Want to increase your credit score? What you should know.

PHOENIX — The national average FICO score, which is currently 716, fell 2 points this year. That’s the biggest slide since 2009.

But financial experts say there are specific things you can do to reverse that course.

Here are the most impactful actions that can either boost or damage your credit score, including insights to help you save thousands in interest over time.

“It’s your financial lifeline, how you’re going to build and grow your future,” said Erika Ortega from Surprise.

She keeps close tabs on her credit score, especially ahead of big purchases.

“You want to buy a nicer car, you want to have a home, you want to buy a bigger home or do projects,” she said. “…that’s when it became, yeah, this is something really to take care of and to protect.”

Ortega works at Copper State Cr