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8 smart habits Surgery Partners employees can adopt to help boost credit scores

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'Strong credit habits can give Surgery Partners 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.

'Surgery Partners 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 Surgery Partners, 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 Surgery Partners 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 Surgery Partners 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 Surgery Partners offer to its employees?

Surgery Partners offers a 401(k) retirement savings plan to its employees.

Does Surgery Partners match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?

Yes, Surgery Partners provides a matching contribution to employee contributions made to the 401(k) plan, subject to certain limits.

What is the eligibility requirement to participate in the Surgery Partners 401(k) plan?

Employees of Surgery Partners are generally eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan after completing a specified period of service, typically 30 days.

Can employees of Surgery Partners choose how their 401(k) contributions are invested?

Yes, employees at Surgery Partners can choose from a variety of investment options for their 401(k) contributions.

How much can employees contribute to the Surgery Partners 401(k) plan each year?

Employees can contribute up to the IRS annual limit for 401(k) contributions, which is adjusted periodically. For 2023, the limit is $22,500, with an additional catch-up contribution for those aged 50 and older.

When can employees of Surgery Partners start withdrawing from their 401(k) accounts?

Employees can typically begin withdrawing from their Surgery Partners 401(k) accounts at age 59½ without penalties, subject to plan rules.

Does Surgery Partners allow for loans against the 401(k) plan?

Yes, Surgery Partners allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) balance, subject to specific terms and conditions outlined in the plan.

What happens to my 401(k) balance if I leave Surgery Partners?

If you leave Surgery Partners, you can choose to roll over your 401(k) balance to another retirement account, leave it in the Surgery Partners plan, or cash it out, though cashing out may incur taxes and penalties.

Is there a vesting schedule for the Surgery Partners 401(k) matching contributions?

Yes, Surgery Partners has a vesting schedule for matching contributions, meaning employees must work for a certain period before they fully own the matched funds.

How can employees at Surgery Partners access their 401(k) account information?

Employees can access their Surgery Partners 401(k) account information through the plan’s online portal or by contacting the plan administrator.