrator of Spectrum Brands Holdings.

What happens to the 401(k) plan if an employee leaves Spectrum Brands Holdings?

If an employee leaves Spectrum Brands Holdings, they can choose to roll over their 401(k) balance to another retirement account or leave it in the Spectrum Brands Holdings plan, subject to certain conditions.

Are there any fees associated with the 401(k) plan at Spectrum Brands Holdings?

Yes, there may be fees associated with the 401(k) plan at Spectrum Brands Holdings, which can include administrative fees and investment management fees.

Can employees take loans against their 401(k) balances at Spectrum Brands Holdings?

Yes, employees of Spectrum Brands Holdings may have the option to take loans against their 401(k) balances, subject to the plan's rules.