Mia Russell says those looking to improve their credit should consider obtaining a secured credit card–one backed by a refundable security deposit that also serves as the card’s credit limit. Russell provides several tips for individuals to maximize opportunities to improve credit, including paying their balance in full every month and keeping credit utilization low, among others. Russell is a senior lecturer in the Center for Leadership Education and the director of the Clark Scholars Program. She has published widely on topics including financial education, leadership, organizational behavior, personal financial management tools, health insurance literacy, burnout, and employee engagement. Read more of her advice over at WalletHub.